Kamikochi: Hike Through Nagano's Lush Nature!

About Kamikochi

Kamikochi locates in the western region of Nagano prefecture on the Azusa River Valley. It is a part of the Chubu Sangaku National Park. The plateau has been designated as a Special Scenic Site and as a Special Natural Monument. The only other place in Japan with those two feats is Kurobe Gorge in Toyama prefecture.

When to go

Kamikochi is open between late April and mid-November. June is a popular month for its fresh greenery, and October is popular for the fall foliage.

Kamikochi’s hiking courses

Hiking Path

There are several trekking trails and paths to choose from. The shortest courses are about 1 hour, while the longer ones can last up to 5 hours.

The course introduced below is one of the most popular ones at Kamikochi. It is a 2-hour trip and only goes through man-made trails, so the hike is comfortable and enjoyable for beginners.

Hop on the bus to Kamikochi, and get off at Taisho-ike Teiryu-jo (大正池停留所) and let’s start hiking.

Taisho Pond – 大正池　

Taisho Pond

Taisho Pond was formed in 1915 when nearby Mount Yakedake erupted and its flow dammed Azusa River.

The creation of the pond forced the trees of the area to submerge, and you can still see those trees today.

Taisho Pond reflecting the Hotaka Mountain Range

On days with less wind, the water of the pond acts as a surface and reflects the surrounding scenery. The Hotaka Mountain Range can be seen in the reflection and is a beautiful, dream-like view.

Tashiro Pond – 田代池

Tashiro Pond

Tashiro Pond, lying right by the marshland area, is a bit smaller than Taisho Pond. It is the result of the snow that melted from Mount Kasumizawadake.

Fall foliage around Tashiro Pond

Throughout the seasons, Tashiro Pond shows its different colors - greens in the summer, reds and oranges in the autumn and whites in the winter.

Tashiro Pond contains a lot of iron, which explains the coppery red shade of the water.

Kappabashi Bridge – 河童橋

Overall view of Kappabashi Bridge

Kappabashi Bridge signifies the end of your hike. The suspension bridge extends over Azusa River, and from the bridge is a lovely view of the Hotaka Mountain Range and Mount Yakedake.

This area is the most famous of Kamikochi, and nearby are several hotels and restaurants. In fact, it is nicknamed the “Ginza of Kamikochi”.

Kappabashi Bridge

You can find the Kamikochi Bus Terminal about a 5-minute walk from here.

Bring a jacket!!

Kamikochi is located pretty high up, making it 5 to 10 degrees Celsius cooler than ground level. Even during summer, it is usually only around 20 degrees Celsius at Kamikochi. Be sure to bring a jacket no matter how hot you think it might get!

Access

Nearest station: Kamikochi Bus Terminal 上高地バスターミナル

From Shinjuku Station 新宿駅

【Shinjuku Sta.】JR Super Azusa / for Matsumoto
→【Matsumoto Sta.】Matsumoto Railway Kamikochi Line / for Shin-shimashima
→【Shin-shimashima Sta.】Alpico Bus / for Kamikochi Bus Terminal
→【Kamikochi Bus Terminal】

From Nagano Station　長野駅

【Nagano Sta.】JR Shinonoi Line / for Matsumoto
→【Matsumoto Sta.】Matsumoto Railway Kamikochi Line / for Shin-shimashima
→【Shin-shimashima Sta.】Alpico Bus / for Kamikochi Bus Terminal
→【Kamikochi Bus Terminal】

Spend a night or two at Kamikochi!

You can enjoy Kamikochi on a day trip, but to really enjoy every bit of the area, why not stay a night or two? There are many hotels and lodges in the area for you to relax at after a long day of hiking.

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