©Arukikata. Co. , Ltd.  |  ©Bringer Japan Z Inc.

Kamikochi

Verified [Verified] denotes information that has been published with confirmation of its owing parties.

Kamikochi

Japan's most spectacular mountain scenery attracts 1.2 million people annually.

4.46 26

Last update :
Supervised by :  Kamikochi Hotel and Tourism Association

Kamikochi offers one of Japan's most spectacular mountain sceneries. Its magnificent landscape is designated as a Special Natural Monuments along with Special Places of Scenic Beauty. Walter Weston, a British Anglican missionary praised Kamikochi in his writing “Mountaineering and Exploration in the Japan Alps” in 1896 which made Kamikochi an internationally well-known mountain area.

Its well-kept trails look out upon a range of mountains with a height of three-thousand meters, like Hotaka mountain. As the Kamikochi area is one of the entrances for hikes to Mt. Yarigatake, there are many serious climbers around with large backpacks. If you’d like to enjoy this beautiful nature in a more relaxed way, the well-maintained trail walk from Taisho Pond to Kappa Bridge is recommended.

The area closes from Mid-November to the end of April and private cars are not allowed throughout the year. This provides for an environment of rich animal life and vegetation, well preserved with clean water and air.

The majestic mountains, beautiful ponds and marshlands, and the tranquil sounds of the crystal river change depending on the weather and the time of day.

Highlights

  • Beautiful nature and spectacular views of 3000m mountains.
  • Some well-maintained trails make it easy to stroll around.
  • In bad weather, the trails can get muddy, so choose proper shoes.
  • There are also hotels, hot springs and campgrounds in the area.

Photos

  • View from Taisho Lake

    View from Taisho Lake

  • View from the open field of Weston Park

    View from the open field of Weston Park

  • Clean air and water

    Clean air and water

  • Japanese azalea

    Japanese azalea

  • Starflowers

    Starflowers

  • The Autumn foliage is unforgettable

    The Autumn foliage is unforgettable

Reviews

26

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • 一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人
    See More

    Only when I personally stepped into the embrace of Japan's Northern Alps did I understand what paradise on earth means. This is truly a pristine journey everyone should experience once in a lifetime.

    In the early morning, Taisho Pond is ethereal and mirror-like, reflecting the majesty of Mount Yake and the lingering snow. As the morning mist clears, it feels like stepping into a painting. Strolling to the iconic Kappa Bridge, you see the emerald waters of the Azusa River rushing by, clear as a mirror, with the magnificent Hotaka mountain range rising behind you. Enjoying desserts and dairy products in nature's embrace is the ultimate pleasure.

    Venturing deeper into the forest to reach Myojin Pond, I felt the serene, solemn, and sacred atmosphere in front of the inner shrine of Hotaka Shrine, washing away all the noise of everyday life. If your schedule allows, you can also take the Shinhotaka Ropeway's double-decker cable car up into the clouds for a 360-degree view of the sea of clouds and endless snowcapped peaks. The view is absolutely breathtaking.

    This hike through Kamikochi, whether for enjoying the outdoors or finding inner peace, left me with a pure and deeply moving experience that I'll never forget.

  • 楊雅雯
    See More

    There’s none of the noise of the city here—just the sound of flowing water, birdsong, and a gentle breeze moving through the treetops. It naturally makes you slow down and quietly enjoy the healing power of nature.

    Whether you’re walking to Kappa Bridge or wandering along the trails, every angle is so beautiful that it’s hard to leave.

    If I could choose only one natural spot in Japan to visit in my lifetime, I think Kamikochi would be my answer. This hidden gem, known as the “hometown of the gods,” is truly worth experiencing in person at least once.

  • 王小鈞
    See More

    Kamikochi | A breathtaking hidden gem you have to visit at least once in your life

    I once saw the beautiful scenery of Kamikochi in a travel magazine, and quietly made a wish to come here someday. This time, I planned a special one-day trip to Kamikochi and finally checked it off my dream list!

    Kamikochi, known as the "home of the gods," truly lives up to its reputation. The crystal-clear Azusa River, the majestic Hotaka mountain range, and the dreamy forest trails make every step feel awe-inspiring. The whole place feels like a living landscape painting, and it was hard to leave.

    What made it even better was the amazing weather that day. The blue sky and white clouds reflecting over the mountains and river made every casual photo look like a postcard. Whether it was the famous Kappa Bridge or the forest paths along the way, every corner was worth stopping to admire.

    If you love nature, enjoy photography, or just want to get away from the noise of the city and experience pure natural beauty, I sincerely recommend visiting Kamikochi at least once. It’s not just a scenic spot, but a place where you can truly relax and feel the charm of nature.

  • Lin
    See More

    Even if you’re not usually an outdoorsy person, it’s easy to fall in love with nature here in Kamikochi. The whole area is very well maintained, and it really makes you want to come back again.

  • LOVE曉婷
    See More

    The stunning mountain views and crystal-clear streams left a deep impression on me. The fresh air and flat trails make this place perfect for people of all ages to enjoy a nature walk or hike.

See more reviews

Details

Name in Japanese
上高地
Postal Code
390-1516
Address
Azumikamikochi, Matsumoto City, Nagano
Tel
0263-95-2433 (Kamikochi Information Center)
Admission
Free
Regular Holidays
None
Hours of operation
None specified
Access
One hour bus ride from Shin-Shimashima station on Matsumoto railways.
Official Website
Official Website (English)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa