{"id":15054,"date":"2025-10-27T13:23:41","date_gmt":"2025-10-27T04:23:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/hbv1001vjsu4.previewdomain.jp\/jpn\/blog\/wp\/?p=15054"},"modified":"2026-01-30T14:14:15","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T05:14:15","slug":"kamikochi-closing-dates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/corritrip.jp\/jpn\/blog\/en\/kamikochi-closing-dates\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 Kamikochi Closing Dates & Winter Hiking Route Information"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How to get to Kamikochi:<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Note: Kamikochi is closed to private cars and can only be accessed by bus, bicycle, or taxi.<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boarding Area<\/strong><\/td>Time Taken<\/strong><\/td>Price (one way\/ adults)<\/strong><\/td>Reservation Site<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Tokyo (Shinjuku Station)<\/td>~5 hours<\/td>from 8,000 yen<\/td>Direct bus<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
Tokyo (Shibuya Station)
*Night bus only<\/td>		~7hr 20 mins<\/td>from 12,000 yen<\/td>Direc<\/a>t <\/a>bus<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
Matsumoto (Matsumoto Bus Terminal)<\/td>~2 hours<\/td>
from 4,000 yen<\/td>		<\/a>Direct bus<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
Takayama (Nohi Bus Center)<\/td>~1hr 25 mins<\/td>3,000 yen<\/td><\/a>Direct bus<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
Takayama (Hirayu Bus Terminal)<\/td>~25 mins<\/td>1,500 yen<\/td>Direct bus<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
*Note: If you are departing from Takayama, you must buy the ticket for the shuttle bus in person, as there are no online reservations.
*Buses departing from Matsumoto to Kamikochi all require a reservation before boarding.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Bus Reservation Site\/ Information <\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Kamikochi Bus End Date<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u25a0 Buses from Takayama\/ Hirayu<\/mark>
Last departure:<\/strong> November 15th, 2025
Operator: <\/strong>Nohi Bus
Takayama Nohi Bus Center: <\/strong>(81) 577-32-1688 Google Map<\/a>
Hirayu Bus Terminal: <\/strong> (81) 578-89-2351 Google Map <\/a>
Official Website<\/a>

\u25a0 Buses from Shinjuku\/Matsumoto<\/mark><\/strong>
Last departure:<\/strong> November 14th, 2025 (Shinjuku), November 15th (Matsumoto)
Operator: <\/strong>Keio Bus\/ Alpico
Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal: <\/strong> Please ask in person at the information desk
Matsumoto Bus Terminal: <\/strong>0263-32-0910\u3000Weekdays 9:00AM\uff5e5:00PM
Official Website<\/a> \/ Official Website<\/a>

The operator may speak Japanese only, except for Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kamikochi will be open until Nov.15th<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n


The last day to visit Kamikochi this season is November 15th, 2025. After 5PM on November 15th, Kamikochi is scheduled to close to the public for the winter season. While some hiking paths are closed, it is still possible to enter Kamikochi but with a few restrictions. If you There are also many events and activities to join in the surrounding Okuhida area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Facility Closures in Kamikochi<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Kamikochi Information Center:<\/strong> 5PM on Nov 15th (showers close on Nov 3rd)
Kamikochi Visitor Center: <\/strong>5PM on Nov 15th
Luggage service: <\/strong>around 5PM on Nov 15th
Kamikochi Post Office: <\/strong>Reception will be closed on the morning of Nov 15th
Kamikochi Medical Office:<\/strong> 10AM on Nov 15th
The inner shrine of Hotaka shrine: <\/strong>Nov 14th (Use of restrooms scheduled until 14th, but may end early)

For hotel closures check:<\/strong> here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to enter Kamikochi after closure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you are planning to hike Kamikochi after the official closure date, please be aware that there will be no facilities running and a lack of support in case of an emergency. Hiking through the grounds means you are at risk of natural disasters and the risk will be borne by yourself unless you join a hiking tour. It is possible to set up a tent, but only at Konashidaira Campsite, by Kappa bashi bridge.

National park office phone #:<\/strong> 0263-94-2024
–Official notice <\/a>from the official Kamikochi website
–Map of toilets\/ wintertime precautions <\/a> from the official Kamikochi website<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u25a0<\/strong>Enter via Nakanoyu Gate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Nakanoyu Gate is the entrance for Kamikochi for taxis, bicycles, and buses. This closes after November 15th, so if you want to go to Kamikochi, you must walk through this area by foot. By the gate is also a small snack stand called Nakanoyu Shop<\/a> and a Japanese inn called Nakanoyu Onsen Ryokan<\/a> where we recommend you stay if you want to spend a day in Kamikochi post closure.

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.<\/mark><\/strong>
Google Maps
<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Winter Climate Kamikochi<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The climate in Kamikochi is generally cooler than the surrounding inhabited areas such as Okuhida, Takayama, and Matsumoto. The area may see heavier snow around late December, but be prepared for some light snow or ice in the Okuhida area even as early late November. In the winter there are risks of blizzards or other weather aliments, so proceed with extreme caution.

