What other travelers are saying about Autumn Leaves Viewing (Koyo)
Kamikochi is absolutely breathtaking. The scenery is incredibly beautiful, with crystal-clear rivers, mountains, and forests that feel almost unreal.
The trails are very nice and easy to walk, making it perfect even for beginners or a relaxed hike. Everything is well maintained and clearly laid out.
Do note that there are signposts warning about bears, so it’s important to stay alert and maybe bring your own bell 😆.
Your experience depends a lot on the weather. On a clear day, the views are stunning, but clouds or rain can hide the mountains, so timing matters. Went here twice and the first was a winner while the last time, the clouds cover the mountains in the backdrop.
Overall, it’s a must-visit place in Japan for anyone who loves beautiful scenery and peaceful nature.
More about Autumn Leaves Viewing (Koyo) from our blog
Frequently Asked Questions
The timing varies by region, with northern areas like Hokkaido peaking in early October, while central and southern areas, including Kyoto and Tokyo, typically peak in mid to late November.
Popular spots include Kyoto’s temples and gardens, Nikko’s national park, the Fuji Five Lakes area, and the alpine regions like Kamikochi and the Japan Alps.
Yes, many guided tours are available, offering insights into the cultural and natural significance of the locations, along with the best viewing spots.
Comfortable walking shoes, a camera, warm clothing for the cooler weather, and a map of the area are essential. Binoculars can also enhance the experience.
Popular spots can get crowded, especially on weekends and public holidays. Visiting on weekdays or early in the morning can provide a more serene experience.
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.
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.
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
We visited Kamikochi on the very last day before the winter closure and it was a truly an unforgettable experience.
We took the unreserved bus from Takayama, which was straightforward and convenient. We spent our day walking the trail towards Myojin Pond. The path is well-maintained and offers stunning views of the Azusa River and the Alps. The scenery is world-class and it’s a perfect day trip for anyone staying in the Gifu/Nagano area.
Tip: If you're traveling here, just be mindful of the bus schedules back to Takayama/Matsumoto to ensure you don't miss the final departure!
