Day Tours
Kamikochi Private Nature Tour – Japanese Alps & Bento Picnic
A full-day private tour into Kamikochi, one of the Northern Japan Alps' most celebrated mountain valleys. We travel by private vehicle to Sawando, then continue into Kamikochi by shuttle bus — private vehicles aren't permitted inside — for a guided nature walk past Taisho Pond, the Azusa River, Kappa Bridge, and Myojin Pond, with a Nariiso-style Japanese bento picnic lunch along the way. Departure and return: Samurai Hotel Narai-so.
← Back to Day ToursPrice includes direct vehicle transfer to Kamikochi, a lunch basket, and parking fees. Available April 17–November 15, weekdays only.
Reserve this tour →The Azusa River and the Hotaka Peaks near Kappa Bridge (click to enlarge)
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8:00 AM
Depart Samurai Hotel Narai-so
Travel by private vehicle from Narai-juku toward the Northern Japan Alps.
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9:00 AM
Arrive at Sawando
Park the vehicle at Sawando and prepare for the journey into Kamikochi.
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9:30 AM
Shuttle bus to Kamikochi
Board the shuttle bus. Private vehicles are not permitted inside Kamikochi.
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9:50 AM
Taisho Pond
Get off at Taisho Pond and begin the guided nature walk.
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10:00 AM
Nature walk begins
Enjoy views of Mt. Yakedake, the Hotaka mountain range, and the clear waters of the Azusa River.
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10:30 AM
Tashiro Pond & Tashiro Marsh
Walk through wetlands and forest trails surrounded by alpine scenery.
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11:00 AM
Tashiro & Hotaka Bridges
Scenic stop overlooking the Azusa River and surrounding mountains.
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11:15 AM
Weston Monument
Learn about British missionary Walter Weston and the early history of mountaineering in Japan.
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11:30 AM
Kappa Bridge
Arrive at Kamikochi's most famous landmark, with spectacular views of the Hotaka Peaks.
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11:30 AM–12:15 PM
Japanese bento picnic lunch
Enjoy a Nariiso-style Japanese bento lunch near the Azusa River.
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12:15 PM
Walk toward Myojin
Continue upstream along the Azusa River through quiet forest.
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12:30 PM
Dakesawa Marsh
Short photography and nature stop.
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1:15 PM
Myojin Pond & Hotaka Shrine
Explore one of Kamikochi's most peaceful and spiritual areas.
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1:40 PM
Depart Myojin
Walk back toward Kappa Bridge along the opposite side of the Azusa River.
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2:30 PM
Kappa Bridge
Short break, shopping, or café time.
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2:45 PM
Kamikochi Bus Terminal
Walk to the bus terminal and prepare for departure.
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3:15 PM
Shuttle bus to Sawando
Leave Kamikochi.
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3:45 PM
Arrive at Sawando
Return to the private vehicle.
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4:00 PM
Depart Sawando
Drive back to Narai-juku.
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5:00 PM
Arrive at Samurai Hotel Narai-so
End of the tour.
Kappa Bridge in autumn (click to enlarge)
Taisho Pond's mirror-still reflection at dawn (click to enlarge)
Taisho Pond's forested shoreline (click to enlarge)
Autumn color near the Weston Monument (click to enlarge)
Dakesawa Marsh's still water (click to enlarge)
The boardwalk trail near Dakesawa Marsh (click to enlarge)
A clear spring pool near Dakesawa Marsh (click to enlarge)
Important notes
- This tour requires a private vehicle and driver-guide — please reserve in advance so we can arrange transport, the shuttle bus tickets, and the bento picnic lunch.
- This tour may not run in the event of rain — we'll contact you in advance if it needs to be cancelled.
- Kamikochi is only accessible by shuttle bus or taxi from Sawando (and other gateway points) — private vehicles cannot enter the valley itself.
- The walking route covers several kilometers of mostly flat, well-maintained trails, but comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- Kamikochi is closed in winter (mid-November to late April) and weather in the mountains can change quickly — please bring layers appropriate for alpine conditions.
- The times above are the planned schedule; actual timing may shift slightly depending on the group's pace, shuttle bus timetable, and weather.
- On the return journey, we can drop you off in Matsumoto instead of returning to Narai-so, if you'd prefer — just let us know when booking.
- Please let us know of any dietary requirements in advance so we can prepare the bento lunch accordingly.