Kamikochi is a spectacular mountain resort situated in the western part of Nagano prefecture. The area is inside the Chubu Sangaku National Park and is surrounded by tall mountains and the clear flowing waters of the Azusa River.
Due to the area’s high altitude, the temperatures in Kamikochi are much cooler than in other parts of Japan, making it a popular place for a summer getaway. Even in July, when temperatures soar in other parts of the country, it is still relatively cool in Kamikochi!
I recently visited the area on a day trip from nearby Matsumoto and am excited to share about the experience. Keep reading to learn what it’s like to visit Kamikochi and why it’s a great place to add to your Japan itinerary!
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Table of Contents
- Video Guide
- Access – How to Get to Kamikochi
- Preparation Before You Visit
- Exploring Kamikochi – Nature Walk
- Final Thoughts
- What to Do Nearby
Video Guide
Kamikochi is a place where pictures alone fail to do it justice. The sounds and dynamic movements of the insects, birds, water, and trees are something that must be seen in person—or, in a video! Check out the Kamikochi Day Trip Video Guide below and see for yourself why it’s such a wonderful place to visit.
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Access – How to Get to Kamikochi
Kamikochi is only open from mid-April to mid-November and is closed off to private vehicles.
Since the resort is closed to private vehicles, you can only enter via private car + bus, private car + taxi, public transportation, or bicycle.
Private Car + Bus or Taxi
If you have a private car, you can drive to either Sawando Parking Area (closer to Matsumoto) or Hirayu Parking Area (closer to Takayama). From these parking areas, hop on a bus the rest of the way or hire a taxi.
Since I traveled from Matsumoto, I drove to the Sawando Parking Area, then took the bus to Kamikochi.
The drive to the Sawando Parking Area took a bit over an hour and followed narrow mountain roads through many tunnels. The Azusa Lake and the Azusa River on the side were beautiful.
Since I traveled during a busy three-day weekend during peak summer hours, the parking area was already quite full by the time I arrived. (Around 8:45 am.) There were many lots, though, so I still found a space that cost only 800 yen for the day.
It took a bit of time to buy tickets for the bus since there were many people and only one machine. (No prior reservations, buy your tickets on the day of.) The tickets were 2,800 yen per person. (Credit card ok).
Taxis from Sawando Parking Area to Kamikochi Bus Terminal cost about 5,200 yen. If you travel with more people and are on a tight timeline, this might be a cost and time-saving option.
The buses generally run every half hour, but during busy times, they are sent more frequently. Check here for the bus schedules from Sawando Parking Area and the Hirayu Parking Area.
Public Transportation
If you don’t have a car, you can take a direct bus from Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya, Matsumoto (Nagano), or Takayama (Gifu). These buses require advance reservations. Learn more about taking a direct bus here.
You can also use public transportation to get to the above-mentioned parking areas, then transfer to the local buses.
Bicycle
If you travel by bike, you can freely enter Kamikochi.
Preparation Before You Visit
Day Trip or Overnight Stay
I traveled to Kamikochi on a day trip, which turned out to be extremely satisfying. However, I still would have enjoyed spending more time in the park. An overnight stay is a good option if you have the time and can book accommodations.
Staying the night offers the perks of enjoying the resort at times with fewer people and being able to embark on longer hiking adventures.
That being said, if you want to stay overnight in Kamikochi, make your bookings early! There are a limited number of hotels and they fill up!
Some of the popular hotels in the area include Kamikochi Lemeiesta Hotel (near Tashiro Bridge) and Kamikochi Hotel Shirakabaso (near Kappa Bridge).
Since few restaurants serve dinner, you’ll want to book your accommodation with meals unless you plan to bring in your own food.
If you prefer camping, you can also reserve a campsite and bring your own tent.
Luggage
If you are travelling with lots of luggage, you can use the baggage room on the first floor of the Kamikochi Bus Terminal. (There are no coin lockers.)
For visitors staying overnight at participating accommodations, there is a Baggage Delivery Service to move your luggage from the Bus Terminal to your accommodation. Learn more about this service here.
Bear Safety
As a heads up, this area is known for having bears. There were numerous recent bear sightings listed when I visited, even one on the day of. It’s best to travel in groups and carry a bear bell while you walk. There are large bear bells on the main trails, so ring them as you pass.
Exploring Kamikochi – Nature Walk
There are different areas to explore around Kamikochi with beginner-friendly walking routes close to the main bridges and river, as well as more advanced hiking trails in the mountains.
I did a popular walking trail that loops around the main area of Kamikochi and offers views of beautiful, varied scenery.
