[Nagano] Kamikochi - A scenic stroll around Taisho Pond, Kappa Bridge, and Myojin Pond

One-day trip to Kamikochi, Nagano - Enjoy the mysteries of nature and the spectacular mountain scenery -

Kamikochi, located in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, is known as a special place for mountaineering enthusiasts and nature lovers in Japan. Also known as the "Home of the Gods," this region is surrounded by deep mountains and offers magnificent mountain views such as Mt. Yagidake and the Hotaka mountain range. The Azusa River flows slowly, welcoming visitors with the clear sound of the water and crisp air.

The charm of the four seasons

Kamikochi looks different in each season, and you can have a special experience no matter what season you visit.

Access and bus tour recommendations

To protect the natural environment and ensure the safety of climbers, Kamikochi has year-round restrictions on private cars, meaning that ordinary private cars cannot enter directly. Therefore, you will need to use shuttle buses or taxis that run from various parking lots, such as Sawando and Hirayu, to access the area.

Considering these traffic restrictions and safety concerns, we recommend joining a bus tour to enjoy Kamikochi efficiently and safely. By traveling with an experienced driver and guide, you can fully enjoy the natural beauty and mystical scenery, and even first-time visitors and those who are not confident in their physical fitness can enjoy Kamikochi with peace of mind.

This reservation is for a one-day tour starting in Tokyo.

A standard route for a one-day trip to Kamikochi

Taisho Pond - A mysterious lake born from a volcano

Taisho Pond is one of the most famous starting points for sightseeing in Kamikochi. The pond was formed naturally in 1915 when the eruption of Mount Yakedake blocked part of the Azusa River's channel. The eruption also changed the surrounding topography and vegetation, and over the years the beautiful landscape we see today has been formed. Taisho Pond is more than just a lake; it continues to be loved by many climbers and tourists as a mystical place created by the power of the volcano and the workings of nature.

Standing on the shore of the pond, the majestic Hotaka mountain range spreads out before you and is reflected on the water's surface, making you feel as if you have wandered into a fantasy world. The mountains reflected on the calm water's surface show different expressions depending on the season and time of day, and in the early morning hours, the soft sunlight sparkles on the water's surface and mist sometimes forms, creating a fantastical sight to enjoy.

The surrounding walking routes are easy even for beginners, and can be enjoyed as a light hike. One of the unique charms of Taisho Pond is that you can take a leisurely stroll along the lakeside, see traces of volcanic activity and changes in nature, and experience the rich natural environment of Kamikochi. The chirping of birds, the murmuring of streams, and the sound of trees swaying in the wind create a luxurious experience that you can't experience in the city.

Kappa Bridge - A wooden suspension bridge that symbolizes Kamikochi

About an hour's walk from Taisho Pond will take you to Kappa Bridge, a symbolic structure of Kamikochi. This bridge was made using wood from both banks of the Azusa River, and you can enjoy the scenery, which changes depending on the season and weather.

The famous author Ryunosuke Akutagawa featured Kappa Bridge and Taisho Pond in his works, which led to the bridge becoming widely known as a symbol of Kamikochi. Many people visit Kamikochi through his literary works, and the bridge is not just a tourist spot, but a special place deeply connected to Japanese culture and literature.

There is a promenade around the bridge, so you can enjoy a short stroll centered around Kappabashi Bridge. Listening to the murmuring of the Azusa River from the bridge and walking while admiring the surrounding trees and flowers, you can experience the breath of nature that you can't experience in the city. In the morning, the calm river surface and the morning sun create a fantastical scene, and at dusk, you can see the beautiful sight of the crimson sky and the shadows of the mountains reflected on the water's surface, making it a popular photo spot!

Myojin Pond - A quiet lake that harbors the mysteries of Kamikochi

Located deep in Kamikochi, Myojin Pond is a small but special lake that can be accessed by walking along the left bank of the Azusa River from Kappa Bridge or by taking a route through the Dakezawa Marsh. The pond is a place that symbolizes the natural beauty and mystery of Kamikochi, and brings deep emotion and tranquility to all who visit. The Okumiya Shrine of Hotaka Shrine is enshrined around the pond, and the sacred atmosphere that permeates the area has made it a popular spot for climbers and believers since ancient times.

Myojin Pond is often shrouded in mist in the early morning, and the lake's surface is enveloped in a mystical and majestic atmosphere. It is as if a god is enshrined in the pond, and many hikers and tourists visit to catch a glimpse of this fantastic sight. Myojin Pond is especially sacred at this time of day, making it the perfect place for photography and a moment of tranquility.

Although Myojin Pond is a small pond, it is a special spot where the natural beauty and mystery of Kamikochi, as well as its religious culture, come together. By touring it along with Kappa Bridge and Taisho Pond, you can experience the diverse charms of Kamikochi in one day, providing visitors with unforgettable memories. Stopping mid-way through your walk and spending some quiet time gazing at the mountains and trees reflected on the water's surface is a truly luxurious experience that can only be found in Kamikochi.

*The admission fee to Myojin Pond is 300 yen.

This reservation is for a one-day tour starting in Tokyo.

*How to enjoy the healthy route and points to note

You can choose your hiking route in Kamikochi based on distance and difficulty.

For beginners or those who are not confident in their physical strength, we recommend the short route from Taisho Pond to Kappa Bridge. The round trip distance is about 5km, and can be enjoyed in about 3 to 4 hours, including breaks.

Experienced hikers and those confident in their physical strength should try the "Kappa Bridge to Myojin Bridge" route. The round trip distance is about 10km, and by extending your trip to Myojin Pond, you can fully enjoy the deep nature of Kamikochi. Along the way, there are also spots with a rich variety of scenery, such as the Dakezawa Marsh and the Okumiya Shrine of Hotaka Shrine.

*When walking, it is important to always consider the weather and your physical condition, and walk at a comfortable pace.

* Be careful when leaving early in the morning or returning in the evening, and plan your trip so you can return safely before dark.

*The weather in mountainous areas can change suddenly, so be sure to bring warm clothing and rain gear.

The charm of experiencing nature in Kamikochi

Kamikochi is not just a tourist destination, but a place where you can experience being one with nature. The healthy walking route, where you can enjoy the seasonal plants, wild birds, and the murmuring of clear streams, will help you forget the stress of everyday life and refresh your mind and body. There is something new to discover in every season: fresh greenery in spring, escaping the heat and alpine plants in summer, autumn leaves in autumn, and snowy scenery in winter.

Come experience this magnificent natural beauty and mystical scenery with your own eyes. The mystical water surface of Taisho Pond, the spectacular seasonal views from Kappa Bridge, and the mystical atmosphere shrouded in silence at Myojin Pond are all special experiences that only visitors can enjoy. A day spent in Kamikochi will soothe your mind and body and leave an unforgettable memory etched in your heart. Come experience a special moment away from your everyday life as you come into contact with nature and feel the grandeur of the mountains.

This reservation is for a one-day tour starting in Tokyo.