Kamikochi – A Place of Special Importance
Nature worship has always played an important role in Japanese culture. Stemming from Japan’s native religion of Shintoism, natural features including mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and many trees and stones have long been seen as sacred and imbued with a divine nature. Indeed prior to the introduction of Buddhism and the Buddhist tradition of building temples, the ancient form of Shintoism known as ‘Ko-shinto’, did not construct temples and shrines but worshiped at or revered natural features.
Shintoism continues the tradition of nature worship today with many if not most Shinto shrines standing in close proximity to notable natural features. Rising over 3000 meters, Mt Hotaka is said to be where a god, Hotakami-no-Mikoto, descended to Earth. Indeed the name Kamikochi can be translated as, “place where the god(s) descended”. Shrines now honour that god or spirit, in the shadow of the imposing mountain.
Private Tour
| [START FROM NAGANO/MATSUMOTO] Private Wasabi-Picking Experience & Kamikochi | |
| Period | May to November |
| Time | 09:00 – 18:30 |
| Meeting Place | Matsumoto Station |
| Price | ¥120,000 ~ / group |
Japanese folklore tells that mountains are the source of human souls; born atop the mountain and flowing down rivers to bring life and prosperity to the human world below. As the domain of the gods, mountains have long been revered and also feared in Japan – places where only ascetics or the most hardened, wild people would venture.
During the long period of peace known as the Edo era (1600-1868), mountaineering gained increased popularity amongst Japanese commoners as a way of expressing religious sentiments and gaining a respite from the doldrums of daily life. The notion of mountains as a place of pure recreation was introduced by Europeans from the mid-19th Century onward. Remarking that the Hida Mountains reminded him of their European counterparts, British surveyor William Gowland coined the term “North Japan Alps” before it was popularised by Rev. Walter Weston with the publication of his now famous book, ‘Mountaineering and Exploration in the Japanese Alps’ in 1896. Overtime, the term came to be applied to all mountains in the Hida, Kiso and Akaishi Mountain ranges as the “Japan Alps”.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto: Kamikochi & Matsumoto Castle | |
| Period | April to November |
| Time | 08:15 – 18:30 |
| Meeting Place | Nagano Station Matsumoto Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥23,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,900 |
Within those mountains, the Chubu Sangaku National Park was established in 1934 as one of the eight original national parks in Japan. Incorporating many notable natural sites such as Mt Tateyama and Mt Norikura, Kamikochi was also included in the park, deemed a ‘Place of Scenic Beauty’ and a ‘Special Natural Monument’, and thus afforded protected status. Today, restrictions on the entry and flow of visitors are in place to preserve the pristine nature of the valley and important plants and animals found there.
Yet for Japanese, Kamikochi remains a place of spiritual significance and a true domain of the gods. As you walk through the valley or (should you choose to) climb into the mountains, take that knowledge with you. You are walking through the very heart of Japan.
15 THINGS TO DO IN KAMIKOCHI & WHERE TO STAY
Kamikochi is one of Japan’s most captivating outdoor destinations. Following the Azusa River, the alpine valley has leisurely walking trails leading to iconic views of natural features including Taisho-ike, Myojin-ike and multiple mountains including Mount Yakedake, Mount Yari and most famously, the triple-peaked Mount Hotaka. Our ’15 Things To Do In Kamikochi & Where To Stay’ page has lots of suggestions of things to do and see, including accommodation listings, in and around Kamikochi.
BOOK WITH US! NAGANO’S NO.1 TOUR & CHARTER OPERATOR
Based in Nagano and operating all year round, we are Nagano’s No.1 tour and charter operator. We have the local knowledge of where to go, when to go and what to do when you’re there to make sure you get the most out of your adventure in Kamikochi and Central Japan! As a registered travel agent we can arrange experiences and tours, transport, accommodation and inclusive packages at the destinations listed above. So no matter what you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered including getting you to the best destinations and events in the region. For more information, see our ‘Make It Easy – Join A Guided Tour To Kamikochi’ page.
