A Day Trip to Kamikochi in the Hidden Mountains of the Hokuriku Region of Japan | Roundtrip from Nagoya
- Guaranteed Departure for Solo Traveler, KKday book now to secure your seat!
- A hiker's paradise, Japan's National Geographic Park is restricted to private cars.
- Wander in Kamikochi, the home of the Japanese gods, and experience Japan's most spectacular mountain scenery; unlock the Kappa Bridge and Myojin Bridge to admire Japan's purest scenery
- Experience the feeling of hiking at 1,500 meters, surrounded by majestic mountains and crystal-clear lakes
- Kamikochi is a rare place in Japan, having two designations: a "Special Place of Scenic Beauty" and a "Special Natural Monument."
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Minimum participant requirement | 1 traveler |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Family-friendly | Free for children under 2 (no seat) |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights |
| 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.
- Kamikochi is a popular tourist destination and summer resort located in the upper reaches of the Azusa River in the southern Hida Mountains in western Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Surrounded by the Hotaka Mountain Range, Yakedake, and the Jonen Mountain Range, Kamikochi is approximately 1,500 meters high and is part of the Chubu Sangaku National Park, designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a Special Natural Monument. It boasts hot springs and serves as a base for climbing Mount Hotaka and Mount Yari. It gained international recognition after the 19th-century British missionary Weston introduced it to the world and has since become a renowned scenic spot in Japan, earning it a reputation among mountaineers. Kamikochi is generally open to the public from mid-April to mid-November. In winter, heavy snow blocks access to the mountains.
- Kamikochi - Hiking
Recommended route ①: Kamikochi Bus Stop > Taisho Pond > Tashiro Pond > Kappa Bridge > Kamikochi Bus Stop
Taisho Pond → Left bank of the Azusagawa River / Approximately 25 minutes on foot (approximately 1.2 km) → Tashiro Pond/Tashiro Wetlands → Approximately 20 minutes on foot (approximately 1.0 km) → Tashiro Bridge/Hotaka Bridge → Right bank of the Azusagawa River / Approximately 10 minutes on foot (approximately 0.5 km) → Weston Monument → Approximately 20 minutes on foot (approximately 1.1 km) → Kappa Bridge → Approximately 6 minutes on foot (approximately 0.3 km) → Bus stop
Recommended route ②: Kamikochi Bus Stop > Kappa > Takezawa Wetland > Myojin Bridge > Hotaka Shrine Okumiya & Myojin Pond > Kamikochi Bus Stop
Kamikochi Bus Stop ⇄ 5 minutes (approximately 0.4 km) Kappa Bridge ⇄ Azusa River Right Bank Line / Approximately 10 minutes on foot (approximately 0.5 km) ⇄ Takezawa Wetlands Approximately 40 minutes on foot (approximately 2.0 km) ⇄ Myojin Bridge ⇄ Hotaka Shrine Okunomiya & Myojin Pond
15:00-15:30 Gather and return to Nagoya (the specific return time is subject to the actual notification of the tour guide on the day)
We will disperse at the meeting point around 19:30, and the trip will end happily.
※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.
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 can lead to lower temperatures than 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, so wearing a sweater or jacket is recommended.
Recommended items for spring and autumn: long-sleeved shirts, fleece, mountain parkas, down jackets, trousers, neck gaiters, gloves, and hats.
Recommended items for summer: T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, windbreakers, shorts, mountaineering skirts, tights/hats.
- Driver-guide service (1-13 people in small groups; 14-45 people in bus groups, actual number of people will be adjusted based on the departure date).
- Reference vehicle types: 5-8 seater car of equivalent level: Toyota Alphard; 9-14 seater car: Toyota HAICE of equivalent level; 18-22 seater car: minibus; 22 seater and above car: large bus. The above vehicles are for reference only and the actual number of people in the group will be adjusted according to the number of people on the day.
- Children under 3 years old can be carried for free if they do not occupy a seat. If they occupy a seat, they will be charged the same price as adults; children over 3 years old will be charged the same price as adults.
Kamikochi Hiking Route ※Estimated time: approximately 1 hour, distance: 3.0 km. ※This time does not include time for sightseeing or rest. ※The illustration is for reference only and may differ from the actual scale.
Taisho Pond was formed in 1915 by the eruption of a nearby volcano, Yamadegake, which blocked the Azusa River. The "dead trees" in the lake present different dreamlike scenes depending on the season and time of day.
Tashiro Pond is a small pond surrounded by wetlands, located on the hiking trail connecting Kappa Bridge and Taisho Pond. With its lush greenery in May, golden leaves in October, and springs that prevent it from freezing even in winter, Tashiro Pond offers different views throughout the year.
Kappa Bridge is a landmark of Kamikochi, a wooden suspension bridge spanning the Azusa River. Surrounded by restaurants, souvenir shops, and other amenities, it's a popular spot for tourists to take photos. Standing on the bridge, you can enjoy magnificent views of the Hotaka Mountain Range and the Takezawa Valley, as well as the clear Azusa River. Furthermore, Kappa Bridge gained fame due to the novel "Kappa." It's a 5-minute walk from the bus terminal.
【Myojin Pond】 It takes about 60 minutes to walk from Kappa Bridge along the upper reaches of the Azusa River to Myojin Pond. This area is known as the sacred ground of the inner shrine of Hodaka Shrine. Various wild plants and birds create a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for immersing oneself in the serenity of nature. The view of Mount Myojin from Myojin Bridge is also spectacular, attracting many photography enthusiasts. Furthermore, Myojin Pond boasts clear water and is surrounded by lush forests, offering beautiful scenery and a more peaceful experience compared to other Kamikochi attractions.
