Kamikochi is a dream vacation spot for nature lovers and hikers. Deeply tucked away within the Japanese Alps, you’ll uncover a completely completely different facet of Japan right here. No crowds, no neon lights, however silence, recent mountain air, and a formidable panorama. The world is understood for its rugged nature and the crystal-clear Azusa River that flows by way of the valley. Alongside the riverbanks runs a path good for a soothing stroll: crossing suspension bridges over babbling turquoise water and thru forests the place clouds hold low between the timber. In Kamikochi, nature actually takes middle stage. So lace up your climbing boots, breathe within the mountain air, and ring the “bear bell” from time to time. These are 10 ideas for Kamikochi in Japan!
As a result of Kamikochi is a part of a protected nationwide park, personal automobiles are usually not allowed. You may solely journey to Kamikochi by taxi or bus. All buses cease at Kamikochi Bus Terminal. That is the central hub and the placement the place the climbing trails start. Most vacationers journey from Mt. Fuji or Takayama to Kamikochi. Under you possibly can learn easy methods to journey to Kamikochi from these locations.
From Mt. Fuji to Kamikochi
Board the Alpico bus in Kawaguchiko heading towards Matsumoto. From there, proceed with the Kamikochi Line to Shin Shimashima Station. Right here, you switch to an Alpico bus that takes you to the Kamikochi Bus Terminal in about an hour. The full journey takes roughly 5 hours.
From Takayama to Kamikochi
From Takayama, you journey in about an hour by Nohi bus to Hirayu Onsen. There, you switch to the bus to Kamikochi, which brings you to your closing vacation spot in half-hour.
Parking Your Rental Automobile Exterior Kamikochi
These touring by way of Japan with a rental automobile can park within the villages of Hirayu Onsen or Sawando as a result of automobiles are usually not permitted in Kamikochi. You should use paid parking right here, and shuttle buses and taxis depart frequently to take you the ultimate stretch to Kamikochi.
It’s good to know that Kamikochi is barely open from mid-April to mid-November, because the highway is closed by snowfall in the course of the winter months. Might and June are stunning months when all the things is lush and inexperienced, however October can be a well-liked time when all the valley transforms into heat autumn colours.
Throughout the summer time months of July and August, Kamikochi is at its liveliest. The times are lengthy, temperatures are nice, and the mountains are sometimes clearly seen in opposition to a blue sky. Remember the fact that that is additionally the busiest season. Notably on weekends, the climbing trails and viewpoints can turn into fairly crowded.
By far, most vacationers go to Kamikochi for the attractive climbing route alongside the Azusa River. The route runs by way of a valley, is simple to comply with, and is well-marked with indicators. The trail takes you previous all of the sights of Kamikochi. The start line is Kamikochi Bus Terminal. A path runs alongside each banks of the river, and there are a number of bridges alongside the best way the place you possibly can cross the river. Kappa Bridge serves because the central level, and from right here you possibly can hike a loop to the left and a loop to the precise. If you need a brief stroll, you possibly can select one of many two, however it’s extremely really useful to hike the complete route.
Left loop – 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) – 2 hours with out stops: By way of Taisho Ike Pond and again to Kappa Bridge alongside the alternative financial institution.
Proper loop – 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) – 1 hour and 45 minutes with out stops: Towards Myōjin Pond, and again by way of the opposite facet of the river.
Shorten the route barely: Need to shorten the route with out lacking something? Get off one cease earlier at Taisho Pond and begin your stroll there. Within the morning, it’s nonetheless good and quiet right here, and this shortens all the route by about 25%. From right here, you possibly can stroll the hike within the form of a 9 as a substitute of an 8. This manner you continue to see all the attractive spots however have extra time to take pleasure in them.
Under are my ideas for visiting Kamikochi. Whenever you comply with the climbing route, you’ll routinely move all these locations. The areas are usually not listed so as as a result of you possibly can stroll the loop in numerous instructions.
Kappa Bridge
Kappa Bridge is a wood suspension bridge positioned subsequent to the Kamikochi Bus Terminal and is the central spot of Kamikochi. The bridge is called after the legendary Japanese water spirit, the kappa, and hangs over the Azusa River with a shocking view of the encompassing mountain peaks. Across the bridge, you’ll discover a number of cafes and locations to sit down and benefit from the view. Because the shuttle buses have their closing cease right here, many individuals begin their Kamikochi hike at this level.
Tip: From 8:00 AM, the outlets across the bridge open, and you may top off on snacks for the highway, corresponding to hen skewers, croquettes, or an oven-baked candy potato.
