| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Standard Departure (8-9 am) |
| Meal arrangement | Breakfast included, With dinner |
Important Notes During Bus Tour
Please refrain from drinking alcohol on the bus.
Members of the odd-numbered group may need to share seats with other passengers on the bus.
As stipulated by Japanese law, please wear your seat belt on the tour bus.
Please remain seated and avoid walking while the tour bus is moving.
Seating on the bus is assigned by H.I.S staff. Please do not change your seat during the tour.
Please be punctual and arrive at the designated meeting place on time. The bus will depart on time and will not wait for latecomers.
Latecomers who wish to rejoin the group will be responsible for all transportation fees.
8.Please wear the sticker provided by the tour guide visibly.
Avoid sticking the sticker on leather goods, as it may leave marks.
Do not use the seat reclining function or adjust the seat settings.
Please set all electronic devices, including mobile phones and game consoles, to silent mode.
Talking on mobile phones and making video calls are prohibited on the tour bus.
Smoking is strictly prohibited on the tour bus.
Arrival times at each sightseeing spot may vary depending on traffic conditions.
The use of drones for filming or other purposes is prohibited during the tour.
Please do not use perfume, sprays, or change baby diapers on the bus, as it may disturb other passengers.
Manage your valuable belongings yourself.
After the tour, please take all your trash with you and do not leave any on the bus.
Ensure you do not forget or leave any personal belongings on the bus after the tour.
If you fail to follow these regulations and cause a disturbance on the bus, you may be asked to leave the bus, even during the tour.
Visitors can expect to immerse themselves in Kamikochi's pristine natural environment at 1500m altitude. With 3 hours of free time, you can choose to explore iconic spots like the Kappa Bridge, offering stunning views of the Hotaka Mountains, or take a leisurely stroll towards Taisho Pond to admire its serene beauty and reflections. The area is perfect for light hiking and enjoying fresh alpine air.
Kamikochi is typically open from mid-April to mid-November due to heavy snow during winter. The best times to visit are usually late spring (May-June) for fresh greenery and blooming flowers, or autumn (October) for vibrant fall foliage. Summers (July-September) offer pleasant temperatures for hiking. Visiting outside these months is generally not possible due to road closures.
Kamikochi is nestled in the Northern Japan Alps, making it a natural hub for exploring other significant locations in the region. It's often combined with visits to cultural sites like the UNESCO World Heritage Shirakawa-go village, known for its unique gassho-zukuri farmhouses, and the historic town of Hida Takayama, famous for its preserved old streets. These destinations are usually linked via bus tours as part of a multi-day itinerary.
Kamikochi is renowned for its breathtaking alpine landscapes, characterized by the majestic Hotaka Mountains, the clear Azusa River, and lush primeval forests. It sits at an altitude of 1500 meters, offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, serene ponds like Taisho Pond, and diverse flora and fauna. It's often referred to as a "special natural monument" due to its pristine nature.
Access to Kamikochi is restricted to buses and taxis due to private vehicle regulations within the national park to preserve its environment. The most common way to reach Kamikochi is by bus from nearby cities like Matsumoto or Takayama. Many visitors opt for organized bus tours that include direct transportation, eliminating the need for personal vehicles and navigating the restricted access.
During your exploration in Kamikochi, you can walk along well-maintained trails from the Kamikochi Bus Terminal to scenic spots. A popular route involves starting at Taisho Pond, famous for its unique dead trees standing in the water, and walking upstream to Kappa Bridge. From Kappa Bridge, you can admire the stunning views of Mount Hotaka and enjoy photography, or simply relax by the Azusa River.
Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famous for its distinctive gassho-zukuri farmhouses with steep, thatched roofs. Highlights include exploring the traditional village, visiting some of the open farmhouses to learn about local life, and enjoying picturesque views, especially from the Ogimachi observation deck. Visitors typically have about 90 minutes of free time to explore the village's unique architecture and charm.
In Okuhida Onsen, guests can anticipate a stay at a traditional Japanese ryokan, such as Okada Ryokan. The experience often includes a Japanese kaiseki dinner, a multi-course meal featuring local delicacies like premium Hida beef, renowned for its quality. You can also relax in open-air hot springs, known as onsen, which offer a peaceful environment under the night sky.