Kamikochi

上高地

Kamikochi is a famous mountain highland in the Northern Japan Alps, inside Chubusangaku National Park, in Matsumoto City. Private cars are not allowed, which helps keep its nature clean and quiet. Local people have cared for the area since 1963. Visitors come for easy walks, hiking and mountain views from spring to autumn.

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Visitor information

Closed

Kamikochi can only be visited from mid-April to mid-November. It is closed by snow the rest of the year.

Getting there

You cannot drive your own car or a rental car into Kamikochi. Park at Sawando and take a shuttle bus or taxi.

Shuttle buses from Sawando reach Kamikochi in about 30 minutes.

From Matsumoto Station by train to Shin-Shimashima, then bus: about 1 hour 40 minutes in total.

Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.

Tips for Muslim visitors

Walking times: Taisho Pond to Kappa Bridge takes about 75 minutes, and Kappa Bridge to Myojin Pond about 60 minutes one way. The bus terminal is about 10 minutes from Kappa Bridge.
It is very busy from mid-July to mid-August and late September to late October; the rainy season (June to early July) or early November is quieter.
Kamikochi is open only from mid-April to mid-November; in winter no buses run and all facilities are closed.
Natural sites may have few facilities. Bring water, a travel prayer mat and a qibla app, and check the weather; mountains and lakes can be much colder than the city.
Restrooms for wudu can be far apart on trails. Many Muslim travellers carry a small water bottle for wudu.
Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Nagano and the verified places to pray nearby.
Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.