Check the official winter rules from Kamikochi: here<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hiking Routes and Closures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\u25a0 <\/strong>Taisho Pond<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Taisho Pond can still be accessed in Kamikochi after the closing date.<\/mark><\/strong>
Total distance from Nakanoyu Gate to Taisho Pond: <\/strong>3 1\/2 hours ~ 4 hours

Kamikochi sees a heavy amount of snow during the winter with risks of blizzards or other weather aliments, so proceed with extreme caution.
Check the official winter rules from Kamikochi: here<\/a><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u25a0 <\/strong>Mt.Yake<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The entrance from the Kamikochi side will not be open after Nov.15th. <\/mark><\/strong>

NOTE: Mt.Yake is extremely dangerous to hike during winter months and is highly suggested to be avoided<\/strong><\/mark>, as it is suited for only top class mountaineers during this time. Mt.Yake in general has three entry points, but may be closed during the winter.

*Instead of Mt.Yake, we recommend the Senjojiki Cirque<\/a>, a less dangerous and winter hiking friendly area south of Kamikochi in Nagano, the Northern Alps of Japan.<\/strong>
<\/strong>
The other entrances are from Nakanoyu and an entrance through the peak of Shinhotaka Ropeway (which requires you to ride the ropeway).
Nakanoyu Entrance: <\/strong>Google Maps<\/a>
Shinhotaka Ropeway:<\/strong> Google Maps<\/a>
*The last ropeway at Shinhotaka Ropeway going down departs at different times depending on the season. Make sure to check the official website for departure times.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u25a0 <\/strong>Myojin Pond and Mt.Yari<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Mt.Yari and Myojin Pond can still be accessed via Kamikochi after the closing date, however it is very dangerous and is <\/mark>recommended to be avoided<\/mark>.<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

*We recommend the Senjojiki Cirque<\/a>, a less dangerous and winter hiking friendly area south of Kamikochi in Nagano, the Northern Alps of Japan.
<\/mark><\/strong>
Kamikochi sees a heavy amount of snow during the winter with risks of blizzards or other weather aliments, so proceed with extreme caution.
Check the official winter rules from Kamikochi: here<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Senjojiki Cirque<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Where is Senjojiki Cirque?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Senjojiki Cirque (\u5343\u7573\u6577\u30ab\u30fc\u30eb)<\/strong> 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<\/a> to Senjojiki Cirque or take the local bus<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get to Senjojiki Cirque<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits of the Senjojiki Cirque<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  1. Access<\/strong>
    A ropeway takes you up 2,612 meters directly to the summit.
    NOTE: As of Jan 14th, 2026-February 8th, 2026, the ropeway will be under maintenance <\/mark>
    Read more:     here<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Difficulty<\/strong>
    Beginner level and tourist friendly<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Facilities<\/strong>
    Open facilities (hotels, cafes, toilets)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Scenery<\/strong>
    Summit & clouds \uff08Central Alps\uff09<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Gear<\/strong>
    No heavy gear necessary, just warm winter clothes<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Other Experiences in the area <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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    Shihotaka Ropeway<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Shinhotaka Ropeway is located approximately 30 minutes from Hirayu Bus Terminal and is one of the most well known gondolas in Japan. At the peak of the ropeway is a breathtaking view of the Northern Alps and in the winter, snow figures!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Digital Ticket: <\/mark>KLOOK<\/a>, KKDAY<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n\n\n
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    Onsen\/Hot Spring Hopping in Okuhida<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Next to Kamikochi is the hot spring area Okuhida. Located around 20 minutes by bus from Kamikochi’s bus terminal, you can visit some of the most popular natural hot springs in the Takayama area here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Read more about the different onsens: <\/mark>here<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Kama Tunnel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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    Is the Kama Tunnel open in winter?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Kama Tunnel is one of the tunnels which taxis and buses use to enter Kamikochi. During winter, it is only open to people hiking through the area. As it is very dark, please be sure to prepare proper equipment such as headlights and snow gear\/shoes. First make sure to go to Nakanoyu Gate<\/a> and submit a form to the security officer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Kamikochi “Scenic Railway”<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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    What is the scenic train ride into Kamikochi?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    The Kamikochi scenic train ride refers to the train that runs from Matsumoto Station to Shinshimashima Station. On the train, you can catch a glimpse of the classic countryside scenery of Nagano prefecture, with its beautiful northern alps in the background for about 30 minutes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Shinshimashima Station to Kamikochi<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    During winter, the line from Matsumoto Station to Shinshimashima Station is not under construction and is still running, however the shuttle buses to Kamikochi do not resume running until April 17th. From Shinshimashima station, there are a few restaurants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To book a bus that takes you directly to Kamikochi: check here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n


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    <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    How to get to Kamikochi: 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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[150,52,51,221,268],"tags":[222],"class_list":["post-15054","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-hida","category-highway-bus-en","category-local-bus-en","category-nagano","category-takayama","tag-kamikochi"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/corritrip.jp\/jpn\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15054","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/corritrip.jp\/jpn\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/corritrip.jp\/jpn\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/corritrip.jp\/jpn\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/corritrip.jp\/jpn\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15054"}],"version-history":[{"count":26,"href":"https:\/\/corritrip.jp\/jpn\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15054\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17270,"href":"https:\/\/corritrip.jp\/jpn\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15054\/revisions\/17270"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/corritrip.jp\/jpn\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15054"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/corritrip.jp\/jpn\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15054"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/corritrip.jp\/jpn\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15054"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}