Kamikochi and the Japan Alps

KAMIKOCHI: RECONNECTING WITH NATURE

Having a long day off like the Golden Week is a good opportunity to visit a popular resort in the Northern Japan Alps of Nagano prefecture. Also, it is a chance to escape the busy concrete jungle of Tokyo or Yokohama. If you are a foreign tourist visiting Japan, then this is your chance to try roads not usually taken as travel destinations, but give different, exciting and memorable Japan experience. Remove shrines and temples from your travel list and get a ticket to Kamikochi.

Surrounded with mountains Nishihotakadake (2909m), Okuhotakadake (3190m), Mehotakadake (3090 m) and an active volcano Yakedake (2455m), this place has been well known to have majestic snow-capped mountain backdrop, clear flowing water partnered with the smell of birch and Japanese laden trees giving us a picturesque view.

Serving as a jumping point on climbing the surrounding mountains, mountain climbers  have been mystified by the place's beauty as seen by their number and the camping tents around. Climbing the mountains is open only from mid June to mid September. For people who prefer to enjoy more of this valley instead of climbing the mountains can hike along Azusa River. The terrain is flat and it will be a no problem for amateurs. Aside from that, this valley has lots of things you'll be surprised of. The place is also popular for its autumn foliage that usually happens on mid October.

A traveler's tip: Always be prepared as the weather in the area normally changes. Ensure you have raincoats with you, just in case. Also, buses accessibility will only be until the Kamikochi Tourist Lodge as cars and other private vehicles are not allowed in the area. Kamikochi maintains the cleanliness of the environment, thus preventing pollution by preventing cars. The buses are also hybrid to comply with the cleanliness.

KAPPA BRIDGE (KAPPABASHI)

Starting from the Kamikochi tourist lodge is where the hiking starts. First stop to see is the famous Kappa Bridge or the Kappabashi. It is less than 20-minute walk from the tourist lodge. Did you know that this bridge is the iconic symbol of Kamikochi? It was originally a draw bridge and was rebuilt as a suspension bridge in 1910. The present bridge was completed in 1997. How did it gain popularity? The short story Kappa written in 1927 by Ryonusuke Akutagawa was set on this bridge.

After the Kappa Bridge and taking the right side hiking path of the river, the next stop would be the Myojinkan. It is an estimated 2-hour hike from the Kappa Bridge, but it will surely depend on someone's pace. As you stroll along the trail, the sound of the Azusa River gives a perfect match of tranquility while the cold breeze touches our cheeks. Monkeys are often seen on the area. Don't worry, they don't disturb your trip.

MYOJINKAN

Myojinkan is a resting place for mountaineers who are on their trip. Here, you can book for your stay in Kamikochi. It has a small food shop where you can have refreshments after hiking for 2 hours.

MYOJIN BRIDGE (MYOJINBASHI)

The next attraction would be the Myojin Bridge, or the Myojinbashi, which is less than 5-minute walk from the Myojinkkan. Myojinbashi is located upstream of Kappabashi.

Crossing the bridge would lead you to the north-west side of the Azusa River where the Myojin pond and Hotaka shrine are located.

MYOJINKAN POND (MYOJINIKE)

For only 300 yen, you could enter the Myojin pond area and get to see the Hotaka Shrine. The pond is considered sacred as it has significance on Shinto religion which holds nature as its center of belief. There would be trails along the pond, where you could get IG snapshots of its crystal clear water matching the tranquil ambiance. Honestly, this became one of my favourite places, as you will feel the solemnity surrounding the pond. You could only hear the sound of the water quietly gushing and some birds tweeting.

TAKEZAWA MARSH

Going back to the main hiking trail, you'll be passing wooden trails and some streams good for photos. Take a pause and take a shot.

On the west side of the Azusa River, you'll discover the Takezawa Marsh. A blissful place where artistic minds can gather fascinating ideas. Take loads of snapshots as every angle is worth-it. We were glad that there were no other tourists in the area when we arrive. This is usually flocked with tourists during peak season.

From Takezawa marsh, few more minutes and you'll be back to the Kappa bridge.

WHERE TO HAVE COFFEE? CAFE DO KOISYO

Near the Myojin pond, you'll pass a coffee shop, Cafe do Koisyo, releasing a captivating aroma of coffee beans brewed to suit your taste. The place is simple, an old keep turned to coffee shop, and gives a rustic feeling. No fancy frappes or high-key brews, just the basic yet satisfying coffee (and tea) you'll surely love. Make sure to drop-by and taste the awesome goodness.