Taisho Ike Pond
On the south facet of the valley, the river flows towards Taisho Ike Pond. This lake was shaped after a volcanic eruption in 1915 and is characterised by lifeless tree trunks that also rise straight out of the water. A mysterious ambiance hangs right here, particularly within the early morning. On clear days, Mount Yakedake displays completely within the nonetheless water. If you’re making a round stroll from Kappa Bridge, you possibly can cross by way of Taisho Bridge and stroll again alongside the alternative financial institution.
Myōjin First Pond
On the different finish of the river, barely additional upstream from Kappa Bridge, you arrive at Myōjin Pond. Right here lies Hotaka Shrine, a Shinto shrine linked to the mountain deities of the Japanese Alps. The wood pier operating over the water, with the shrine on the finish, makes this a particular, nearly silent place in the course of nature. A mystical vibe prevails, particularly when mist hangs over the lake within the early morning. Yearly on October eighth, the Hotaka-jinja Pageant (Okumiya Pageant) is held right here. Throughout this ceremony, priest boats with choices sail throughout the lake, a ritual in honor of the mountain gods.
Good to know: You pay a small payment for entry to the lake, as it’s the personal property of the temple.
Myōjin Second Pond
Myōjin Pond consists of two completely different lakes: Myōjin First Pond & Myōjin Second Pond. Your entrance ticket lets you go to each. Myōjin Second Pond includes a utterly completely different panorama. The lake is stuffed with mossy rocks, creating many small islands. Particularly in autumn, when the timber flip heat shades, the scene appears to be like prefer it got here straight out of a Bob Ross portray.
Stroll again alongside the opposite facet of the river to Kappa Bridge to finish your hike.
Myōjin Bridge
Simply earlier than you attain Myōjin Pond, you cross the river by way of the wobbly wood Myōjin Bridge. The bridge is considerably harking back to the central Kappa Bridge however has its personal appeal. It’s quieter right here, and you’ve got a view of nothing however nature. As a result of it’s extra peaceable, you possibly can actually pause to benefit from the view over the river and the mountains.
Spot the Japanese Macaque in Kamikochi
Japanese macaques, higher often known as snow monkeys, are a few of the most charming animals discovered within the Kamikochi space. These monkeys dwell within the forests alongside the riverbanks and within the mountains, and are completely tailored to the rugged local weather of the Japanese Alps. In the event you’re fortunate, you’ll encounter them throughout your stroll. The very best probability to identify them is within the early morning and late afternoon when the park is quieter. They dwell in teams and may be acknowledged by their gray-brown fur and distinctive pink faces. Whereas they give the impression of being cute, it is very important preserve your distance and never feed them. The Japanese macaque is curious and sensible however stays a wild animal.
Kamikochi is a habitat for the black bear. The prospect that you just truly encounter one may be very small, however it’s good to be ready. Are you going for a stroll early within the morning? Or are you heading into the upper mountain areas? Then connect a bear bell to your bag. These can be found at your lodging or on the outlets. Ring your bell sometimes whereas strolling and in addition use the bigger bear bells positioned alongside the route. This lets the bears know you might be there in order that they keep away.
In Kamikochi itself, there are nearly no lodging, which is why most vacationers keep in one of many villages outdoors the park. I personally stayed in Hirayu Onsen, a small village with pure sizzling springs a couple of half-hour bus trip away. Under I counsel three high-quality lodging within the village of Hirayu Onsen.
Tip: For all lodging on this space, costs are considerably greater than in the remainder of Japan. It’s because the season is brief (mid-April to mid-November) and many individuals wish to go to Kamikochi throughout this temporary window. It’s subsequently extremely really useful to e-book your keep early, because the inexpensive choices refill first.
Within the village of Hirayu Onsen, you will see that a number of stunning conventional ryokan accommodations. If you’re on the lookout for good lodging at a comparatively aggressive value, then Tabist Kazeyuki is very really useful. This lodge is solely in Japanese fashion and presents a fantastic view of the mountains. One of many largest perks is the onsen with a complete of three completely different baths, together with an outside tub that’s shielded so you possibly can loosen up in peace and full privateness. An identical however barely extra luxurious possibility is the normal lodge Hirayukan the place you possibly can totally unwind within the great outside pool with sizzling spring water. You’ll keep in a snug room with air con, a small fridge, and a non-public lavatory. In case your funds permits, Miyama Ouan Kyoritsu Resort is a improbable place to remain. Right here, all the things is taken care of all the way down to the final element, and the pleasant workers ensures you might have all the things you want. The rooms are spacious and the outside baths are gorgeous. Moreover, you possibly can take pleasure in a non-public sizzling tub with mountain views right here. You don’t even have to depart for scrumptious genuine Japanese meals, because the resort’s restaurant serves glorious dishes.
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