The route was relatively flat, but there were rocks and muddy spots to be careful of. You should be fine in covered walking shoes, but hiking shoes will be more comfortable and are necessary if you venture to higher areas of the park.
The route I walked was: Taisho Pond→ Tashiro Bridge → Kappa Bridge → Lunch → Myojin Pond → Myojin Bridge → Kappa Bashi → Bus Terminal. Including a stop for lunch and breaks to take many photos, the journey was about 7.5 miles (12 km) over 5 hours.
I didn’t embark on any of the more advanced trekking routes, but when I visit again and get to stay the night, they are on my list! You can see the more advanced mountain trail hikes on the official site here.
Taisho Pond
Once you enter Kamikochi, you can get off at the bus terminal near Kappa Bashi, or a bit earlier at Taisho Pond. I opted for the latter and was immediately impressed with the views.
The reflection of the mountains and the sky on the surface of the water is breathtaking, especially since the water is so clear.
From Taisho Pond, the nature walk begins, following a narrow path beneath a canopy of trees.
Mt. Yakedake
The trail opens up to a view of Mt. Yakedake, a nearby volcano whose eruption in 1915 created Taisho Pond.
Tashiro Bridge
This bridge crosses over the Azusa River. There was a notice board near here that mentioned recent bear sightings.
Kappa Bashi
Kappa Bridge is one of the most iconic areas of Kamikochi with fantastic views all around. Here you’ll find many people as well as the main area of shops and accommodations. The Bus Terminal is just a few minutes walk from Kappa Bashi.
It started to get busy for lunch around 11 am. The long lines can make waiting a pain, so best to plan your time accordingly.
La Belle Foret
I stopped for lunch at La Belle Foret, a fancier restaurant tucked into the back of Hotel Shirakabaso Kamikochi (check hotel availability here). My main reason for visiting this restaurant was that there was no line to enter.
The restaurant has a beautiful terrace, but sadly it was full when I visited. The menu included Shinshu beef bolognese, Shinshu beef curry, sausages, and sweets like apple pie. (Shinshu beef is Nagano-branded beef.)
Hotaka Shrine
After eating, I continued the walk towards Hotaka Shrine and the Miyojin Ponds. The path was quite shaded and followed the river for most of the time. I caught sight of some wild monkeys during the walk.
Near Hotaka Shrine, there were several small restaurants with outdoor seating.
Myojin Ponds
For 500 yen, you can enter the Myojin Pond areas. The small dock was a popular spot since there was a small shrine at the end.
Myojin Bridge
Cross Myojin Bridge to begin the walk back towards Kappa Bridge. Myojin Bridge swings as you walk across!
More beautiful scenery along the path.
Camp Grounds
Just before Kappa Bashi is a campsite with lodges and an area for tents.
Kappa Bridge
And we made it back to the other side of Kappa Bridge! The bottoms of my feet were tired from the walk, but other than that, it was a wonderful time! After a few more pictures, I headed to the Bus Terminal.
Bus Terminal
It’s only a short walk from the Kappa Bridge to the bus terminal. When I visited, there were a lot of buses running, so I didn’t have to wait long to hop on one to return to the Sawando Parking Area.
Final Thoughts
I had such an incredible time in Kamikochi! Even though it was only one day, I was fully rejuvenated by the beautiful sights, clean air, and feel of nature. The walk was a little long, but it was pretty flat, which made it easier on the legs.
I absolutely loved the water and the views of the mountain and river. Countless times, I caught myself thinking, “Is this really Japan?”
Prepare yourself for many crowds near Kappa Bridge, but know that the numbers do thin out as you go further away on the trail.
I look forward to another trip back, next time to hit the mountain trails and experience an overnight stay!
What to Do Nearby
Looking for other things to do near Kamikochi? Here are some ideas!
- Step back in time as you walk the preserved streets of Takayama. Read about visiting Takayama here!
- See wild wasabi growing and taste wasabi ice cream at the Daio Wasabi Farm!
- Visit Matsumoto Castle – one of Japan’s oldest castles and a designated National Treasure.
- Walk on the ancient Nakasendo Trail in Narai Juku.
- Tour a miso factory and taste miso-flavored ice cream!
Want to learn more about other great off-the-beaten-path trips in Japan? Check out these places!
- Hiking the Kumano Kodo (Nakahechi Route, 5 Days): Complete Itinerary and Guide
- Solo Hiking the Nakasendo Trail: Complete Guide and Itinerary
- Solo Biking the Shimanami Kaido: A Complete Guide
- What to Do in Fukuoka – 20 Local Recs to Add to Your Itinerary
