There are many ways to enjoy Kamikochi in the summer. Due to its high elevation, summer in Kamikochi tends to be much cooler than the city areas, and is comfortable for those who enjoy long hiking. Some hiking routes take several hours and potentially can span over a few days, but if you just want to take your time and spare your energy, there are other alpine hiking areas such as Senjojiki Cirque which require less intense hiking with equally stunning views.
How to get to Kamikochi:
Kamikochi can be reached through the Takayama (Okuhida area), Nagano (Matsumoto area), or directly from Tokyo (Shinjuku).
Note: Kamikochi is closed to private cars and can only be accessed by bus, bicycle, or taxi.
| Boarding Area | Time Taken | Price (one way/ adults) | Reservation Site |
| Tokyo (Shinjuku Station) | ~5 hours | from 8,000 yen | Direct bus |
| Tokyo (Shibuya Station) *Night bus only | ~7hr 20 mins | from 12,000 yen | Direct bus |
| Matsumoto (Matsumoto Bus Terminal) | ~2 hours | from 4,000 yen | Direct bus |
| Takayama (Nohi Bus Center) | ~1hr 25 mins | 3,000 yen | Direct bus |
| Takayama (Hirayu Bus Terminal) | ~25 mins | 1,500 yen | Direct bus |
*Buses departing from Matsumoto to Kamikochi all require a reservation before boarding.
Summer Weather in Kamikochi
Temperatures up to 10° cooler than Tokyo
Starting early summer, the temperature often averages around 24° C (75°F) and is comfortable enough for just a light jacket. During this time most hikers often wear even short sleeves and breathable clothes as its warm but not too hot. Summer months in Japan are technically quite brutal, but since Kamikochi is located in the Northern Alps, the air is refreshing and cool due to the high elevation and water basins.
Escape the heat in Tokyo! (FREE rest spots and indoor activities)
If you’re looking for some ideas to keep cool and to kill time around Tokyo, there are plenty of spaces near Shibuya. Plus–cooler climates like Kamikochi and Kusatsu can be reached by bus directly from Shibuya!
Popular Hiking Routes in Kamikochi
For those looking for more challenging hiking routes, summer is one of the best seasons to hike in Kamikochi. In early spring, there is the chance there might still be snow from the previous winter months, however May-September is generally considered the most comfortable weather for hiking in Japan.
Mt.Yake (Yakedake)
Mt.Yake is an one of the more well known and frequently hiked volcanos in the area. The hike is considered as intermediate level, with much rocky terrain and ladders.
Elevation: 2,455 meters
Duration: 6 hours (roundtrip)
Karasawa Cirque
Karasawa Cirque is also a very famous intermediate level base camp area located within a valley. Once reaching the cirque, you can buy food and there is also limited lodging.
Elevation: 2,350 meters
Duration: 12 hours round trip
Highway Bus to Kamikochi
Every day, several highway buses from Shinjuku depart to Kamikochi. Simply board the bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal. We recommend buying a ticket in advance to save time.
An Alternative Easy Hiking Area: Senjojiki Cirque
If you want to enjoy the mountain views of the alps but are worried about being physically capable to withstand multiple hours of hiking, another more family-friendly alternative is Senjojiki Cirque.
What is Senjojiki Cirque?
Senjojiki Cirque is located 2,612 meters high and is one of the most popular mountaintop alpine areas located in Nagano prefecture. Compared to Kamikochi and the hiking routes around Takayama, reaching the peak of this mountain requires no prior preparation. Getting to Senjojiki Cirque is accessible by ropeway, making it friendly even for beginners, and there are even higher end hotels, restaurants, and bathrooms located nearby the summit/hiking routes.
Where is Senjojiki Cirque?
Senjojiki Cirque (千畳敷カール) is located south of Kamikochi, near Komagane City in the Central Alps of Nagano. From Shinjuku, in about 4 1/2 hours, you can take a highway bus to Senjojiki Cirque or take the local bus directly from Komagane City. Once at the peak you can walk around and drink hot drinks and food, and if you stay in the area during night, you can also enjoy some beautiful stargazing.
How to get to Senjojiki Cirque
Other Activities in Kamikochi
Praying at Myojin Pond
One of the most famous photo spots in Kamikochi is Myojin Pond. While entrance to the ponds sanctuary is about 300 yen, the view is well worth it. Around the area is also a shrine and country style eatery.
E-bike Cycling
If you’re up for a challenge, you can cycle to Kamikochi, but you must park your bicycle at the parking lot in Kamikochi (cycling within the park is prohibited). Nearby, the onsen area Okuhida has rental cycles which can be rented on a daily basis. Read more here
Guided Tours
There are several tour operators located in the Nagano and Takayama area. Places such as AWAWA Hirayu occasionally hold bicycle tours while there are also informational walking tours that can be found on Viator.
Highway Bus Reservations to Kamikochi and Senjojiki Cirque
Buses departing to Kamikochi and Senjojiki Cirque can be made at highwaybus.com. Highwaybus.com also has other routes to famous spots like Mt.Fuji, Kawaguchiko, Kusatsu Onsen, Takayama and more!
Kamikochi bus route:
1. Make a reservation for the Shinjuku-Kamikochi Line to Kamikochi
2. Depart from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (located right across JR Shinjuku)
Senjojiki Cirque bus route:
1. Make a reservation for the Shinjuku- Ina Ida Line for Komagane Bus Terminal
2. Depart from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (located right across JR Shinjuku)
3. Get off the bus at Komagane Bus Terminal and walk to Suzuran-dori Bus Stop
4. Take the local bus to Shirabidaira
5. From Shirabidaira, take the Komagatake Ropeway to Senjojiki Cirque
