Exploring Kamikochi in Nagano Japan

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Hey everyone. It’s Pat and Yumi and we’re here in Kamikochi. A valley in the heart of the Japanese alps in Nagano prefecture. It’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Join us on a one-day adventure as we explore the natural wonders of this breathtaking spot. Let’s go! We started our day parking our car at Sawando parking lot to take a bus to Kamikochi. Since Kamikochi is located inside a National Park private vehicle access to the area is restricted. We arrived here around 9:00 a.m. and the parking lot was almost full so you should get there early. You have two options to get there. One is to take a taxi for 4,300 yen one way or take a bus that costs 2,800 yen per person round trip. The bus is extremely comfortable and super clean. And wow, the view from the bus is breathtaking and we haven’t even started yet. And it took us around 20 minutes to arrive at the beginning of the trail. It is our first time hiking here in Kamikochi and we are so excited. So, we decided to get off at this stop and start from here. We were greeted with clear blue waters of Azusa River and the amazing view of the mountains. I was so stunned by its beauty. Our goal is to get to Kappa-bashi Bridge which is the main tour spot of the area. It’s a 3.5K walk that will take about 2 hours depending on our speed. And always make sure not to miss the quick stops and one is Tashiro Pond. This pond is surrounded by lush forest, stunning views of mountains and crystal clear water. We were very surprised by this place. Continuing our hike we were delighted by the chirping of the birds and the amazing landscapes becoming even more impressive as you get further into the forest. Another stop is Mount Yake-dake which literally means a burning mountain. It is an active volcano and you can also hike to the top of it. Kamikochi is the house of many animals like bears. So, it’s always a good idea to avoid an encounter with them. This bear bell is there for a reason. And we arrived at a dead end to Azusa River and we spend some time here to relax appreciate the view and take some pictures. Wow, I want to go in the middle. We are halfway to the Kappa bridge and from here there are two ways that you can take. The right side which is the forest path and the left side. And we decided to take the left. Where are we going? Up there? The view from this bridge is absolutely amazing. And we made a great choice in picking the left side because you can walk along the river play in the water and enjoy the magnificent mountain views. So we have finally made it to the famous Kappa Bridge. From the bridge you will see the panoramic views of Kamikochi’s breathtaking landscape with towering peaks, lush forests and crystal clear water of Azusa River stretching as far as the eye can see. This bridge has long been a symbol of Kamikochi’s natural beauty. This is the main and busiest spot here people come and go taking pictures on the bridge. Having a break during their hikes and just sitting and enjoying the beautiful views. It was lunchtime when we arrived at the area so we walked around and look for a place to eat coz we were kind of tired and hungry. There are a lot of restaurants you can find here. And we found this curry restaurant. It is surprisingly a big restaurant. Looks pretty nice inside, too. We ordered plain curry and fried chicken curry and we were not disappointed. It was good. They also have lots of souvenir shops here so better check them out. Wow Well, as you go further in the area you will find their camping site. Everyone is welcome to camp here. There are much more to discover. This is truly an amazing place. Many travelers both Japanese and foreign, especially us, find Kamikochi worth visiting. Thank you for joining us on this journey through Kamikochi. We hope you’ve been inspired to experience the beauty and adventure that awaits you in this breathtaking destination. Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more videos showcasing the wonders of Japan and beyond. Until next time. Happy travels!