Kamikochi will soon open for the season with bus service from Matsumoto starting on April 17th. There will be limited facilities open until the Grand Opening Ceremony takes place at the Kappa Bridge on April 27th. All facilities will be open after that. The park will be open to visitors until November 15, 2026.
Why Visit Kamikochi?
Whether you are a seasoned adventurer or just want to spend a relaxing day in nature, there are many reasons to visit beautiful Kamikochi. The Kappa Bridge spans the Azusa River a short walk from the bus terminal. This is a popular photo spot with fantastic views of the mountains. Easy hikes will take you to Taisho Pond and Myojin Pond. Each hike takes roughly 1 hour but are relatively flat. With some planning and preparation, more adventurous visitors may want to climb Mt Yakedake, and active volcano which is a popular day hike accessible from the bus terminal.
The area around the kappa bridge contains numerous shops, cafes and hotels. Visitors can purchase locally made snacks such as oyaki (a kind of dumpling) and of course, ice cream. The hotels contain hot springs and some are available for day visitors as well as hotel guests.
Rules and Access
Kamikochi is located in the Chubu Sangaku National Park. In order to preserve the natural environment, there are some rules that visitors are asked to follow.
- Please refrain from collecting plants or living creatures.
- Please do not feed wild animals and do not litter.
- Please don’t bring any pets into the park and stay on the designated paths.
- Bicycles and drones are not permitted in the park.
The park is only accessible by bus. The National Park Liner runs directly from Matsumoto Bus terminal to Kamikochi. Alternatively, it is possible to take a train from Matsumoto Station to Shin-Shimashima station and catch a bus to Kamikochi from there. To return to Matsumoto, take a bus from the Kamikochi Bus Terminal to Shin-Shimashima Station, then take the train into Matsumoto. There is no direct bus returning to the city. If you have a car, you can drive to Sawando Parking area and take a bus from there. All buses require a reservation.
Whether you want a day full of hiking or just want to pamper yourself in beautiful surroundings, a trip to Kamikochi is well worth your time.
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