At a Glance
Enjoy a short break that epitomizes the Kamikochi and Japan's Alps experience. With clear skies, spectacular mountains, and bright blue river streams, this 2-day walk offers you some of the best hikes in Japan.
Kamikochi is the crown jewel of the Japanese Alps and one of Japan’s most famous hiking destinations. This high mountain valley is located in the Northern Japan Alps in Chubu Sangaku National Park. The surrounding mountains reach 3,190 m, which creates a stunningly magnificent background with the beautiful aquamarine Azusa River in the foreground. Open only from April to November, the valley is flocked to by nature lovers and hikers.
The crafted two day package incorporates one day walking in Kamikochi valley and one day mountain hiking. Your experienced guide will tailor the walking program to suit your ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 1x breakfast, 2x lunch, 1x dinner. Enjoy the traditional multi-course dinner featuring fresh fish and mountain vegetables from the mountain area
- Return transfer to/from Matsumoto. We can arrange pickup from other places at additional cost
- One night accommodation at Hotel Shirakabaso with Japanese styles room on a twin share basis (single supplement available at addition expense)
- Guided Kamikochi & Mt Norikura walking tours with an English speaking guide
Itinerary
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Your guide will pick up from your Matsumoto accommodation in the morning and transfer you to Kamikochi. We can arrange pickup from other places. Please contact us for quote. Kamikochi is a remote mountainous highland valley within the Hida Mountains range and is the crown jewel of the Japanese Alps. This is a very popular place for mountain trekking. You have three walking options to choose to fit your fitness levels. Option 1 walking distance: approx. 4.2 km, 1.5 hours. Route: Taisho Pond - Tashiro Marsh Wetland - Hotaka and Tashiro Bridge - Azusa River - Kappa Bridge Option 2 walking distance: approx. 10.5 km, 3 - 4 hours. Route: Taisho pond - Tashiro Marsh Wetland - Hotaka and Tashiro Bridge - Azusa River - Myojin Bridge - Myojin Pond- Dakesawa Marshland - Kappa Bridge Option 3 walking distance: approx. 13.3 km, 5 - 6 hours. Route: Kappa bridge - Furu Pond - Tokusawa - Myojin/Myojin Pond - Nature Tour Track - Dakasawa Marshaland Each course will take you to some of the best scenic spots in Kamikochi and you can fully appreciate nature. Main Scenic Spots: Taisho Pond is one of the most popular scenic points in Kamikochi. It was formed in the year 1915 when the volcano Yakedake (still active) erupted and formed a natural dam on the Kamikochi River. The reflections of Mt. Hotaka and Yakedake beautifully appear on the surface of pond against clear sky. Passing Taisho Pond and following hiking trail in the deep forest for a short distance, Tashiro Pond suddenly appears. one of Kamikochi's most scenic spots, is a small pond surrounded by marshland. Clear water reflects beautiful sky and towering mountains. Various wild flowers covers the edge of the pond in every season. Tashiro Bridge & Hotaka Bridge are both well-designed and environmentally-friendly bridges, made of Japanese larch and cypress. The magnificent view of Yakedake and Hotakadake can be seen from the shoal of Azusa River between Tashiro and Hotaka Bridges. Kappa Bridge is a wooden suspension bridge and known as a symbolic presence of Kamikochi situated in the center of Kamikochi. A perfect observation desk where you can overlook the stunning Japanese Alps including summits of Nishihotakadake, Okuhotakadake and Myojindake, towering mountains over 3000 meters above sea level. Look toward the downstream, Yakedake with slight smoke coming out from its volcanic activity. Walk along Azusa River from Kappa Bridge for about one hour, you will reach Myojin Pond. The crystal clear water is always spring out from under ground and have great significance to the Shinto religion which holds nature as a central object of worship. The scenery of Myojin Pond is reminded of Japanese Zen garden with Hotaka Shrine Inner Alter located by the pond, bamboo bush along the lakeside, and the reflection of Mt. Myojindake and natural rocks spotted on the lake. After conclude the walk, your guide will drop you off at Hotel Shirakabaso. Your accommodation is by the famous Kappabashi-bridge. Your Japanese/western style room offers spectacular view of the Hotaka mountain. Enjoy the traditional multi-course dinner featuring fresh fish and mountain vegetables from the mountain area. Room Style: Western/Japanese Style Bed Type: Twin beds/Futon Bath: Indoor Bath Toilet: Ensuite Western style |
Hotel Shirakabaso
Lunch, Dinner |
After breakfast, your guide will pick you up from your accommodation and transfer you to Mt. Norikura. Today, you will enjoy the magnificent Japanese Alps. Mt. Norikura, a range of 23 peaks in the Japanese Alps, provides hiking trails for all abilities. Kengamine is the highest peak (3,026 meters) of the range and a great day hike. Your experienced guide will tailor the walking program to suit your fitness levels. Mt. Norikura is the third tallest volcano located on the borders of Gifu and Nagano prefectures in Japan. It is popular scenic spots with beautiful mountain vistas, lush forests, cascading waterfalls and attractive hiking trails. Today's hike is about five hours. The starting point is Tatmindaira, where you will hike up to Katanokoya mountain hut. This section is easy. Along the way, the view of Alps is magnificent. Once reach the peak of Norikura, you will be rewarded with the spectacular view from all directions, to the north the Kita (Northern) Alps and to the southeast are the Chuo (Middle) Alps and Minami (Southern) Alps. Also about 20 km south is Mt. Ontake. Next, you walk down the hill back to Katanokoya mountain hut and walk through alpine meadow for couple of hours. Your guide will drop you off at Matsumoto hotel. |
NoneBreakfast, LunchDates & Prices
Daily departure on request from April to November. Please contact us to book if you have a group of more than 12 people.
More Info
- The departure point is Matsumoto
- The finishing point is Matsumoto
How to travel between Matsumoto and Tokyo
By direct JR limited express train: JR "Azusa" and "Super Azusa" limited express trains require just over 2.5 hours for the journey between Tokyo's Shinjuku Station and Matsumoto.
By highway bus: Highway buses operate hourly between Tokyo (Shinjuku Bus Terminal) and Matsumoto (Matsumoto Bus Terminal near Matsumoto Station). The one way trip takes just over three hours.
Day 1: 4 - 13 km Kamikochi walking options. Tailored walking itinerary to suit your fitness level
Day 2: Mt. Norikura Hike full day
Japan's weather and climate features four distinct seasons.
Spring is from March to May. It's perhaps one of the very best times to visit Japan as temperatures are pleasantly warm without being too hot, with daytime temperatures ranging between 21°C to 26°C. The country is ablaze with beautiful white and pink cherry blossom and plenty festivals to enjoy.
Summer is from June to August and the country experiences a three to four-week rainy season. It is hot and humid during this time and temperatures are often in the high 30’s. If you plan on visiting Japan during the summer weather, northern areas such as Hokkaido or the mountains of Tohoku or Chubu are the most comfortable places to escape the heat.
Autumn is from September to November and is characterised by light breezes and cooler temperatures of around 8-10°C. It is also a wonderful time to visit Japan. The country turns into a haven of red and scarlet leaves which contrast strikingly against the deep blue clear skies and almost as impressive as the stunning cherry blossoms.
Winter is from December to February. It is a magical time to visit as the landscape is turned white with snow. It's the perfect time to go skiing or check out the hot springs, especially venture to the ski slopes of Hokkaido or Nagano. It's Okinawa is a great place to visit during the winter as it is not quite as cold as the rest of Japan’s weather.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
