Happy Mountain Day: 6 Reasons to Visit Kamikochi, Japan’s Picture-Perfect Alpine Valley
Happy Mountain Day: 6 Reasons to Visit Kamikochi, Japan’s Picture-Perfect Alpine Valley
Carissa Loh
Published on 5 August 2024
Updated on 5 August 2024
Nature
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Every year on 11 August (or 12 August if 11 August falls on a Sunday), Japan celebrates Mountain Day (山の日 Yama-no-Hi), a national holiday dedicated to appreciating the country’s abundant and beautiful mountains. For those seeking a serene yet exhilarating escape into nature, there’s no better place to visit than Kamikochi (上高地), a stunning alpine valley located in the Japanese Alps. Did you know? The Inaugural National Ceremony for Mountain Day held in Kamikochi in 2016
Nestled within the Chubu Sangaku National Park in Nagano Prefecture (長野県), Kamikochi offers a variety of breathtaking landscapes and activities that make it a must-visit destination. Here are six compelling reasons to explore this picture-perfect highland region!
Kamikochi is surrounded by some of the most majestic peaks in Japan. The valley itself sits at an elevation of about 1,500m, providing visitors with awe-inspiring vistas of towering mountains. The most iconic of these is the Hotaka Mountain Range (穂高連峰), which includes Mount Hotaka, one of Japan’s highest peaks at 3,190m.
The dramatic contrast between the lush valley floor and the rugged, sometimes snow-capped peaks creates a visually stunning environment that is perfect for photography, sketching, or simply admiring.
Flowing through the heart of Kamikochi is the Azusa River (梓川 Azusa-gawa), renowned for its remarkably clear waters. Fed by melting snow from Mount Yari (槍ヶ岳 Yarigatake), the river’s pristine condition offers such clear waters, in which visitors can often see the riverbed and the fish swimming within.
One of the most popular spots along the river is Kappa Bridge (河童橋 Kappabashi), a wooden suspension bridge that offers stunning views of both the river and the surrounding landscape. The tranquil sound of the flowing water adds to the valley’s serene ambiance, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and contemplation.
Kamikochi is a paradise for hikers of all skill levels, featuring a network of well-maintained trails that cater to both casual walkers and serious trekkers.
For beginners or those looking for a leisurely stroll, the flat terrain along the Azusa River is ideal. The path from Taisho Pond to Kappa Bridge, Kamikochi’s most popular route, offers easy, flat hiking with plenty of scenic spots to rest and take in the views.
More experienced hikers can challenge themselves with routes that ascend towards the surrounding peaks, offering more strenuous, multi-day treks with rewarding panoramic vistas. Regardless of the path you choose, the well-marked trails and abundant natural beauty ensure a memorable hiking experience.
Kamikochi’s unique alpine environment supports a rich diversity of plant and animal life. The Japanese larch trees (カラマツ karamatsu) as especially gorgeous in autumn when they turn a beautiful golden yellow.
Bird watchers will delight in the variety of avian species, which include both resident and migratory species. Mammals such as the Japanese macaque and the Japanese serow, a goat-antelope native to Japan, can also be spotted. This biodiversity offers visitors the chance to observe and appreciate the intricacies of alpine ecosystems. However, beware of bears while hiking, as some have often been spotted in the vicinity!
Each season in Kamikochi brings its own unique charm. In spring, the valley awakens with fresh greenery and the bloom of wildflowers, with mountain peaks still covered in snow. Summer offers lush landscapes and a respite from the heat, making it the perfect time for hiking and exploring the trails. Autumn is particularly spectacular, as the foliage transforms into a brilliant tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows. The crisp air and clear skies of fall provide ideal conditions for photography and outdoor activities.
While Kamikochi is closed to visitors during the winter months due to heavy snowfall, you can join a snowshoe hiking tour, and the sight of snow-covered peaks from afar is a stunning winter wonderland. The seasonal variation ensures that every visit to Kamikochi is a unique and refreshing experience.
⑥ Spiritual and cultural significance
Kamikochi is not only filled with scenic natural beauty, but is also a place of deep spiritual and cultural significance. Its name literally means “the grounds where gods descended”, and comes from the arrival of the Shinto god “Hotaka no Mikoto” (穂高見命), who was believed to have descended on the nearby Mount Okuhotaka (奥穂高岳).
Myojin Shrine (明神神社), located near Myojin Bridge, is an important Shinto shrine dedicated to the God of the mountains. The serene setting of the shrine, coupled with the reflective waters of Myojin Pond, creates a peaceful atmosphere ideal for meditation and reflection.
Additionally, the legend of the kappa (河童), a mythical water creature said to inhabit the Azusa River, adds a touch of folklore to the valley’s allure. This is why there is the Kappa Bridge, and many kappa-themed souvenirs in the souvenir shops at Kamikochi. This blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage makes Kamikochi a destination that resonates with both the body and the soul.
Kamikochi is accessible by train and bus from Matsumoto (松本), with a journey time of about 1.5 hours. Private cars are not allowed in the valley to preserve its pristine environment, but ample parking is available at designated areas outside Kamikochi, with buses that visitors can ride into the valley.
If you are thinking of visiting Kamikochi, check out the JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area). Priced at ¥27,000 as of October 2023, this rail pass offers unlimited rail travel on JR East lines (including bullet trains) in the valid area for 5 consecutive days.
Whether you are an avid hiker, a nature lover, or someone seeking a peaceful retreat, Kamikochi offers a captivating blend of stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and cultural depth. This Mountain Day, celebrate by immersing yourself in the unparalleled beauty of one of Japan’s most picturesque alpine valleys. Kamikochi awaits, promising a rejuvenating and unforgettable experience!
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MEET THE AUTHOR
Carissa Loh
An avid traveller fond of solo adventures, Carissa (@ciramissa) has ventured to Japan 50+ times and explored all its 47 prefectures, yet she never runs out of reasons to return. An engineering major, her decade of experience in the tourism industry was inspired by volunteering for the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. While the nature-rich Eastern Japan has become her most-visited destination, she also delights in discovering charming, lesser-known towns across the country.
A railway enthusiast and hiking aficionado, Carissa dreams of riding all of Japan’s sightseeing train and climbing all its 100 Famous Mountains. Sounds like a lofty goal? Check back in 50 years.
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