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