Kamikochi Nature Observation Events

Kamikochi 上高地 is a stunning slice of nature tucked within the Japanese Alps — a place where mountains, forests, rivers, and lakes combine to create an unforgettable experience. The valley sits about 1,500 meters above sea level and is surrounded by peaks over 3,000 meters high, which makes the scenery dramatic and breathtaking. Walking along the clear waters of the Azusa River or crossing the iconic Kappa Bridge gives a strong sense of calm and peace — the kind you rarely get near urban areas. For an easy and rewarding hike, the path from the valley entrance past the river toward places like Taisho Pond or Myojin Pond is ideal: mostly flat terrain, minimal effort needed, and abundant natural beauty throughout. What’s great is that Kamikochi isn’t just for experienced hikers — beginners, couples, or even those simply wanting a relaxed day in nature can enjoy it. The environment remains largely untouched, giving a genuine forest-and-mountain vibe, and the fresh air plus scenic views provide a refreshing break from everyday life. If you time it right — early morning or outside peak crowd hours — you’ll find moments of solitude and clarity that feel almost surreal. Given how accessible it is (via bus/train from nearby cities) and how rich the natural attractions are, Kamikochi easily becomes one of the top destinations for nature lovers visiting Japan. Overall: Kamikochi is a must-visit for anyone who values pure, majestic nature. It delivers on beauty, serenity, and accessibility — perfect for a day trip or a longer escape.

It was breathtakingly beautiful, with crystal-clear rivers, majestic peaks, and peaceful forest trails. A perfect escape into nature, offering serene walks, stunning views, and an unforgettable mountain atmosphere. However a lot depends on your luck due to weather. The weather changes frequently and clouds may ruin your view. We were fortunate to have a good view with few cloud cover so better to check weather in advance. You can go till Sawando bus terminal using your own car. After that you will have take the local bus or taxi as private cars as prohibited there. There are lots of paid parking spots in Sawando. Overall - Great experience with wonderful journey.

Visited Kamikochi in the fall, and it was absolutely breathtaking. The autumn colors were vibrant — golden leaves, crisp air, and the clear river made the entire scenery feel magical. The walking trails were peaceful and well-maintained, perfect for slow, scenic hikes. Even though it can get a bit crowded during peak foliage, the beauty of the valley makes it completely worth it. A must-visit spot in Japan if you love nature, especially in the fall season.

This national park is beautiful. Suites everybody including small children and elderly people. We did the 9.2 km hike and there were some nice views. It's easy to walk. You can choose to hike there if you prefer. We started the walk early so we met a lot of people when we finished. The park is so large that there are trails in which I imagin you don't meet a lot of people. The entrance is banned for private cars so you have to park in a designated parking and take a bus from there and back. The bus can be busy so take it into consideration

Truly the the nature and the atmosphere is so beautiful. The autumn colours are just started so you will find leaves in all the colours. It was pretty cold in the early morning (till 11:00). The food is pretty good and I really enjoyed the curry bun. They have facilities in the main attractions. You don’t find any garbage bins even at the shops so it’s better to carry a cover with you.