Peaceful and enjoyable with lovely cafe to enjoy before/after a hike. It took us 3.5 hours to summit Chogotake from here, 4km incline and 2km slightly easier incline. We saw a lot of older people doing the hike too. Well marked trail and many steps to help.
Located along the Azusa River in Kamikochi, upstream from Kappa Bridge and between Myojin and Yokoo, Tokuzawa is a tranquil area and a stopover point on the Kamikochi hiking trails. It's about an hour's walk from Kappa Bridge, past Myojin.
Tokuzawa was once a pasture, resulting in a vast, flat meadow rarely seen in Kamikochi. Surrounded by forests, this expansive green space offers stunning views of the majestic Byofu-iwa rock formation in the distance.
Today, Tokuzawa primarily functions as a campsite and important accommodation for hikers. It features Tokuzawa-en Sanso (offering accommodation and meals) and comprehensive camping facilities, making it an essential rest stop for hikers heading to Chodake, Yagayatake, and other trekking routes. Even without hiking, simply relaxing on the meadow and enjoying the unique tranquility and beauty of the high mountains is an extremely comfortable experience.
I stopped here on my way down from Chogatake, but it doesn't really feel like a trailhead. It's a pleasant distance for hiking from Kamikochi, and it's also a luxurious rest area for hikers.
I thought it would be nice to enjoy camping on the spacious grass. It's a well-known spot, but seeing it in person for the first time was even more pleasant than I'd imagined.
This was my second time visiting Kamikochi, and I finally got to try Tokuze! I'm so happy. Walking around admiring the red and yellow leaves was beautiful, but also tiring. There was a section with many monkeys, but if you just stay quiet and don't bother them, there's no problem; just coexist. Tokuze is great; it seems like there's a lot of planning going on there.
The hike typically takes around two hours but can vary depending on individual pace and trail conditions.
Yes, the number of visitors allowed at any given time is limited to preserve the area's tranquility and natural beauty. It is recommended that you make reservations in advance.
The area is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare plants such as Nirin-so flowers and various bird and animal species such as serows, deer, and monkeys. Please remember to respect their habitats during your visit.
Yes, visitors must follow the "Leave No Trace" principles of responsible outdoor recreation, including proper waste disposal and respecting nature. Also, smoking is strictly prohibited in the area.
Yes, visitors can also enjoy fishing in the Azusa River or relax and take in the beauty of the surroundings. However, a fishing permit is required and can be purchased at the Tokusawa Lodge.