HOW TO GET THERE?

Kamikochi is only open to public from late April to mid November. To get to Kamikochi, take the Matsumoto Electric Railway from Matsumoto Station to Shin-Shimashima Station. The train ride will take 30 minutes. From Shin-Shimashima, take a bus to Kamikochi. The bus ride will last for around 60 minutes.  The trip will no be boring, as you get to see views that can be compared to the Yosemite of US. One-way ticket costs 2450 yen. A discount is given if you will be taking round trip tickets and will only cost 4,550.

There is  also a "2-day Free Passport" where you can get unlimited train and bus rides to/from Kamikocho, Norikura Highlands and Matsumoto. For 6000 yen, it is already a good deal.

Travel date was on May 01, 2016.
This article is brought to you by this crew for kikoplusmanila.blogspot.com.

Some photos are contributed by RSO Photography. 
Follow him on IG: @thesomewheretraveller

Coron, Palawan

UNVEILING CORON

I'm glad you bumped in this site. Glad you did that because here is what you'll expect to do, to see and to feel upon reaching the place everybody calls paradise.

The town of Coron. Serving as the backdrop is Mt. Tapyas.

An all-in-one-fun-stop, Coron, Palawan is always a haven for people who constantly seek fun and adventure. Testing the adrenaline rush, tourists never get disappointed with what Coron has to offer. From food, scenic view and to activities like swimming, snorkeling, free diving and deep diving, each visitor will have lots of choices to enjoy the day from dusk til dawn.

Coron is reachable by sitting on an airplane seat starting from Manila, Phillippines and allow 45 minutes to pass. Lots of airlines serve this destination like Cebu Pacific and Air Asia. From the plane's window, exciting islands covered in white sands are already waiting for your arrival.

The simple town of Coron. Shown in the photo is where tourist boats dock.

MT. TAPYAS ECOPARK

So for our first stop, let me give you an appetizer. Work out those legs and hinds power, because you'll be needing it to hike the famous Mt. Tapyas, located within the town proper. Mt. Tapyas stands 210 m above sea level with 724 steps to conquer. Yup, you read it right: 724 steps. For professional hikers, this is a cheese. But for the neophytes, I tell you, you'll be sweating it out (good thing you have your water and towels with you).

But is it worth it? Not much actually. You'll just see a big white cross at the top with just a bunch of sea and island views you normally see on travel shows, just too mainstream (insert sarcasm here). Of course, it is totally worth it, beyond 100%. On the eastern view, lays beautifully landscaped mountains architected by nature. Boulders of rocks connected through time and designed by greens is what you'll expect. Folks describe it as a sleeping lady, as the shape of the mountains tell so. 

Climbing Mt. Tapyas is free. Hooray! 

On the western part is a perfect spot to watch the sunset. Here, group of islands are blending with the sunset to give the best snapshot for our Instagrams. I've given you a travel tip: best time to hike Mt. Tapyas is before sunset. Also, it is discouraged to climb the mountain at dark. On the south-western part gives you green rolling hills view. The green that gives you kicks, definitely.  

MAQUINIT HOTSPRING

Now, I know you got tired from hiking. Don't worry, the next stop is perfect. Your sore muscles will be relieved on Maquinit Hotspring, located on the southern part of the island and a 30-minute ride (costs Php300.00 / $6.00 round trip). The hotspring ticketing admission is open until 20:00 and as a tip, be there at least an hour before ticketing closing time. You could stay here until 22:00 in the evening. The hotspring is salt water and the temperature ranges from 35degC to 40degC. Hot on your first dip. But addicting that you don't want to get out of the water. This is an open area where you'll get to enjoy the night at your own time under the beams of a Philippine summer moon.

As a travel tip: bring your board shorts and bikinis to enjoy this hotspring. Your drinking water is also important as the hot temperature is dehydrating.

SIETE PECADOS

I have served the appetizers. Now, let's move to our main course. Are your snorkeling skills ready? Because it will be all wet for the day. First on the list, is Siete Pecados. "Siete Pecados" coming from the Spanish phrase - "Seven Deadly Sins". According to legend, seven children went out here without their mother's consent and died. After some time, seven rock formations appeared that now is called Siete Pecados. Fret not and don't be scared, you don't have to worry as that was just a folk story and now, this is a marine park and a haven for thousands of different fish species.

You can enjoy snorkeling here while observing fishes flashing in different colors. Hold your breath and take a dive deeper to get to know the fishes better.

Snorkeling items are available for rent at a low price (Php 250.00 / $ 5.00) for the whole day. Not bad. You can also ask it on the hotel you are staying. 