Myojin Pond II
Purchase Notice
【Travel Conditions】
Travel origin and destination: Aichi and Nagano
Travel days: Round trip
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus company name: AMA Transportation
Meals: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 0 times, Dinner 0 times
Accommodation facilities: None
Minimum number of people in a group: 1
Tour leader: 1 (depending on the number of people, the driver will be the tour leader if the group is less than 18, and the tour leader will be included if the group is more than 18)
Tour guide: 0
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Operating company name: KKT Co., Ltd.
Address: No. 1770-23, Kashiwai-cho 1-chome, Kawa City, Chiba Prefecture
License Number: Chiba Prefecture Governor's Travel Business Registration No. 2-1131
Reminders
In case of delays caused by traffic, weather, or other force majeure factors resulting in the cancellation of some itinerary attractions, please contact customer service. We will arrange a partial refund for you
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 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Once the order is confirmed, the date cannot be changed arbitrarily. Any losses incurred will be borne by the order holder.
Please keep your passport and valuables with you at all times during the trip. You will be responsible for any loss, theft, or damage.
This tour does not accept bookings from customers under the age of 18 who are traveling alone. If you wish to book this tour, please have a guardian book it with you.
This is a fixed shared tour; therefore, all participants are requested to adhere to the designated time limits at each attraction and follow the driver/guide's instructions. For a more flexible itinerary, please refer to our private charter car tour services.
Please note that no refunds will be given for any absences or cancellations due to personal issues, lateness, or other reasons.
If you leave the group midway through the trip, the transaction will be considered invalid, and no refund will be given. Furthermore, you will be solely responsible for any personal injury or property damage resulting from this.
Arrival times for each itinerary may vary depending on traffic conditions, weather, festivals, and crowds on the day. We apologize for any delays or cancellations caused by the aforementioned factors or other force majeure events, and no refunds will be provided on such grounds.
Please wear comfortable, travel-appropriate clothing and shoes for this trip.
Please be sure to comply with local Japanese laws and regulations, and do not bring any items prohibited by Japanese law, so as to avoid violating the law and affecting your own rights.
In the event of severe weather conditions such as typhoons or blizzards, we will decide whether to cancel the trip one day before departure and will notify you via email.
For this day trip, we do not recommend bringing luggage. If you need to bring luggage, please inform our customer service staff. Each group is limited to one piece of luggage free of charge; for two or more pieces, each piece will cost 2000 yen.
If the Anfang Tunnel is closed, you will not be able to go to Shanggaodi. In that case, you will be able to go to Gaoshan or Malong instead. Please take note.
FAQ
Kamikochi is renowned for its pristine natural environment within the Northern Alps of Japan. It's recognized for majestic mountains, crystal-clear Azusa River, and serene forests. This untouched landscape, including iconic spots like Kappa Bridge and Myojin Pond, showcases unique flora and fauna, making it a precious ecological and scenic treasure often called "the spiritual Furusato of the Japanese people."
Visitors can immerse themselves in spectacular mountain scenery, experiencing hiking at 1,500 meters altitude. Explore iconic landmarks like Kappa Bridge for panoramic views and Myojin Bridge for a tranquil, sacred atmosphere near Myojin Pond. The area offers a chance to witness Japan's purest natural beauty, perfect for photography, leisurely walks, and reconnecting with nature away from city bustle.
Kamikochi typically opens from mid-April to mid-November each year. It is closed during the winter months, usually from November 16th to April 14th, due to heavy snowfall and harsh weather conditions. These conditions make roads inaccessible and trails unsafe. This seasonal closure also helps preserve Kamikochi's delicate natural environment.
Private cars are restricted from entering Kamikochi to protect its natural environment. Visitors must use authorized public transportation, such as buses or taxis, from gateway hubs like Hirayu Onsen or Matsumoto. Many visitors opt for organized day trips from major cities, which conveniently handle transportation logistics and entry into this protected national park.
Traveling to Kamikochi from Nagoya typically involves a bus journey. A direct bus trip usually takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and the specific route. This travel time includes reaching an entry point like Hirayu Onsen, where visitors then transfer to authorized shuttle buses for the final segment into Kamikochi itself.
Key attractions in Kamikochi include the iconic Kappa Bridge, offering stunning views of the Hotaka mountain range and Azusa River. Myojin Bridge leads to Myojin Pond, a sacred spot known for its serene beauty and clear waters. Other notable areas include Taisho Pond, famous for its distinctive dead trees, and Tashiro Pond, all connected by picturesque walking trails.
Kamikochi offers various well-maintained walking and hiking trails suitable for different fitness levels. Popular routes include the scenic path along the Azusa River, connecting Taisho Pond, Tashiro Pond, and Kappa Bridge. More adventurous hikers can extend their journey to Myojin Pond. These trails provide an immersive experience of pristine alpine forests, clear rivers, and majestic peaks.
The best time to visit Kamikochi for appreciating its diverse natural scenery is during the green season, from late spring (May-June) for fresh greenery and blooming flowers, or autumn (late September-October) for spectacular fall foliage. Summer (July-August) also offers pleasant weather ideal for hiking and exploring the area's natural beauty.
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