Often called the “Switzerland of Japan,” this beautiful destination in Nagano Prefecture is famous for its crystal-clear rivers, towering mountains, lush forests, and peaceful atmosphere, which will leave you wanting to come back as soon as you can. Last weekend, I finally had the chance to experience it for myself, and it was a trip I won’t forget.

On the Way to Kamikochi

Our adventure began much earlier than most people would expect when they think about going to Kamikochi. We joined a guided bus tour and met in front of the famous Hachiko Statue in Shibuya at around 12:30 a.m. until the whole tour attendees had arrived, and we were all ready for the 4 hours of traveling on the road. There were three buses for different groups, but everything was well organized by the tour staff as we were properly designated to different coasters with the opportunity to sit comfortably where we wanted. After everyone had checked in, we began our four-hour journey toward Kamikochi.

Along the way, we made a stop at a large service area around 2:00 a.m., and I was quite impressed that even with how late it was, the shops were open, making it easy to buy snacks, drinks, souvenirs, or anything we had forgotten to pack. There was also a food court and clean restrooms available, which really made it a comfortable place to take a short break before continuing the trip.

What To Bring for the Kamikochi Trip

Before the tour, we were advised to bring comfortable hiking shoes, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water. Surprisingly, although it was July, Kamikochi was much cooler than Tokyo, with that occasional whiff of cool breeze which pleasantly greeted us as soon as we arrived at our destination. The fresh mountain air and cool temperatures made the hike much more enjoyable, so I hardly needed my sunglasses or sunscreen at all.

Getting Around Taisho-ike Pond

As soon as we arrived at Taisho-ike Pond, it was easy to understand why Kamikochi is one of Japan’s most beautiful natural destinations. The scenery was breathtaking as tall pine trees lined the trails, while the river flowed with its famous bluish-green water not far from the hiking trail. In the distance, snow-capped mountains rose above the valley, creating a stunning contrast with the lush greenery. The mountains were not entirely covered in snow, but remnants of them appeared white in a few areas visible from us even from a distance.

One thing we noticed throughout the area was the number of bear warning signs and bear bells placed along the trails. Since Asian black bears live in the surrounding forests, visitors are encouraged to stay aware while hiking and to make sure to ring the bell every time we passed a certain stop. Luckily, we did not encounter any bears, and it was a pretty easy trek overall, and a crowd that respected the quiet and solemn nature of Japan’s hidden nature spots like Kamikochi.

We spent about two hours hiking, although the walk itself could have been much shorter. We stopped countless times to admire the scenery and take photos. Along the trail, we found a souvenir shop selling magnets, local snacks, and other souvenirs, making it easy to bring home a small reminder of the trip. There were also countless mountain resorts with several rooms that have large windows, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of the surroundings from the comforts of their cozy hotel room.

The Iconic Kappa-bashi Bridge

Eventually, we reached Kappa-bashi Bridge, the symbol of Kamikochi. Although it was quite crowded with visitors, the view was absolutely worth it. Standing on the bridge, we could admire the mountains, the clear river below, and the surrounding forests all in one breathtaking panorama. It was easily one of the highlights of the day.

After spending time around the bridge, we enjoyed lunch at one of the nearby food stalls selling all kinds of bottled drinks and snacks like meat buns and potato slices. I decided to try a burrito-style snack before taking a short break and enjoying the peaceful surroundings one last time, feeling very grateful that I was able to witness this breathtaking view without traveling too far from Tokyo.

Exploring Matsumoto Castle

Our adventure didn’t end there. Before heading back to Tokyo, our tour made one final stop at Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s oldest and most famous original castles. We spent about an hour walking around the castle grounds, taking photos, and appreciating the impressive black exterior that has earned it the nickname “Crow Castle.” We eventually decided it was best to stay outside, since there was an entrance fee and a waiting time of 40 minutes and we only had less than an hour to roam the palace grounds.

Why Kamikochi Is So Worth It

Although it was a long day that started just after midnight, the trip was well worth it. From the breathtaking scenery of Kamikochi to the historic beauty of Matsumoto Castle, it was a perfect combination of nature and history that did not break the bank or need an overnight stay. If you’re visiting Japan during the warmer months and want to experience some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes, Kamikochi is a destination that should definitely be on your travel list.

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