- Meeting at 7:50 (in front of MiniStop (Meieki Tsubakicho branch) at the Taiko-dori exit of JR Nagoya station)
- 8:00 Departure
- 11:30–12:00 (approx. arrival time) Arrive at Kamikōchi for hiking (stop for approx. 3.5 hr after arrival)
- Recommended route ①: Taisho ike pond > Tashiro pond > Kappa-bashii bridge > Kamikochi bus terminal
- Recommended route ②: Kamikochi bus terminal > Kappa bridge > Takezawa marsh > Myojin bridge > Hotaka-jinja Okunomiya & Myojin pond > Kamikochi bus terminal
- 3:00-3:30 p.m. (approx. return meeting time) Meeting and return to Nagoya (specific return time subject to the guide's actual notice on the day)
- Disperse at the meeting location around 19:30, concluding the pleasant itinerary.
※ Kamikōchi is a renowned and highly popular hiking destination in Japan. We recommend travelers choose one of the two branch routes, either Taisho Ike Pond or Myojin Pond, based on their physical fitness, combined with a meal break, to enjoy a relaxed and comfortable hiking experience. If planning to cover both attractions, sufficient physical stamina and time allocation are required. It is advisable to prepare portable hiking bento in advance to reduce the duration of replenishment during the itinerary.
※ [Pre-trip notice] The pre-trip notice email containing the tour leader's contact info, vehicle license plate details, meeting location map and related notes will be sent between 19:00-22:00 (Japan time) the night before your trip. Please check it promptly and also look in your spam folder. During peak season, email delivery may be slightly delayed. If you receive multiple emails, please refer to the content of the last one sent.
- Kamikochi hiking trail map
Taisho ike pond was formed in 1915 when lava from the eruption of mount yakedake blocked a tributary of the azusa river. The crystal-clear water mirrors the peaks of the hotaka mountain range, while the withered trees in the pond, along with the surrounding birch and larch forests, create a unique landscape. The scenery is particularly stunning during the fall foliage season, when the rich layers of colors emerge.
[Tashiro pond] Tashiro pond and Taisho ike pond are both barrier lakes, forming a shallow wetland. The fresh greenery in May, yellow leaves in October, and thin ice in late fall create breathtakingly beautiful scenery.
Kappa-bashii bridge is a 36.6 m long and 3.1 m wide wooden suspension bridge spanning the Azusa River, serving as a landmark of Kamikochi. From the bridge, looking upstream, you can see the towering peaks of Nishihotaka-dake, Okuhotaka-dake, Maehotaka-dake, and Myojin-dake, all reaching elevations of around 3,001 m. Looking downstream, you can spot the smoking Yake-dake volcano.
Myojin pond is located about a 60-minute walk upstream along the Azusa River from Kappa-bashii Bridge. This area is known as the sacred precinct of Hotaka-jinja Okunomiya. As the holy pond of Hotaka-jinja Okunomiya, it consists of two ponds (First Pond and Second Pond) and is famous for its crystal-clear waters reflecting the Hotaka mountain range. This iconic attraction in the Japanese Alps offers serene surroundings embraced by nature. The view of Mount Myojin from Myojin Bridge is equally spectacular, attracting numerous photography enthusiasts.
The pond's name originates from "Myojin" (mountain deity). Legend has it that a divine dragon inhabits the pond's depths, and Hotaka-jinja Okunomiya holds annual************ceremonies here.
Gakuzawa marshland is located along the upper reaches of the Azusa River in Kamikochi, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. It is renowned for its pristine wetland ecosystem and distinct seasonal views. The gentle trail offers stunning mountain views of the Hotaka mountain range and Mount Yake. The fall foliage and winter frost views are particularly famous.
Hotaka-jinja okunomiya is a branch shrine of Hotaka shrine, dedicated to the deity of mountain worship. The main shrine building, constructed in 1778, features the unique "goken-sha nagare-zukuri" architectural style with a distinctive roof structure. The shrine preserves iron lion-dog statues from the Kamakura period, designated as important national cultural properties.