| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Early Departure (Before 8 am) |
| Minimum participant requirement | 25 travelers |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights |
| Transport | Bus tour |
[Travel conditions]
Departure/Destination: Tokyo/Nagano
Number of days: 1
Transportation: Chartered bus, JR
Operating bus company: Fukutomi Kanko or bus companies in the Hokuriku and Koshinetsu areas (according to our company standards)
Meal conditions: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 1 time, Dinner 0 times
Available accommodation: None
Minimum number of participants: 25
Tour conductor: 1
Guides: 0
[Travel planning/implementation]
Company name: Hankyu Travel International Co., Ltd. East Japan Sales Headquarters Media Sales Division 1
Address: New Pier Takeshiba South Tower, 1-16-1 Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0022
Registration number: Tourism Agency Commissioner's Registered Travel Agency No. 1847
Travel industry association: Full member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents
[Consignment sales]
KKDAY JAPAN Inc.
2nd floor, WESTALL Yotsuya Building, 1-22-5 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004
Tourism Agency Commissioner's Registered Travel Agency No. 2045
Member organization: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
A minimum of 25 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 10 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 14:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Please arrive at the designated location 30 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
This tour is primarily a local tour for Japanese tourists. While the tour guide will communicate in Japanese, necessary information will be provided in written form in English and Chinese. In case of emergencies, translation apps on tablet devices will be used.
At the meeting point, a staff member will be waiting for you holding a "Hankyu Travel" sign (board or flag). Please confirm the course name and complete the registration using the name of the group representative. Please note that registration will only be completed once all members of your group have arrived.
This tour does not include a guide. The tour escort will manage the tour itinerary (they will not provide sightseeing guidance).
Depending on the number of participants, you may unfortunately be seated with other passengers on the bus or at the lunch venue, either sitting in front of or behind others. We appreciate your understanding.
Children aged 6 to under 12 are charged the same price as adults. Children aged 3 to under 6 will only be provided with a bus seat. Meals and other expenses incurred during the trip are not included.
On the day of departure, the bus company may change due to a malfunction in the bus vehicle or the driver's health (we are not liable for changes due to these reasons).
The above schedule may be subject to change due to transportation issues (buses, etc.), weather, local conditions, road conditions, etc., including the itinerary, sightseeing locations, order of visits, meal details, and return time. The meeting time is in Japan Standard Time, and punctuality is required. Even if a customer does not appear at the meeting time, neither our company nor the tour guide will contact the customer, and the tour will depart as scheduled.
We are unable to accommodate individual requests, such as changes to the meal menu.
Tourist information leaflets and other materials distributed by tour guides are generally in Japanese.
All seats on JR limited express trains and Shinkansen are non-smoking. / The JR limited express train and Shinkansen you will board will be the designated train (at the designated time) within the indicated time frame, and we cannot accommodate your preferences. / Depending on the number of participants, seats on the train or bus may be shared or in front of or behind each other. We cannot accept requests for specific seats. / If you do not use the designated train or miss it due to your own circumstances, your train ticket and limited express ticket will become invalid.
As this is a mountainous area, the weather can change. Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking, and bring a raincoat or rainwear.
The drop-off location in Kamikochi may change on the day of the tour. The reassembly and bus boarding location will be the Kamikochi Bus Terminal.
Kamikochi is renowned as one of Japan's most scenic mountain areas, offering breathtaking natural beauty. It features pristine rivers like the Azusa River, lush forests, and majestic peaks of the Northern Japan Alps. Visitors can enjoy clear alpine air, stunning panoramic views, and a serene environment perfect for reconnecting with nature. It's an ideal escape from urban life, providing unique landscapes that are largely preserved.
Kamikochi boasts several iconic natural attractions perfect for scenic walks and photography. The Kappa Bridge (Kappa-bashi) is a popular wooden suspension bridge offering picturesque views of the Hotaka mountain range and the Azusa River. Myojin Pond, known for its spiritual significance, provides tranquil reflections. Taisho Pond, formed by a volcanic eruption, features standing dead trees in its clear waters, creating a unique landscape.
The ideal time to visit Kamikochi is from late April to mid-November, when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities. Summer offers lush greenery, while autumn showcases vibrant fall foliage, creating spectacular scenery. Kamikochi closes during winter, typically from mid-November to mid-April, due to heavy snowfall and hazardous conditions that make roads impassable and outdoor exploration unsafe. This closure also helps preserve its delicate ecosystem.
From Matsumoto Station, the most convenient way to reach Kamikochi is by taking the local Kamikochi Line train to Shin-Shimashima Station, which takes approximately 30 minutes. From Shin-Shimashima, you then transfer to a direct bus bound for Kamikochi, which adds another 60-70 minutes to your journey. This combined train and bus route is the primary public transportation method, offering a seamless transfer for visitors.
No, private cars are generally prohibited beyond specific entry points in Kamikochi to protect its pristine environment. Visitors typically access Kamikochi via designated public transportation, such as buses or taxis from nearby transfer hubs like Hirayu Onsen or Shin-Shimashima Station. This restriction ensures that the natural beauty remains undisturbed, making walking and designated bus routes the primary modes of exploration within the area.
For a day trip from Tokyo to Kamikochi, the total one-way travel time is approximately 4-5 hours. This typically involves taking a JR limited express train, such as the Azusa, from Shinjuku Station to Matsumoto Station, which takes around 2.5-3 hours. From Matsumoto, you then transfer to the local train and bus service to reach Kamikochi, adding another 1.5-2 hours. Planning for a full day is highly recommended to enjoy the journey and the destination.
With a 4-hour stay in Kamikochi, focus on exploring the central area. A popular itinerary includes walking from Taisho Pond to Kappa Bridge (approximately 1.5-2 hours, including photo stops), enjoying the iconic views of the Hotaka mountains and Azusa River. Alternatively, you can spend more time leisurely around Kappa Bridge, enjoying the scenic walking trails along the Azusa River, or consider a shorter walk to Myojin Pond if time allows.
You can conveniently book a comprehensive Kamikochi day trip tour, which often includes the JR Azusa limited express round trip from Shinjuku to Matsumoto, through an online travel platform like KKday. Booking through KKday offers the benefit of easy reservation for bundled packages that combine transportation and guided experiences, simplifying your travel planning and ensuring all seats are reserved for a comfortable and hassle-free journey, avoiding the need to arrange multiple tickets individually.