Best of Kamikōchi

Kamikochi is a high-altitude plateau in the Northern Japan Alps, centered around the Azusa River. This selection features the 3,190-meter Mt. Okuhotaka, the highest peak in the range, alongside the iconic wooden Kappa Bridge. The list includes Taisho Pond, created by the 1915 eruption of Mt. Yakedake, and the sacred Myojin Pond located at Hotaka Shrine Okumiya. These sites represent the diverse alpine terrain, ranging from jagged granite ridges like the Gendarme to tranquil marshes and crystal-clear ponds.

Best of Kamikochi — Map

A

Kappa Bridge

A 36.6-meter wooden suspension bridge over the Azusa River. It serves as the central landmark of Kamikochi, offering views of the Hotaka Peaks and the active volcano Mt. Yakedake.

Alpsdake / Public domain

B

Mt. Okuhotaka

Mount Hotaka, also known as Mount Hotakadake, is one of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains as coined by the media, reaching a height of 3…

Qurren / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Taisho Pond

Formed in 1915 when an eruption of Mt. Yakedake dammed the Azusa River. The pond is characterized by the standing decayed trees that remain submerged in its waters.

Alpsdake / Public domain

D

Mt. Aino

A 2,907-meter peak located on the rugged ridgeline between Mt. Nishihotaka and Mt. Okuhotaka in the Northern Alps.

E

Mt. Nishihotaka

A 2,909-meter mountain in the Hida Range known for its jagged ridge. It is designated as one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains of Flowers due to its abundant alpine flora.

Alpsdake / Public domain

F

Gendarme

A 3,163-meter dome-shaped rock tower situated southwest of Mt. Okuhotaka. It is known among mountaineers as one of the most technically challenging sections of the Japanese Alps.

G

Tashiro Pond

A shallow pond surrounded by marshland, fed by underground springs that prevent it from freezing completely even in sub-zero winter temperatures.

H

Myojin Pond

A gourd-shaped pond located within the grounds of the Hotaka Shrine Inner Shrine. It consists of two sections, Ichino-ike and Nino-ike, and is the site of the annual Hotaka Shrine Boat Festival.

I

Kinugasanoike

A high-altitude alpine pond located on the western slopes of the Hotaka mountain range.

J

ひょうたん池

A small, gourd-shaped pond located along the mountain trails between the Azusa River and the higher peaks of the Hotaka Range.

K

奥又白池

A pond situated at approximately 2,500 meters in a glacial cirque, known for its clear water that reflects the surrounding granite peaks.

L

Tengu Iwa

A prominent rock formation and peak located along the difficult ridgeline between Mt. Nishihotaka and Mt. Okuhotaka.

M

Nishiho Doppyo

A 2,701-meter sub-peak of Mt. Nishihotaka. It is a common destination for experienced hikers and serves as a major landmark on the ascent from the Shinhotaka Ropeway.

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Kamikochi Must-Sees Kamikochi Accommodations Hotaka Peaks & Alpine Lakes