SKELETON SHIP WRECK

Next stop is the skeleton ship wreck near the Atwayan Beach. Looking through google, there are many ship wrecks in Coron exciting for diving. But this site is found on a shallow part only (around 20 meters) and good for snorkelling, though deeper compared to Siete Pecados. One can even take a deep breath and with a push, can touch the shipwreck under.

Schools of fishes often swarm the area. You'll definitely enjoy the moment being surrounded with it.

SHIP WRECK (en-route to Coral Garden)

Another interesting snorkeling spot is the ship wreck en-route to the Coral Garden. This one has more coral formations compared to the skeleton ship wreck shown above. Also, this one has more fishes to admire.

CORAL GARDEN

Next stop for our fun snorkeling, is something your grandma will be proud of - a garden! But, not your typical garden beautifully grown with roses and tulips, but with alive and kicking corals varying on colors, sizes and shapes. The coral garden occupies a wide area and you'll have all the space that you'll need. Amazingly, it is just a few feet from the shore. An hour is not enough for you to enjoy the area. Yes, the place is really enchanting as the corals wave on the dance of the sea.

Just a no-no. Please don't bring home the corals nor touch it. It could kill them.

KAYANGAN LAKE

You are enjoying too much under water. Let's move on and start to appreciate the views above sea. First, the famous KAYANGAN LAKE. So famous, that I checked the National Geograpic if they have a photo of this. They have it thus confirming the place's famousity. To see this lake, one has to climb up a trail and climb down to the lake - good workout! Before heading down to the lake, pause and appreciate the moment of seeing the cove.  The view here is worth it. The rock formation at the center was perfectly positioned to match the dazzling sea colored with blue-green where the boats playfully add the cinematic theme of the cove. Though a number of boats would appear anchored during noon time.

Going back about the lake, KAYANGAN Lake is actually brackish water - seawater and freshwater are combined. Floating would be as easy as fly, but for safety, all tourists are required to wear life vests and swim not beyond the buoys. Locals (Tagbanuas) are present to look after the area. Wooden platforms are present in the area, and you can lay your things on these platforms before jumping on this cool water.

LULUYUAN LAKE (aka BARRACUDA LAKE)

This place is very special for professional divers as its depth could reach 30 meters. This is also a brackish water with almost not much marine life. Although, a small number of barracudas are seen on the area.

TWIN LAGOON

Another interesting place here is the Twin Lagoon, where it is literally two lagoons separated by towering karst. The outer lagoon surrounded by rock cliffs is where boats could anchor, while the inner lagoon is reachable through a cave which is passable on low tide. On high tide, people can use the ladder to climb up the rocks. Passing through the cave gives a more exciting kick and adrenaline rush. The inner lagoon is surrounded by high walls starting from the bottom where the depth is unimaginable. I couldn't even see how deep it was.

Ask your tour guide to help you with a "human centipede". The guide will pull your group while swimming. It was indeed a fun experience floating and moving effortlessly on the water.

PASS ISLAND

To cool down everything from high junkie activities, it is now time to enjoy the relaxing sands of the beach. Where to go? PASS ISLAND. Here, solitude and tranquility partner the white sand, green coconut tress and rich blue sea to give each one a memorable experience. This is the usual stop where non-mainstream tourists can enjoy lunch under the coconut trees and the cool breeze of the day. Less people visit this place. Good news since we'll have all the space that we want. Take a rest on their hammocks or just lay on the sands. Play on the water, or enjoy snorkeling around the island. Interesting is, you'll meet dogs bred to understand what hospitality is. Yes, dogs, the four-legged mammals that also enjoys the warmth of the sun, the beach and the cool waters. Don't b afraid to be friends with their dogs.

A travel tip: ask your hotel about going to this island as this is not the common route for tourists.

DARAYONAN LODGE

Where can you stay here in Coron? A good place to pick is DARAYONAN LODGE. Their staff is really accommodating and the services are really okay. It is not a five-star hotel. Simple, chic and cheap yet satisfying. From airport transfers, equipment rentals and tour packages, the lodge provides all at the guest's convenience. The tour packages would include entrance fees to your destinations, your lunch and even boat rentals. All you need to do is just spell F.U.N. all throughout your trip. We tried this lodge for twice now, and we didn't regret it. Contact them now thru here:

http://www.darayonanlodge.com/

THE CREW

This article is brought to you by this crew for kikoplusmanila.blogspot.com. Comment and follow me and be on the loop.

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Travel Date: June 24 to 27, 2017