Kamikochi is a scenic plateau at an elevation of 1,500m in Nagano. This plateau is surrounded by the northern Japanese Alps. Emerald green Azusa River flows through its center.
The weather here is still cold in April. Trees finally start to germinate in late May to June. Due to its high elevation, autumn already comes in late September and snow starts to fall in November. Therefore, the best time to visit Kamikochi is from June to August.
You can get Kamikochi by bus or taxi. To protect nature around the area, private cars are not allowed to enter here. If you travel by car, you need to leave your car at the designated parking lots and to take a bus from there to the destination.
Kappa Bridge is the symbol of Kamikochi, standing in the center of the area. You can see a spectacular view of the Hotaka Peaks and Azuma River from the bridge. The current suspension bridge was the fifth one that was built in 1997. Since many hotels, souvenir shops, and restaurants are situated around the bridge, the area is always crowded with visitors during the peak season.
A hiking trail stretch along both sides of the Azuma River. You can get to Myojin Pond when walking upstream from the central bus terminal and to Taisho Pond when walking downstream.
It will take about one hour and 50 minutes to get to Myojin Pond and Taisho Pond respectively. As these hiking trails are well-maintained and almost flat, even beginner hikers can comfortably walk along them. Please be aware that wild monkeys will occasionally present on these trails.
As a steep mountain trail starts after passing Tokusawa further up to Myojin Pond, please be careful not to walk too far. Maps and advice on the hiking trails are available at the tourist information center near the bus terminal.
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