1-Day Bus Tour from Tokyo to Scenic Kamikochi Nature Retreat

Kamikochi – A Breathtaking Mountain Retreat

Kamikochi, situated in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, is a stunning mountain destination resting at an altitude of around 1,500 meters. As a part of Chubu Sangaku National Park, it holds the distinction of being both a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a Special Natural Monument of Japan.

From Kappa Bridge, which crosses the Azusa River flowing through the Northern Japan Alps (Hida Mountains), visitors can take in the awe-inspiring Hotaka Mountain Range, which rises above 3,000 meters. Popular walking trails include Taisho Pond, Myojin Pond, and Tokusawa, allowing guests to fully appreciate the splendor of nature. Kamikochi attracts about 1.5 million visitors each year, making it a vibrant mountain retreat ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Must-Visit Spots

• Kappa Bridge
  A premier viewing location providing breathtaking views of the Hotaka Mountain Range, Dakesawa, and Azusa River, with Mt. Yake visible in the opposite direction.
  ※ Best drop-off point: Kamikochi Bus Terminal
• Myojin Pond
  A magical pond with clear waters that mirror the sky, encircled by tranquil coniferous forests.
  ※ Best drop-off point: Kamikochi Bus Terminal
• Taisho Pond & Tashiro Pond
  These picturesque ponds beautifully reflect Mt. Yake and the Hotaka Mountain Range, making them iconic views in Kamikochi.

Early Summer to Summer

• In mid-May, temperatures range from 5°C (low) to 13°C (high).
• By late May, temperatures may rise above 20°C, creating perfect walking conditions!
• From June to September, average temperatures are around 20°C, which makes Kamikochi a favored summer escape.
• The serene views of Azusa River, Taisho Pond, and Myojin Pond filled with crystal-clear water provide refreshing relief to both body and spirit♪

Autumn Foliage

• Autumn in Kamikochi is a cherished season for leaf viewing!
• The vivid reds and golds reflected in Taisho Pond and the Hotaka Mountains are truly stunning.
• Experience the vibrant colors of the trees alongside the surrounding peaks.
• Following the first snowfall, you will see the rare and beautiful “Triple Autumn Colors” — a combination of snowy white, golden larches, and deep green conifers.

Best time for fall foliage: Late September to early November.

Recommended Clothing & Notes

• Wear comfortable clothing and footwear.
• As mountain weather can change rapidly, we suggest bringing rain gear.

Spring

• Average temperature: Approximately 10°C
• Bring warm clothing and take cold-weather precautions.
• There may still be snow, so waterproof trekking shoes are recommended.

Early Summer to Summer

• Refreshing temperatures around 20°C
• Bring layers to adjust as necessary.

Autumn

• Average high: Approximately 13°C
• Mornings and evenings may be cool, making warm clothing essential.

★ Spend a refreshing and soothing time amidst the stunning nature of this alpine resort, located 1,500 meters above sea level and surrounded by renowned peaks like the Hotaka Mountain Range and Mt. Yake!

★ In Kamikochi, you can disembark from the bus at any of the following stops: Taisho Pond, in front of Kamikochi Imperial Hotel, or the Kamikochi Bus Terminal. (Note: Return boarding is only possible from the Kamikochi Bus Terminal.)

★ You can access the Kamikochi walking map from here.

Tour Operator Information

Company Name: H.I.S. Co., Ltd.
Department Name: Inbound Travel Division DMC Department Kanto Team
Address: Sumitomo Fudosan SHINJUKU CENTRAL PARK BUILDING 11F,
6-13-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, JAPAN
Registration No.: No. 724 by the Commissioner of Japan Tourism Agency
Membership: Full Member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)

Contact Information

Department Name: Inbound Travel Division DMC Department Kanto Team
Address: Shinjuku i-Land Tower 9F, 6-5-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, JAPAN, 163-1309
Tel: +81-80-9410-9390
Opening hour: 10:00~18:00
(Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays)

Tour Operations Manager: Kenji Nagamine
*The Tour Operations Manager oversees transactions related to your travel at the sales office managing your travel arrangements. If you have any inquiries or concerns regarding the information provided by the staff about this travel contract, please feel free to reach out to the aforementioned Tour Operations Manager.

