A Guide to Kamikochi in Winter
Kamikochi, located in the Northern Japan Alps, is one of Japan’s most famous mountain resorts. In spring and summer, many tourists flood to Kamikochi, enjoying the vibrant green scenery and crystal-clear waters. However, did you know there is actually a secret season to enjoy Kamikochi?
In winter, Kamikochi transforms into a silent, white wonderland, completely covered in snow due to the lack of tourists. It is breathtakingly beautiful, but visiting during this time requires serious preparation as the area is officially “closed” from mid-November to mid-April.
If you are an adventurous traveler looking for pristine snowscapes, this is everything you need to know about visiting Kamikochi in winter (including the risks involved).
What “Closed” in Kamikochi Means
Before heading off for Kamikochi, its best to keep in mind that Kamikochi is technically not a tourist destination in winter. It is quite a harsh winter mountain environment, recommended for people experienced with mountain terrains. Some risks Kamikochi poses in winter are:
- No Transport: Buses and taxis do not enter the park. They stop outside the entrance.
- No Facilities: All hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, and visitor centers are closed. There is nowhere to buy food or warm up.
- No Signal: Mobile phone reception can be spotty or non-existent in some areas.
- Risk: Temperatures can drop to -20°C (-4°F). Blizzards and avalanches are real dangers.
If you do not have winter hiking experience and proper gear (snowshoes, crampons, etc.), please do not attempt hiking this area.
How to Access Kamikochi in Winter
Since there are no direct buses into the park during the winter season, you will have to enter by foot through the tunnel which leads to Kamikochi, called Nakanoyu Gate.
NOTE: As there will be no transportation to Kamikochi, you will have to walk from Nakanoyu Gate after submitting a form to the security officer.
Google Maps
Step 1: Get to the Entrance of Nakanoyu Gate
First you will need to take a bus or taxi to the Nakanoyu (中の湯) bus stop.
- From Matsumoto (Matsumoto – Takayama Line): Take a bus headed for Takayama.
Boarding area: Matsumoto Bus Terminal
Bus reservations: here - From Takayama (Takayama – Matsumoto Line): Take a bus headed for Matsumoto.
Boarding area: Hirayu Bus Terminal
Bus reservations: here - Get off at: the stop: Nakanoyu
Step 2: The Hike Begins
From Nakanoyu to Kamikochi, you must hike around 3-4 hours.
- Kama Tunnel: You will need to walk through a long, steep, and dark tunnel (about 1.3 km) which during open seasons is usually used for cars and buses. During winter, a gate closes the road to vehicles, so it is safe to walk however a headlamp or flashlight is necessary.
- The Snow Road: After the tunnel, you will walk on the snow-covered road towards Taisho Pond and Kappa Bridge.
- Distance: It is approximately 7.5 km (4.6 miles) one way to Kappa Bridge.
- Time: Expect a 6 to 7-hour round trip walking in snow.
For more detailed information on the hiking trails in winter: check here
Enjoy a Winter World of Silence
If you are well prepared for the hike, the scenery in Kamikochi in the wintertime is truly unmatched. Without the crowds, the silence can sometimes feel profound and even breathtaking. Around this time, the 梓川 (Azusa River) begins to show an emerald green color against the stark white snow; with the Hotaka mountain range towering above it, it makes the perfect winter scenery.
Key Spots:
- Taisho Pond: In winter, the famous withered trees stand in a frozen lake (however, the water often doesn’t fully freeze due to geothermal activity, and instead creates a mystical-like mist).
- Kappa Bridge: The iconic suspension bridge is covered in snow, offering a perfect photo of the mountains.
For more detailed information on the hiking trails in winter: check here
Essential Packing List
Beware: You cannot visit in just jeans and sneakers! You will need full winter mountaineering gear. For example…
- Snowshoes or Crampons: The snow is deep. You will sink without them.
- Waterproof Outerwear: Ski wear or mountaineering shell.
- Layers: Thermal underwear, fleece, and down jackets.
- Headlamp: For the tunnel.
- Food & Water: Bring everything you need. There are no vending machines.
- Toilet: Most toilets are locked. There is usually one winter toilet available near the center, but please use the restroom at the parking area before entering the tunnel.
A Safer Alternative: Senjojiki Cirque
If reading this makes you nervous, but you still want to see the Japanese Alps in winter, we recommend Senjojiki Cirque (千畳敷カール) in the Central Alps.
Quick Comparison: Kamikochi vs. Senjojiki Cirque
| Feature | Winter Kamikochi | Winter Senjojiki Cirque |
|---|---|---|
| Access | Walk 3+ hours from bus stop | Ropeway directly to summit |
| Difficulty | Expert (Winter Hiking) | Beginner / Tourist Friendly |
| Facilities | All Closed (No toilets/food) | Open (Hotel, Cafe, Toilets) |
| Scenery | Valley & River (Northern Alps) | Summit & Clouds (Central Alps) |
| Gear | Full winter mountaineering gear | Warm winter clothes |
- Why it’s better for casual travelers: You can take a ropeway straight to 2,612 meters!
- Facilities: There is a hotel and cafe at the top where you can view the snowy mountains while drinking hot coffee.
- Views: Equally spectacular alpine views with a fraction of the effort.
Summary
Winter Kamikochi is a magical place reserved for those who are prepared. It offers a solitude that is impossible to find in the crowded summer. After you’re done in the Kamikochi area, we recommend visitng the Okuhida area, a popular hot spring area nearby, where there are plently of onsens (hot springs) and winter activities for people to rest after a day in Kamikochi.
- Difficulty: Hard / Expert
- Access: Walk 7.5km (one way) from Nakanoyu Bus Stop.
- Requirement: Winter gear & Hiking Registration (Tozan-todoke).
Stay safe and enjoy the winter beauty of Japan!
For special discounts on hotels and Japanese inns:
Okuhida Area / Matsumoto Station Area
