Kamikochi Nature Hiking Day Trip in Nagano, Japan | Taisho Pond, Kappa Bridge, and Myojin Pond (Depart from Nagoya)
- We have classes every day, and we can send a group with 4 people
- Enjoy some free time to stroll around Kamikochi, a beautiful spot in the Japanese Alps
- Hiking enthusiasts are enjoying a special autumn promotion! Take in the magnificent views of the 3,000-meter-high Hotaka Mountains from Kappa Bridge.
- It is recommended to prepare your own light meals and enjoy them amidst the magnificent natural scenery, feeling the tranquility and harmony unique to autumn.
- Kamikochi Hiking: Explore beautiful mountain scenery and lakes, and experience the perfect combination of tranquility and nature
- Taisho Pond and Tashiro Pond: A dreamlike volcanic lake and a seasonally changing wetland landscape, a truly captivating experience.
- Kappa Bridge: A landmark spot in Kamikochi, overlooking the Hotaka Mountains and the Azusa River, offering stunning views
- Myojin Pond: A tranquil sacred lake ideal for hiking and nature experiences
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Minimum participant requirement | 4 travelers |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Hiking |
| Transport | Bus tour |
Product Info
The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
—Itinerary Introduction—
08:00 Depart from Nagoya Station (Nagoya Station Taikodori Exit - Ministop Tsubakicho Store)
11:30 Kamikochi - Hiking
Route 1: Taisho Pond Bus Stop > Taisho Pond > Tashiro Pond > Kappa Bridge > Kamikochi Bus Stop
For first-time visitors to Kamikochi, I recommend this beginner's route. This route allows you to visit all of Kamikochi's key attractions without having to backtrack. The entire route is approximately 3.5 kilometers long and can be completed in about 1 to 1.5 hours. The trail is flat and easy to walk, and the breathtaking mountain scenery along the way is sure to keep you coming back!
Route 2: Kamikochi Bus Stop > Kappa Bridge > Myojin Bridge > Hotaka Shrine Okunomiya & Myojin Pond > Takezawa Wetland > Kamikochi Bus Stop
If you're a skilled hiker with plenty of time, we highly recommend strolling along the Azusagawa River to Myojin Bridge. The round trip is 5.6km and takes about 2-2.5 hours. Besides the breathtaking mountain and river views along the way, Myojin Bridge offers a tranquil beauty unlike the bustling Kappa Bridge.
15:00~15:15 Return to Nagoya Station and the tour ends (the specific return time is subject to the actual notification of the tour guide on the day)
18:30~19:00 Arrive at Nagoya Station and disband
Kamikochi Seasonal Temperatures & Clothing Guide
June｜12～17℃ Recommendation: Long-sleeved thin shirt or sweater + fleece/light jacket, you need to dress warmer on rainy days.
July to August | 18-22℃ Recommendation: T-shirt + long-sleeved shirt/light windbreaker. Pair with a thin jacket as the temperature difference between morning and evening is significant.
September｜14～18℃ Recommendation: Long-sleeved shirt + fleece or light jacket, and a sweater can be prepared in the second half of the month.
October | 10-13℃ (snow may fall after mid-month) Recommendation: sweater + light down/thick jacket + long pants, and prepare a scarf, gloves, and a hat.
—Important Notes—
- Each person can bring one piece of luggage for free, regardless of size. Any excess luggage will be charged 2,000 yen per piece in cash. The number of pieces of luggage must be notified in advance.
- Infants aged 0-2 years old can ride for free without occupying a seat. Please inform us in advance when registering. Infants aged 3 years and above are priced the same as adults.
- Driver-guide service: Small groups of 1-13 people; Driver + guide service: Bus groups of 14-45 people, the actual number of people will be adjusted according to the number of people in the group on the day.