Please review and understand the Terms and conditions below.
Travel Terms and Conditions: Domestic Package Tours
Travel Agency Terms and Conditions: Section of Package Tour Contract

Highlights

• Discover the stunning landscapes of the enchanting alpine destination, Kamikochi.
• Make the most of your visit to Kamikochi with approximately 3.5 hours of leisure time.

Itinerary

• Shinjuku (departs at 6:50) *Please gather 15 minutes before departure
• ＜Expressway＞
• Kamikochi Explore the mountain resort that everyone wants to visit at least once / approx. 3 hours 30 minutes ★ You can get off at either "Taisho Pond" ⇒ "Imperial Hotel" ⇒ "Kamikochi Bus Terminal". ★ Boarding is only at Kamikochi Bus Terminal (the tour conductor will ask you where to get off on the day)
• ＜Expressway＞
• Shinjuku (arrives around 20:00)

Price Details

Included

• Air-conditioned bus
• Round-trip transportation
• Admission fee
• Japanese guide

Not included

• Expenses not mentioned

Important Information

• This tour is a Japanese tour. We recommend that you install a translation app or similar software on your device.
• After the scheduled departure time, the departure will be made at the discretion of our staff, so please be sure to adhere to the meeting time.
• The listed scheduled times and contents may change due to road conditions.
• In the unlikely event of a delay, requiring the use of a taxi or necessitating an overnight stay, we will not be responsible for any related costs.
• Depending on the number of participants, the bus may be a medium-sized or small bus.
• The bus does not have a toilet.
• Smoking is prohibited inside the bus, and reclining seats are generally not allowed (except on some tours).
• No refunds will be provided if you do not utilize any special offers or benefits.
• If you have food allergies, please be sure to inform the staff at the time of booking. We will try to remove the relevant ingredients as much as possible.
• If you require special arrangements, please be sure to inform the staff at the time of booking (some may incur additional charges). If we receive such a request, we will accommodate it within our capabilities. You may also be asked to submit additional information in writing regarding your situation.
• In accordance with the "Work Style Reform Law" implemented on April 1, 2019, regarding the working hours of tour guides, meal times during the tour will be considered the tour guide's break time. Additionally, you may be staying at a different accommodation from the tour group. During free time, you will generally be responsible for your own activities.
• The storage period for lost items is two weeks after the completion of the tour. However, perishable items or items that are difficult to store will be disposed of immediately. Please be aware of this in advance.
• Pets are not allowed on the tour.
• Seating on the bus will be assigned by our team.
• In case of an emergency, the tour guide may sit with the passengers. Please be aware of this in advance.
• If the number of participants is fewer than 10 or if the tour is unable to operate due to unforeseen circumstances such as disasters or accidents, we may need to request changes or cancellation of the tour up to 3 days before departure (13 days before for overnight stays).
• We may not be able to accommodate requests for specific seating, smoking/non-smoking rooms at hotels, or allergy-related requests. We may inform you in advance and explain any potential issues.
• If you make a reservation online, all notifications will be sent via email. No physical mail will be sent.

Purchase Notice

• This tour is a Japanese tour. We recommend that you install a translation app or similar software on your device.
• Please make sure to refer to the [Recommended Clothing] section in the Tour Highlights for appropriate attire and footwear.
• This tour will be operated by two drivers.
• The tour schedule is based on the typical autumn foliage season, but the timing may vary depending on weather conditions. The tour will operate regardless of foliage conditions as long as the minimum number of participants is met.

How to Use

Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.

Cancellation Policy

• 11 or more day(s) before the activity date: 0% cancellation fee
• Between 8 and 10 day(s) before the activity date: 20% cancellation fee
• Between 2 and 7 day(s) before the activity date: 30% cancellation fee
• 1 day(s) before the activity date: 40% cancellation fee
• On the activity date: 100% cancellation fee