Kamikochi
  • Kamikochi
  • Kamikochi
  • Kamikochi
  • Kamikochi
  • Kamikochi
  • Kamikochi
  • Kamikochi
  • Kamikochi
  • Kamikochi
  • Kamikochi
  • Kamikochi
  • Kamikochi
  • Kamikochi
  • Kamikochi
  • Kamikochi
  • Kamikochi
  • Kamikochi
  • Kamikochi
  • Kamikochi
  • Kamikochi

Kamikochi

Walk in the Valley of the Gods

Key features

  • Chubu Sangaku
  • National Park
  • Iconic Landscape
  • Nature Views
  • Hiking
  • Climbing
  • Outdoor
  • Wildlife
  • Camping
  • Luxury Accommodation
  • Tours

Public Transport

Shin-Shimashima Station60 min by bus
Matsumoto Station120 min by bus & train
Takayama Station60 min by bus

Popular Attractions

Hirayu/Okuhida Onsen30 min drive
Takayama60 min drive
Matsumoto Castle90 min drive

Kamikochi

Walk in the Valley of the Gods

Key features

  • Chubu Sangaku
  • National Park
  • Iconic Landscape
  • Nature Views
  • Hiking
  • Climbing
  • Outdoor
  • Wildlife
  • Camping
  • Luxury Accommodation
  • Tours
Located approximately 50km to the west of Matsumoto City, the stunning alpine valley of Kamikochi is one of Nagano’s most iconic destinations. Once considered the home of a sea god known as Hotakami-no-Mikoto by the Azumi Clan, visitors to Kamikochi will surely enjoy the heavenly atmosphere here. Stretching 18km in length from Mt Yari in the north, past the imposing triple peaks of Mt Hotaka down to Mt Yakedake in the south, the valley lies between 1400 and 1600 meters in altitude with the dramatic North Japan Alps rising to over 3000 meters above it. Blessed with abundant beauty and renowned for its pristine natural state, Kamikochi is considered the jewel of Chubu Sangaku National Park.
Inaccessible through winter, Kamikochi is open to the public from mid-April until mid-November. Private vehicles are not permitted to enter at any time, meaning that visitors are required to access Kamikochi using properly registered vehicles including coaches, private taxis or tour vehicles. Hugely popular with Japanese tourists and increasingly well-known with international visitors, such restrictions have helped ensure the preservation of this important alpine ecosystem. Hiking trails span-out through the valley - ranging from leisurely strolls to expert mountain climbing – with the most popular routes taking 1 to 3 hours following the Azusa River to scenic points including Taisho Pond, Kappabashi, Dakesawa Marsh, and Myojin Pond.

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  • Kamikochi
  • Kamikochi
  • Kamikochi
  • Kamikochi
  • Kamikochi
  • Kamikochi

Recommended Highlights from Snow Monkey Resorts

One of Japan’s Most Iconic Alpine Landscapes

One of Japan’s Most Iconic Alpine Landscapes

Nestled high within the Northern Alps and Chubu Sangaku National Park, Kamikochi is abundant with natural splendour - a dramatic yet tranquil landscape you won't want to leave.

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A Place of Special Importance

A Place of Special Importance

Kamikochi is a sublime landscape. Revered and treasured by Japanese for generations, this is a place of true spiritual and ecological significance.

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Walking in Kamikochi - Where to Go & What to See

Walking in Kamikochi - Where to Go & What to See

Japan's Northern Alps offer outstanding hiking and mountaineering. From expert trails summiting the mountain peaks to leisurely walks in the valley, Kamikochi is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts.

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Make it Easy - Join a Guided Tour

Make it Easy - Join a Guided Tour

Offering both group and private tours, our locally-based guides relish the chance to be part of your experience as they introduce you to the beauty of Kamikochi.

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News / Info

How To Get To Kamikochi

How To Get To Kamikochi

Restrictions on vehicles means that accessing Kamikochi requires a little planning and multiple transports.

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The Seasons & When to Visit

The Seasons & When to Visit

Inaccessible in winter due to heavy snow, Kamikochi is open from mid-April until mid-November. Each season is different with spring, summer and autumn all offering special reasons to visit.

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Preparing for Your Visit

Preparing for Your Visit

When visiting Kamikochi you are heading high into Japan’s Northern Alps – a stunning alpine landscape where conditions can change quickly and rules apply for your safety and conservation of the park.

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Nearby Destinations & Attractions

Nearby Destinations & Attractions

A destination unto itself, a visit to Kamikochi can be combined with these nearby attractions and experiences.

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Recommended Nearby Destinations

Takayama

Takayama

Step back in time in one of Japan's best preserved Edo Period townships

Takayama is renowned for the preservation and charm of its historical town center and its spring and autumn 'matsuri', two of Japan’s most beautiful festivals.

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Shirakawa-go & Gokayama

Shirakawa-go & Gokayama

Explore the World Heritage Villages

Approximately two hours from Kamikochi, the villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama offer a glimpse of a more balanced and beautiful lifestyle.

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Mastumoto Castle

Mastumoto Castle

One of Japan's last remaining original castles

Located under 1.5 hours from Kamikochi, Matsumoto Castle is registered National Treasure and one of the region's most popular destinations.

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Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route

Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route

Known as the 'Roof of Japan', this is one of the country's most iconic landscapes

Open from mid-April to late-November, its most famous feature is the grand Snow Walls in spring and outstanding hiking in summer.

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The Nakasendo Trail

The Nakasendo Trail

Walk the historic road through the beautiful Kiso Valley

One of five major routes linking Kyoto to Tokyo in the Edo Period, the Nakasendo retains its historic character in its beautiful post towns.

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Hakuba

Hakuba

Nagano's best green season sports destination

Well-established as one of Japan's premier winter sports destination, Hakuba is emerging as a mecca for green season sports enthusiasts.

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Zenko-ji Temple

Zenko-ji Temple

The spiritual heart of Nagano with a hidden secret

Established in 642, Zenko-ji is one of Japan's oldest and most important Buddhist temples and welcomes visitors of any faith or background.

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Jigokudani Monkey Park

Jigokudani Monkey Park

Visit Nagano's world-famous monkeys

Accessible via Nagano City using train or bus, the monkeys come to the park all year round.

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Amenities

Walking trails
Information center
Restaurants & Cafes
Gift shops
Accommodation
Camping

Common Space Amenities

Public Toilets

Access

Public Transport

Shin-Shimashima Station60 min by bus
Matsumoto Station120 min by bus & train
Takayama Station60 min by bus

Popular Attractions

Hirayu/Okuhida Onsen30 min drive
Takayama60 min drive
Matsumoto Castle90 min drive

Kamikochi: Walk in the Valley of the Gods

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