A very detailed review of a trip to Kamikochi.

Kamikochi, Nagano Japan

Kamikochi is one of the most beautiful natural tourist destinations in Japan. It is located between Matsumoto and Takayama in Nagano Prefecture. It is a plateau that stretches along the Azusa River for 15 km, surrounded by high mountains and lush forests.

Kamikochi is only open from mid-April to mid-November (April 17 - November 15). It is closed during the winter.

Getting there
▪️For those who don't have much time, you can take a bus from Tokyo. There are 2 rounds: 7:15 (arriving at 12:02) and 22:25 (arriving at 05:20).
- It takes about 5 hours and costs ~10,000 yen/trip.
- For the return trip, there are rounds at 14:30, 15:30, and 16:50.
- You can buy tickets online 1 month in advance.
- You can board the bus on the 4th floor of the Shinjuku Express Bes Terminal.

▪️ For those traveling from Matsumoto City
- Take the “National Park Liner” bus from Matsumoto Bus Terminal all the way to Kamikochi. There are 2 rounds: 05:30 (arrives at 07:05) and 10:15 (arrives at 11:55). You can buy tickets online 1 month in advance. The fare is 4,000 yen.
- Take the Alpico Kamikochi line from JR Matsumoto Station and get off at Shin-Shimashima Station. Then take a bus to Kamikochi. This way, there are trains and buses leaving every hour. The fare (train + bus) is 3,260 yen. You cannot book tickets in advance. You must buy them on the day of travel. The tickets you buy can be used to board any train or bus. Within the day of purchase

Drop-off point
▪️If you want to go hiking to study nature, you can get off at Taicho-ike Pond. The walking distance is about 3-4 km to Kappa Bridge. It is an easy path to walk and enjoy the view. Along the way, there are restrooms and rest areas. You will pass
-Taisho Pond
-Tashiro-Ike Pond
-Hotaka Mountain Rank
-Azusa River
-Kappa Bridge
▪️Get off at Kamikochi Bus Terminal. This is a point for those who do not want to walk far or have elderly people. This point is a large bus stop. Walk to Kappa Bridge for about 5 minutes.

On the way back to Matsumoto City
-There is no direct bus. You have to take a bus and then transfer to the train at the station. Shin-Shimashima only. You can book tickets online 1 month in advance or buy tickets at Kamikochi bus station. There are trains and buses every hour. Price 3260 yen

I personally chose to travel from Matsumoto by train and bus both ways.

📷 : 16/10/67

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