If someone asks me, “Where is the most beautiful place in the mountainous areas of Japan?” I will immediately say “It is Kamikochi (Nagano Prefecture)”. The beauty of Kamikochi can not be expressed very much in photos or videos. In Kamikochi, there is the finest resort hotel in Japan, the Kamikochi Imperial Hotel. The view of the mountains from the balcony of the room is excellent. It will be a wonderful memory to stay in the hotel and hike around.
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JAPAN ALPS Kamikochi
Kamikochi is located in Chubu Sangaku National Park in Nagano Prefecture in central Honshu, Japan. In the central part of Honshu, there is a mountainous area that rises to an altitude of 3,000 meters above sea level. This area is often referred to as the “Japanese Alps” because of its similarity to the mountainous regions of Switzerland. Kamikochi is one of the most popular mountain tourist destinations in this area.
The tourist season in Kamikochi is from May to October. from late May to around late June, the fresh green leaves are glorious and beautiful. From July to August, the area also experiences a brief summer, when flowers bloom prettily. The autumn foliage is spectacular around October. Let us introduce you to the seasonal scenery of Kamikochi.
Spring and summer
Hotaka mountains and Kappa bridge in Kamikochi, Japan = shutterstock
Beautiful Taisho Pond in summer. Greenery shines on the lake surface. Kamikochi, Japan = Shutterstock
The Azusa River, which flows through the center of Kamikochi, is not developed by humans and is surprisingly pure, Kamikochi, Japan = Shutterstock
Clear stream of Azusa River, Nagano, Japan=Shutterstock
Kamikochi Imperial Hotel is operated by Tokyo Imperial Hotel Group. It is closed during the winter, Kamikochi, Japan
Kamikochi Imperial Hotel is a very popular resort hotel, Nagano prefecture, Japan = Shutterstock
Kamikochi Imperial Hotel has a beautiful interior, Nagano Prefecture, Japan = Shutterstock
Myojin pond at Hotaka Rear Shrine in Kamikochi, Nagano, Japan = SHutterstock
Kamikochi is a place that many hikers yearn for, Nagano Prefecture, Japan = Adobe Stock
Mountain stream along the trail, Nagano, Japan = Shutterstock
The area around the Azusa River in Kamikochi is perfect for a walk, Nagano Prefecture, Japan = Adobe Stock
Autumn
Autumn comes quietly in Kamikochi, Nagano Prefecture, Japan = Shutterstock
In the fall, the Kamikochi forest and grassland begin to glow red and yellow, Kamikochi, Japan
Autumn scenery in Kamikochi is more beautiful than painting, Kamikochi, Japan = Shutterstock
The trees in Kamikochi are much more lively than in the city, Kamikochi, Japan = Shutterstock
The area around the Azusa River, which was green until summer, is now completely autumnal, Nagano Prefecture, Japan = Shutterstock
Snow on the Hotaka mountain range, Nagano Prefecture, Japan = Shutterstock
Winter
Kamikochi is closed during the winter = Shutterstock
Beautiful winter scenery of Kamikochi, Nagano Prefecture, Japan = Adobe Stock
Twilight
Early dusk in the mountains, Nagano, Japan=Shutterstock
The scenery of Kamikochi changes beautifully from early morning to the evening, Kamikochi, Japan
Basic Information on Kamikochi
| Address | Kamikochi Azumi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-1516 |
| Access | It takes about 3 hours from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to Matsumoto Station by JR Express. From Matsumoto Station, take the Matsumoto Electric Railway to Shin-Shimashima Station (30 minutes), and from Shin-Shimashima Station, take a bus to Kamikochi (1 hour). |
| Major Places of Interest | Kappa Bridge: A suspension bridge over the Azusa River. Beautiful photos can be taken with the mountains in the background.
Myojin Pond: Mysterious and beautiful. The one-hour walk from Myojin Pond to Kappa Bridge is especially recommended. |
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You can read more about Kamikochi in the following article.
Thank you for watching to the end.
Kamikochi is much colder than Tokyo or Kyoto, so be careful what clothes you bring when you go there. When visiting Kamikochi, you may also visit the famous Matsumoto Castle in nearby Matsumoto City.
