Tour Description
★☆ Depart from Tokyo by a private coach and head to the picturesque "Kamikochi," known as the "Home of the Gods"! Stay for about 3 hours, where you can enjoy the natural beauty along the Azusa River and embark on a hiking journey. Admire the reflection of the mountains at "Taisho Pond," take in the view of the Hotaka Mountain Range from "Kappa Bridge," and visit the legendary "Myojin Pond," believed to be the place where the gods descended, among other famous spots!
Itinerary
📍 Meeting Time: 06:45 AM
📍 Meeting Point: In front of Marunouchi Building, Tokyo
📍 Departure Time: 07:00 AM
🚍 11:30 AM – Arrive at Kamikochi Bus Terminal (Free time for walking and lunch)
🗺 Kamikochi Attractions: Taisho Pond, Kappa Bridge, Myojin Pond
🚍 3:30 PM – Depart from Kamikochi Bus Terminal
🏙 8:30 PM – Arrive near JR Tokyo Station
Attraction Introduction
🌄 "Home of the Gods" Kamikochi
Kamikochi, located in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, is surrounded by the majestic mountains of Yake-dake and the Hotaka Mountain Range, with the Azusa River running through it, creating a unique natural landscape. Kamikochi is a famous summer retreat for the Japanese, offering pleasant weather and stunning alpine scenery. The most famous hiking route is from Taisho Pond to Kappa Bridge and Myojin Bridge. For beginners, the Taisho Pond to Kappa Bridge route is recommended, while more experienced hikers can venture deeper from Kappa Bridge to Myojin Bridge and enjoy the fairy-tale-like beauty of Myojin Pond.
Please assess your own abilities and consider the time needed for the return trip when choosing your route to avoid delays or injury.
🌊 Taisho Pond
Taisho Pond was formed in 1915 after a volcanic eruption from Yake-dake blocked part of the Azusa River. The beautiful pond reflects the distant Hotaka Mountain Range, offering a serene and almost dreamlike landscape.
🌉 Kappa Bridge
Kappa Bridge is the most iconic structure in Kamikochi, built using wood from the Azusa River banks. The bridge offers different scenic views depending on the weather. It gained fame after being mentioned in Ryūnosuke Akutagawa's novel Kappa, which also highlighted Taisho Pond, contributing to its popularity as a major landmark in Kamikochi.
🏞 Myojin Pond
There are two routes to reach Myojin Pond: one follows the left bank of the Azusa River upstream, and the other takes you through the Yakezawa Marsh, leading to Hotaka Shrine Okumiya, from where you can view the picturesque Myojin Pond. In the early mornings, Myojin Pond is often shrouded in mist, giving it a mysterious and sacred atmosphere, as if guarded by the gods, making it a popular destination for many hikers.
Please note, the entrance fee to Myojin Pond is 300 yen and is not included in this tour.
Important Information
- Before heading to Kamikochi, please ensure the following precautions:
- The temperature difference in the mountains is significant, and it can rain unexpectedly. Be sure to wear non-slip hiking gear, warm clothing, and bring a raincoat or umbrella.
- Please make sure to bring the following items: hiking boots, first aid supplies, snacks, and bottled water.
- This tour is available only for children aged 4 and above. Children under 4 years old are not eligible to participate, thank you for your understanding.
- Due to limited space on the bus, each participant is allowed to bring only one large piece of luggage. Thank you for your understanding.
- This tour does not include a guide. The driver will inform you of the departure times at rest stops and when disembarking at the Kamikochi Bus Terminal. Please confirm the time before engaging in free activities.
Meeting Information
- Pick-up and drop-off locations are fixed and cannot be changed. Please be aware of this.
Included Items
- Consumption Tax
- Transportation Fees
- Parking Fees
- Toll Fees
Excluded Items
- Personal Expenses
- Meal Costs
- Other unmentioned expenses
- Personal Insurance (recommended to be added before departure)
Reservation Notes
- Adults (12 years and older) and children (3-11 years) are charged the same price.
- The minimum number of participants for the tour is 20 people. If the number of participants does not meet the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled, and a cancellation email will be sent 4 days before the departure date.
- In case of adverse weather conditions such as typhoons or blizzards, a decision on whether the tour will proceed will be made at 17:00 (local time) one day before departure. Notifications will be sent via email thereafter.
- Guests with the following conditions or other conditions that may be affected by excessive stimulation should not participate in this tour:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Fear of heights
- Asthma
- Epilepsy
- Pregnant women
- Please arrive at the designated meeting point at least 15 minutes before departure to avoid delays. Late arrivals will not be accommodated.
- This tour does not include a tour leader. The driver will inform you of the departure time at rest stops and when disembarking at the highland bus station. Please make sure to confirm the time before engaging in free activities.
- Please allow sufficient time to reach the meeting point. The bus will depart on time, and late arrivals will not be accommodated. It is not possible to join the tour midway.
- The itinerary involves long periods of walking. Please assess your physical fitness and health before signing up for the tour.
- Comfortable clothing and footwear are recommended due to walking during the itinerary.
- The weather in the mountains can change rapidly. Be sure to prepare for warmth and waterproofing.
- If the itinerary is affected by traffic congestion, facility maintenance, or other factors, the route or the duration of each stop may be adjusted.
- Midway departure from the tour is not permitted. If you leave the tour midway, it will be considered a voluntary abandonment, and no refund will be provided.
Confirmation Details
- This product requires two confirmations. After successfully booking, you will receive a confirmation email within 48 hours. Please check your email in time.
- If the minimum number of participants is not met, a cancellation email will be sent 4 days before departure.
- If you do not receive an email within the specified timeframe, please check your inbox and spam folder. If you still have not received it, please contact our travel consultant via email or call +852 2152-3599 during office hours.
How to Use
- Please present a printed voucher or an electronic voucher on your mobile device when participating in the activity.
- Meeting Details: Please arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes in advance.
- If you arrive early, please wait patiently near the designated location.
Cancellation & Modification Policy
- Once successfully booked, cancellations or changes cannot be made.
