Kamikochi Nature Reserve in the Japanese Alps
- Nimrod
- Aug 16
- 4 min read
October 2024 [To All Posts in Japan]
Difficulty: Easy – suitable for families
Length: 8 km || Duration: 4–5 hours
Focus: Kamikochi Nature Reserve in the Japanese Alps
Content
Kamikochi Nature Reserve in the Japanese Alps – Introduction
Honestly, I wanted more from this reserve — and I had planned more days here, aiming for longer and tougher treks. But rainy weather and closed trails changed our plans, and in the end, we only did the classic loop.
Now, a word about this “classic loop.” Yes, there are plenty of Japanese visitors and quite a few tourists. And yes, it’s a well-trodden route — call it “overdone” if you like. But as we say, “credit where credit is due” — places don’t become famous for no reason. Kamikochi has earned its reputation fair and square, and it is absolutely worth a visit.
Kamikochi, part of the Chubu-Sangaku National Park in the Northern Japanese Alps of Nagano Prefecture, is a pristine mountain valley at an elevation of 1,500 meters. Stretching about 15 km along the Azusa River, it is surrounded by majestic peaks such as Nishihotakadake (2,909 m), Okuhotakadake (3,190 m), and the volcanic Yakedake (2,455m).
Tips
Good to know: The reserve is open to visitors only from April 17 to November 15 (official site here). If you plan to hike the surrounding mountains, aim to arrive no later than mid-October to avoid seasonal trail closures.
I recommend staying in the area for a few nights. It’s a beautiful and unique region, full of traditional ryokan inns and relaxing onsen hot springs.
Kamikochi is located roughly halfway between Matsumoto and Takayama—two cities well worth visiting on day trips. You can visit for just one night and explore the reserve, but from experience, it’s best to allow flexibility in case of rainy days.
Orientation Map
Includes icons for hotels, parking areas, bus stops, and points of interest along the trail.
More Trips In Japan
Accommodation
We booked three nights at a ryokan called Kazeya in the village of Okuhida Onsengo Murakami. The hotel has both private and public onsen baths, each with its own charm.
Our room was in traditional Japanese style — futon mattresses on the floor and tatami mats. Here we are at dinner, dressed in yukata with an haori jacket over it, courtesy of the hotel.
You can stay in villages around the reserve or even inside the reserve itself (keep in mind that cars are not allowed inside — you’ll need to reach your hotel by bus).
Another option is to stay in Matsumoto or Takayama and come for a day trip, either by bus or with a rental car — whichever works best for you.
Getting to the reserve
Access to the reserve is only possible by bus or taxi from various nearby stations, or from cities like Matsumoto or Takayama.
We parked our car at Akadana Parking, where you can also buy tickets, and took a bus to the reserve. The ride takes about 20 minutes, with buses running every 30 minutes.
There are other parking lots in the area from which you can take the bus to the reserve, such as the Sawando Parking Lot for those arriving from Matsumoto.
Note: The reserve is very popular, so it’s best to arrive early and avoid weekends if possible.
The last bus leaving the reserve departs at 18:00 (check the exact time upon arrival).
Full details and directions can be found on the official website – excellent explanations are available in English.
The Kamikochi Hike
We got off at the Taisho Pond stop and started walking along the trail toward Kappabashi Bridge, which offers a stunning view of the mountains and the river. Honestly, the whole walk is amazing, even though you’ll likely be sharing the path with plenty of other visitors – families, kids, and groups alike.
We visited in late October, right at the peak of the autumn foliage, and the scenery was absolutely breathtaking.
You can also come in spring or summer, when the blossoms and lush greenery make the landscape just as spectacular.
Japan can feel crowded at times, but the hiking experience here is still much more pleasant and well-organized than in many other countries. So don’t be discouraged by comments about the crowds – it’s absolutely worth it.
Just past the bridge, you’ll find the Kamikochi Visitor Center, where you can pick up maps and get detailed information about the trails. If you’re planning a longer trek in the surrounding mountains, you’ll also need to submit a trekking plan (this can be done online here, though the form is in Japanese only).
It’s highly recommended to consult with the staff at the Visitor Center – they can provide up-to-date advice on trail conditions, safety, and seasonal highlights.
You can also check the official website for a list of multi-day hikes and routes that start from Kamikochi.
From the bridge, we continued toward Myojin Pond. To reach the pond, you cross a beautiful bridge, and right nearby there’s a small restaurant where they serve Iwana no Shioyaki (岩魚の塩焼き) — a delicious grilled river fish.
Don’t miss this pond: it looks like a water-based Zen garden, with rocks and surrounding vegetation creating a truly stunning scene.
At the pond, you’ll also find a small shrine and a torii gate standing on a wooden pier. Many visitors line up to pray or take photos with this iconic spot.
You can continue walking along the riverbank, but we decided to head back along the opposite side toward the bus terminal near Kappabashi Bridge.
It’s best to catch the bus from this terminal rather than another stop, as buses tend to fill up here and other stops might not have available seats.
Just enjoy a fun, relaxing day trip surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
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