Kamikochi

長野県

4.7

Tourist Information of This Area

general.prefecture.

Kamikochi, a rare place in Japan with two titles

Kamikochi is a scenic spot located in the upper reaches of the Azusa River, which flows in the southern part of the Hida Mountains in western Nagano Prefecture. It is designated as a national cultural asset (special scenic spot and special natural monument) and has an elevation of about 1,500 meters. The scenery changes depending on the weather and time of day, making it a must-visit spot for breathtaking views.

Features & How to Enjoy

Classic ActivityNature

Highlights

Point 1

Admire the Stunning View of Taisho Pond

Taisho Pond is a location where you can enjoy the scenery that perfectly captures the image of Kamikochi, and is often used as a shooting location for guidebooks and pamphlets. The pond was created by the eruption of Mt. Yakedake in 1915, and is characterized by its emerald green water. Visitors are delighted by the changing scenery depending on the season, with remaining snow in spring to early summer, fresh greenery in summer, and autumn leaves in fall.

Point 2

Enjoy Photography at Kappa Bridge

Kappa Bridge, which spans the Azusa River, is a symbolic presence in Kamikochi and a popular spot for taking photos. The suspension bridge is made of larch and is 37 meters long and 3.1 meters wide. From the middle of the bridge, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Mt. Yakedake. It is also used as a location for the "Kamikochi Kaisan Festival" held in late April and the "Kamikochi Heisan Festival" held in mid-November every year. It's recommended to visit during these events.

Point 3

Enjoy Hiking on Mt. Yakedake

Located in the Northern Alps at an altitude of 2,444 meters, Mt. Yakedake is one of Japan's 100 famous mountains. It takes about 3 hours to reach the summit, and the hiking trail is full of rocks that allow you to feel the breath of the earth. From the top, you can enjoy a superb view of "Shogako" and "Yarigatake." As there are many rough and difficult parts along the way, be sure to wear proper equipment when hiking.

Point 4

Enjoy Staying in Kamikochi

In Kamikochi, there are many hotels and hot spring inns, making it a great place to stay and enjoy. If you stay overnight, you can enjoy a different view from during the day, such as the starry sky and sunrise. Among the many hotels, the highly recommended one is the first mountain resort hotel in Japan, the "Kamikochi Teikoku Hotel". Its distinctive features are the bright red roof and log cabin-style building, allowing you to feel the atmosphere of its founding era.

Point 5

Enjoy Gourmet Food at Kamikochi Shokudo

Kamikochi Shokudo, located near Kappa Bridge, is a recommended restaurant for tourist breaks and lunches. It opens from 6:00 am and offers numerous gourmet dishes that can only be tasted here, such as iwana (char), Shinshu salmon, and yamabushi-yaki (grilled mountain priest). In addition to indoor seating, there is also a terrace where you can enjoy your meal while taking in the view on sunny days. A gift shop and souvenir shop are also available, making it convenient for souvenir shopping.

Access

Direct buses operate from the Tokyo metropolitan area

If you access Kamikochi by bus, it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes from JR Matsumoto Station and about 1 hour and 25 minutes from JR Takayama Station. For those heading to Kamikochi from Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, or Kyoto, direct buses are also available. All buses require advance reservations and are popular for their convenience of not having to transfer. Additionally, it takes about an hour by taxi from Matsumoto Airport, the gateway to Nagano Prefecture.

Parking

Be Aware of Car Restrictions

Throughout the year, there are car restrictions in place at Kamikochi. Therefore, you must park your car in a parking lot and access the area by shuttle bus. If you're coming from Matsumoto, use the "Sawatari Parking Lot (parking fee: 700 yen per day)," and if you're coming from Takayama, use the "Akanadana Parking Lot (parking fee: 600 yen per day)." During summer vacation and autumn foliage season, it can get very crowded, so it's recommended to visit with plenty of time to spare.

Basic Information

	Address	〒390-1516 Nagano Prefecture, Matsumoto City, Azumi
	Business Hours	5:00～19:00
	TEL	0263-95-2433
	Web Site	https://www.kamikochi.or.jp/

Average Review

4.7

5 Reviews

上高地には2024年8月上旬に訪れました。まるで別世界のような美しい自然に囲まれ、特に梓川の透明度には感動しました。水面がエメラルドグリーンに輝き、川底まではっきりと見えるほど澄んでいて、まさに「日本の秘境」と呼ぶにふさわしい場所でした。散策中にはリスや猿などの野生動物にも出会い、自然の豊かさを実感しました。特にリスが素早く木々を駆け回る姿はとても可愛らしく、思わず見入ってしまいました。熊の生息地でもあるため、クマベルを鳴らしながら歩くのは貴重な体験で、少し緊張しながらも自然と共存する感覚を味わえました。幻想的な風景に心が癒され、日常を忘れてリフレッシュできる素晴らしい旅でした。ぜひまた訪れたいと思います。

上高地、本当に素晴らしい自然の景色が迎えてくれる場所で、私が行ったことがある中では1番のお気に入りです。初めて訪れたのは44年前になります。マイカー規制の導入が始まりだした頃でしたが、まだ乗り入れはできました。松本市内でレンタカーを借り、旧釜トンネルを恐る恐る通った事、トンネルを抜け異世界に立ち入った時の感動、立ち枯れの木がたくさん立ち並ぶ神秘的な大正池で手漕ぎボートで遊んだことなどは今でも鮮明に覚えています。仕方ないことですが、時の流れと共に立ち枯れの木が無くなって行くのは寂しいですね！今年はまだ穂高連峰の積雪が見られませんね、今回は2021年10月20日と21日に訪問した時の写真を投稿させていただきます。この時は4回目の訪問で上高地温泉ホテルさんにお世話になりました。私にとっては、なかなか来れる場所ではないので、4回共1泊2日の日程で訪れ上高地の自然を満喫しました。昔から人気のある観光地でしたが、先日の観光バスの渋滞のニュースには少し驚きました。外国人観光客の増加もあるのでしょうが、混雑を避けてなるべくなら平日に訪れたい場所です。(私は2回平日に訪れました) 定年退職後に時間を持て余し、昨年の5月からGoogleマップへの投稿を始め、今は楽しみの一つになっています。過去の写真を投稿する時もありますが宜しくお願いいたします。😉

11月、閉山の少し前におとずれました。天気も快晴に恵まれ絶景を満喫できました‼️紅葉も運よくまだ楽しめてほんとに最高でした‼️事前にYouTube などで調べたおかげで限られた時間で最大に楽しめました。コースは河童橋から梓川右岸道を通って、明神橋で左岸道に折り返して河童橋に戻ってきました。最初に、奥穂高岳の絶景スポット、岳沢湿原、明神池など一番の見どころをまだ日が明るいうちに楽しめてよかったです。後半は、帰りの時間の関係で大正池までバスで行って、左岸道を戻ってくるコースで楽しみました‼️個人的に、河童橋の手前にある紅葉の絶景スポットが一番感動しました‼️昼の14時ごろには特に、左岸道は、日陰に入りはじめてる感じだったので、前泊などして朝早くから訪れることをお勧めします‼️そして、１番の見どころを最初に一番ひが明るいうちにおすすめです‼️

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