Taisho Pond

The trip was perfect. We made a last-minute decision to go to Kamikochi the afternoon before, and the group successfully departed. The scenery was beautiful, and the temperature was just right. We spent 3.5 hours in Kamikochi, traveling from Taisho Pond to Myojin Pond and back to Kappa Bridge. We arrived perfectly by walking briskly. There was some time spent queuing for photos at Myojin Pond. Thanks to our tour leader, Ms. Guo, for the introduction.

Tour leader Xiao Guo kindly guided the group members, providing clear information on boarding and alighting times and the final bus stop. The scenery of Kamikochi is definitely worth visiting; we got off at Taisho Pond and began our walk through the forest, which was truly wonderful.

My Two-Day Trip to Tateyama Kurobe and Kamikochi: Although my trip to Tateyama Kurobe and Kamikochi was only two days, it allowed me to deeply appreciate the charm of the Japanese Northern Alps and experience firsthand how a good guide can make a journey truly unforgettable. Day 1: Exploring the Nature of Kamikochi The journey began in Kamikochi. We met up early in the morning, and our guide, Liu Mei, had already thoughtfully arranged our seats on the tour bus, making us feel at ease. During the bus ride, Ms. Liu provided detailed introductions to the attractions along the way. Upon arriving at Kamikochi, she meticulously explained hiking safety precautions—including what to do if you encounter a black bear and how to use a bell to scare it away. These details made us feel safer while enjoying nature. Ms. Liu prepared two routes for us to choose from, patiently explaining the length, difficulty, and scenic features of each route—she was incredibly attentive. Along the way, she also recommended local delicacies and souvenirs, adding a touch of local enjoyment to the hike. After the hike, we returned to the hotel. Ms. Liu assigned us to our rooms and kindly reminded us of the clothing and equipment needed for the next day, allowing us to prepare in advance. The buffet dinner was plentiful, and the overall process went smoothly, ending the first day with satisfaction and anticipation. Day Two: Tateyama Kurobe – A Magnificent Journey with Six Modes of Transportation. The highlight of the second day was Tateyama Kurobe. We used six different modes of transportation to ascend from Ogisawa Station to Murodo, traversing valleys and mountain ranges. The changing of modes of transportation itself was a unique experience: • The Kanden Tunnel Electric Bus took us into the Kurobe Dam. • The Kurobe Ropeway and hiking allowed us to experience the dam's grandeur up close. • The Tateyama Ropeway and Tunnel Bus connected Daikanbo and Murodo. The most anticipated part was undoubtedly the snow-capped mountains and valleys of Murodo, and the Tateyama Kurobe Great Snow Wall. Unfortunately, the weather was poor that day; snow and dense fog prevented us from seeing the famous snow walls. Our guide, Mr. Liu, sincerely apologized and thanked us for our understanding. Although it was somewhat disappointing, the changes in nature are beyond human control, which only makes us cherish every opportunity for a clear, sunny encounter even more. On the highland bus from Murodo to Bijo-hei, I specifically chose a seat on the right. Just as the tour guide had said, I could capture stunning views of the waterfall and the enormous cedar trees; the scenery was breathtaking. Reflecting on these two days of travel, I truly appreciated the awe-inspiring nature of the landscape and witnessed the value of a professional tour guide. Our guide, Ms. Liu, not only arranged the itinerary smoothly and provided clear explanations, but more importantly, she was attentive and...