Kamikochi may seem closed during winter, but that’s not entirely accurate. The closure period, from November 16 to April 16, simply means that shops, hotels, and the bus service to Kamikochi are unavailable. If you’re keen on experiencing Kamikochi in winter, your best bet is to embark on a snowshoe journey to this hidden winter wonder.
Kamikochi, known for its winter beauty, transforms into a snowy wonderland during the colder months. However, venturing into this winter paradise requires careful consideration and preparation.
In winter, Kamikochi is blanketed with deep snow, requiring snowshoes and appropriate winter gear. With the potential dangers of avalanches, ground blizzards, rapidly changing weather conditions, and temperatures plummeting below -20°C, it is impractical to enter the mountains wearing typical winter clothing from town.
Unless you have experience in winter mountaineering, it is not advisable to enter the mountains without proper preparation for winter climbing and a professional guide. Please be aware that entering Kamikochi during this period is done at your own risk.
Before you embark on your winter adventure in Kamikochi, keep a few key things in mind:
Please keep in mind that all buses going inside Kamikochi operate until November 15.
You can board the Matsumoto – Takayama bus. This bus will stop outside Kamikochi at K-26 Nakanoyu bus stop, which is the nearest bus stop to Kamikochi in winter. From there, you will need to walk or use snowshoes, approximately 1 hour (3 km) to Taisho Pond and about 2 hours (7 km) to Kappa Bridge. The time required may be significantly longer depending on the snow conditions and weather.
This is a non-reserved bus; you cannot purchase or reserve the bus ticket in advance. You can purchase the ticket at either Matsumoto or Takayama Bus Terminal. For the return trip, please purchase the ticket from the bus driver when boarding from Nakanoyu bus stop. Please check the bus timetable and fare here.
We met our guide, "Fujie-san," at the Nakanoyu Gate, and we began our journey at 9:30. If you lack snowshoeing gear, don't worry; guides can provide essential hiking tools like snowshoes, crampons, gaiters, suitable footwear, and poles. Bring your sunglasses, sunscreen, a backpack, and food and drinks.
Starting from the Nakanoyu Gate, we went through two tunnels: "Kama Tunnel" (1,310 meters long with an 11-degree slope) and "Kamikochi Tunnel" (588 meters long). We started to see the majestic view of Kamikochi unfold in front of our eyes after walking nearly 2 kilometers through long tunnels.
Our trip to Kamikochi was around early March, and the snow had already started to melt, so Fujie-san suggested that using just crampons should be fine. However, you may need to use snowshoe gear if you are going in the middle of winter when the snow is still high, fluffy, and hasn’t started melting yet.
We were at Taisho Pond at 10:40.
Another popular camera angle from Taisho Pond. The withered trees lined up before your eyes are "Karamatsu" (Japanese Larch) that turn golden yellow in autumn and fresh green in summer.
Mount Yakedake. Read our hike to Mt. Yakedake.
Beautiful evergreen trees soaring high in the lovely blue sky.
This was the photo of the day that proved to us that our effort was not for nothing.
Today's lunch includes sandwiches and hot tea generously prepared by our guide.
Our kind and helpful guide, Fujie-san.
On our way back, we bumped into a troop of monkeys. So cute and fluffy that we wanted to touch them, but no, we didn’t. Let the animals live like they are supposed to live. :)
Read also:
・A Day Trip Climbing the Active Volcano “Mt. Yake”
・A Complete Guide to Visiting Kamikochi (Best Time to Visit, Access, Opening, Hiking Routes and More)
Disclaimers: Alpico is a bus company. We do not provide any tours to Kamikochi in winter, and we do not recommend tourists going to Kamikochi in winter without adequate preparation. We will answer only the inquiries about the bus. For further information about the tour and the preparation to go to Kamikochi in winter, please inquire at Raicho Gusthouse and Chubusangaku National Park, directly.