Visiting the *Other* Alps (In Japan)

Kamikochi is the STAR of the Southern Japanese Alps. If you've been creeping on this blog, you know I love the Japanese Alps.

Kappa bridge!

Kamikochi was my introduction into this beautiful Swiss-esque part of Japan, and is a perfect spot for the fledgling outdoorsman. There are hotels, restaurants, onsens, and beer on tap for those who prefer the glamping life.

Don't be fooled by the amenities, some hikes are very difficult and there are campsites further into the park for the intrepid backpacker.

Timing

Kamikochi is not open all year round due to the impressive snowfall every winter. Always check the Kamikochi website for opening and closing times, which can change based on the amount of snowfall that year. For 2025, the park is open from April 17 - Nov 15.

Because of the elevation, Kamikochi can get fairly cold. You can refer to the below weather chart to know what the average temp will be when you visit!

Autumn

We went to Kamikochi in early October and the winter chill was already biting. The autumn leaves were gorgeous, but the rain was almost nonstop. I'd love to come back in July so we can escape the humidity in Tokyo.

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Tokyo to Kamikochi

As like many Japanese National Parks, private vehicles are limited. Most people arrive by bus, or train and then bus.

1. Direct bus from Tokyo (5-7hrs). Total = 5-7hrs

2. Train from Tokyo to Matsumoto City (2.5hrs) train to Shin-Shimashima (30min) then bus to Kamikochi (1hr). Total = 4hrs

3. Bus from Tokyo to Matsumoto City (3.5hrs) train to Shin-Shimashima (30min) then bus to Kamikochi (1hr). Total = 5hrs

4. Drive to Sawando Parking Area or Hirayu Parking Area (4hrs) then bus or taxi to Kamikochi (25min). Total = 4.25hrs

For an in depth description of how to get to Kamikochi, check out the official site.

We took the cheap, but not as efficient route (3). This involved a bus to Matsumoto and then the train to Shin-Shimashima and another bus to Kamikochi. The bus is more affordable, but takes a bit longer, and can run late especially if you're leaving on a holiday weekend.

On the way back we decided to take the direct bus from Kamikochi to Shinjuku. It was a little more expensive at ¥10,400 each, but worth it for the convenience of not having to transfer so many times.

Monkeys often walk along the pathways and are not afraid of the human visitors at all.

Kamikochi Campsites

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Since this was our first time in Kamikochi we decided to stay at the campsite close to the train station, Konashidaira Camping Area. It was about a 10 min walk from the bus stop.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/b46b23_6292b8b7d9dc44d5b949596eb0a29326/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

The constant rain from the safety of our tent.

Amenities

Food

Konashidaira Campsite has a little shop if you forget anything or want a hot sake to help you sleep in the cold. There are also a couple restaurants and cafes around the Kappa Bridge area. As well as a delicious smelling pie shop and a bar with craft beer.

Hotels

Keep in mind where you want to stay around Kamikochi. The bus terminal is marked on the above map. Cars do not go any further into the park so you have to walk to all accommodations. For example, the Tokusawa Area is about a 1.5 hour walk from bus terminal. And Yokoo Area is about a 2.5 hour walk.

List of accommodations around Kamikochi.

Ryokans (nicer hotels)

Taisyoike Hotel

Kamikochi Imperial Hotel

Kamikochi Onsen Hotel

Kamikochi Lemeiesta Hotel

Gsenjaku Hotel

Hotel Shirakabaso

Kamikochi Alpen Hotel

Nakanoyu Onsen Ryokan

Sakamaki Spa Inn

Lodges (more affordable hotels)

The Park Lodge Kamikochi

Nishi-Itoya Mountain Lodge

Kamikochi Myojinkan

Kamonjigoya

Yama no Hidaya

Tokusawaen

Tokusawa Lodge

Yokoo Sanso

Campsites

Konashidaira Campsite

Tokusawa Campsite

Yokoo Campsite

Onsens

One of the best things about camping in Japan is the easy access to onsens nearby campsites. Below is a map of the onsens from Konashidaira Campsite.

We went to the Konashidaira Campsite onsen nearly every night as it was a Godsend to be able to get out of the cold rain.

Must See Hikes

Mt. Yakedake

Difficulty

Starting from Kappa Bridge, you can make the ascent up to Mt. Yakedake, Kamikochi's only volcanic summit. The Kamikochi website says this hike is "beginner level" but the hike contained multiple ladders and chains, was 6.4m long with a 944m elevation gain. It took us all day and I wish we had brought the Jetboil for a hot drink when we reached the top.

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Climbing Mt. Yakedake

Myōjin First Pond

Difficulty

A lovely flat stroll up the Azusa River and across the Myojin Bridge will give you gorgeous views of the valley. It takes Around 50 min one way to reach Myōjin First Pond from Kappa bridge. I'd recommend walking through the torii gate, admiring the lakes, praying at the small shrine, and stopping for a grilled fish lunch at Kamonjigoya.

If you want to extend your walk, you can keep going to the second campsite, Tokusawa Campground. This will take you about 1.5 hours one way.

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Check out these other worthwile hikes here! But be wary sometimes the hikes are more strenuous than described.

TLDR

Kamikochi is a beautiful and popular destination in the Japanese Alps. The campsites are easily accessible and have everything for a beginner camper. There are hikes for those of every skill level and multiple onsens to relax in. It's the perfect weekend getaway to escape the hot summers in Tokyo.