- Reference vehicle types: 5-8 seater: Toyota Alphard or similar; 9-14 seater: Toyota HAICE or similar; 18-22 seater: minibus; 22 seater and above: large bus. The above vehicles are for reference only, and the actual vehicle type will be adjusted according to the number of people in the group on that day.
Kamikochi: Kamikochi is a popular summer resort located in the upper reaches of the Azusa River in the southern Hida Mountains in western Nagano Prefecture, Japan. It boasts hot springs and serves as a base for climbing Mount Hotaka and Mount Yari.
Taisho Pond: A volcanic lake formed by the eruption of Mount Yake. The "dead standing trees" in the lake create a dreamlike scene that changes with the season and time of day.
Tashiro Pond: A shallow wetland, the fresh green of May, the yellow leaves of October, and the thin ice of late autumn are all breathtaking sights.
Kappa Bridge: A symbolic spot of Kamikochi, it's a five-minute walk from the bus center. From the bridge, you can overlook the Hotaka Mountains, Mount Yakedake, and the waters of the Azusa River. During the May and summer holidays, and during the autumn foliage season, the bridge attracts numerous tourists from both Japan and abroad.
Myojin Pond: From Kappa Bridge, it takes about 60 minutes to walk upstream along the Azusa River to Myojin. This area is known as the sacred precincts of Hotaka Shrine's Okunomiya. A variety of wild plants and birds abound, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the tranquility of nature. The view of Myojindake from Myojin Bridge is also spectacular, attracting many photography enthusiasts.
Hotaka Mountain Range: The Hotaka Mountain Range, visible from various scenic spots throughout Kamikochi, is an integral part of the area. Oku-Hotakadake is Japan's third highest peak and has been recognized as one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains, the New 100 Famous Mountains of Japan, and the 100 Famous Mountains of Flowers.
Hotaka Shrine's Okunomiya: Kamonjiya, a rest area boasting a rich history dating back to its founding in 1880, is home to a charming rest area. Gathering around the charming irori and enjoying freshly grilled rockfish is sure to leave you wanting more.
Mount Yake: The only active volcano in the Northern Alps. Its majestic presence can be seen from Taisho Pond and Kappa Bridge in Kamikochi. White smoke billows from the mountain year-round, a reminder that it's still breathing. The autumn foliage blends the vibrant colors of the volcano and the valley, creating a truly spectacular sight.
Temperatures in the Kamikochi area and recommended gear
Purchase Notice
【Travel Conditions】
Travel origin and destination: Aichi and Nagano
Travel days: Round trip
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus company name: Reisei Tourism Industry Co., Ltd.
Meals: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 0 times, Dinner 0 times
Accommodation facilities: None
Minimum group size: 4
Team leader: 1
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Operating company name: TuYi Group Japan Co., Ltd.
Address: 722 Shuzenji, Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
License exemption number: Registration number Shizuoka Prefecture Governor Registration Travel Industry No. 2-633
Travel Industry Association Name: Regular member of Japan Travel Industry Association
Reminders
A minimum of 4 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 4 day(s) before the departure date
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 18:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: High blood pressure, Heart disease, Acrophobia, Asthma, Epilepsy, Pregnant women
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Kamikochi is located in a mountainous plateau at an altitude of approximately 1,500 meters, so the temperature is unstable and the weather can be unpredictable. We recommend bringing comfortable, lightweight sneakers, a raincoat, an umbrella, a hat, sunglasses, and a jacket to wear according to the temperature.
In June, midday temperatures in Kamikochi typically reach 12 to 17 degrees Celsius. Wearing a long-sleeved, light shirt or sweater is recommended. Cloudy or rainy days often bring temperatures below average. In July and August, midday temperatures in Kamikochi typically reach 18 to 22 degrees Celsius. In September, midday temperatures in Kamikochi typically reach 14 to 18 degrees Celsius. In October, midday temperatures typically reach 10 to 13 degrees Celsius. Snow is possible after mid-October. Wearing a sweater or jacket is recommended.
If the access road to Kamikochi is blocked, the itinerary will be changed to a free walk in the mountains and the return trip will be 2 hours earlier than scheduled.
In case of traffic congestion, the return time may be delayed.
The car model will be adjusted according to the number of registrants. The driver will be arranged to serve as a tour guide. The driver will not get off the car to accompany the tour, please understand.
Please note that no refunds will be given if you fail to participate or cancel the trip due to personal issues, lateness, etc.
The specific itinerary may be subject to change in attractions, tour sequence and time according to traffic and weather conditions on the day.
Please do not eat or drink in the vehicle. If you cause stains in the vehicle, compensation will be required according to local cleaning standards. Thank you for your cooperation.
This is a fixed carpooling itinerary. Please be sure to abide by the stopover time at each attraction and follow the driver's instructions.
The arrival time of each tour may vary depending on traffic conditions, weather, festivals, and crowds. If the tour is delayed or cancelled due to the aforementioned or other force majeure factors, please understand that this is not a valid reason for requesting a refund.
Traffic jams and other force majeure factors may occur during weekends and popular days. The driver and guide will also adjust the itinerary according to the specific situation. Please be sure to prepare for itinerary.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 2 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 1 to 1 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 40% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
A popular route starts from Taisho Pond, offering reflections of mountains. From there, an easy walk along the Azusa River takes about 1 hour to Kappa Bridge. Continuing to Myojin Pond is another hour, passing through forests. This entire loop, allowing for leisurely enjoyment, typically takes 4-5 hours. The path between Taisho Pond and Kappa Bridge is relatively flat, while the route to Myojin Pond involves slightly more varied terrain.
Taisho Pond is famous for its ethereal beauty, featuring submerged dead trees (枯立ち木) that create a mystical landscape, with stunning reflections of the Hotaka Mountains on clear days. Tashiro Pond, located slightly upstream, offers incredibly clear, spring-fed waters and a unique wetland environment where the scenery changes dramatically with each season, from vibrant greens to golden autumn hues.
The trails around Kappa Bridge are generally flat and well-maintained, suitable for leisurely strolls by visitors of all ages. The path leading from Kappa Bridge to Myojin Pond is also relatively gentle, primarily a forest walk with some uneven sections, making it an easy to moderate hike. It is not considered strenuous, but comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring the area.
Kamikochi is open from late April to mid-November. The best seasons for natural scenery are late May to June for fresh green foliage and melting snow views, and late September to October for stunning autumn colors. Summer (July-August) offers lush greenery and pleasant temperatures. Due to mountain weather variability, always pack layers, waterproof outerwear, and be prepared for sudden temperature drops, even in summer.
For a Kamikochi day trip, essential items include comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes (preferably waterproof), layered clothing for varying temperatures, a waterproof jacket, and a hat. Also bring sunscreen, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, and some light snacks or a packed lunch. A small backpack to carry these items and a camera to capture the beautiful scenery are highly recommended.
Kamikochi is a specially protected natural area, so visitors must adhere to strict environmental guidelines. The key principle is 'Leave No Trace': stay on designated trails, do not pick plants, feed or disturb wildlife, and always take all trash with you, as there are no public trash bins. Open fires are prohibited, and noise should be kept to a minimum to preserve the tranquility.
Near Kappa Bridge, which serves as Kamikochi's central hub, visitors will find several dining options. These include various restaurants, cafes, and small shops selling snacks and light meals. Public restrooms are also readily available in this area. It's an ideal spot to take a break, enjoy a meal, and purchase souvenirs while soaking in the views of the Hotaka Mountains.
You can conveniently book a Kamikochi day trip departing from Nagoya through KKday. This allows you to secure your spot with pre-arranged round-trip transportation, eliminating the hassle of planning public transit routes or driving. Booking through KKday offers a seamless experience, ensuring you can focus on enjoying the stunning natural beauty of Kamikochi without logistical worries.
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