Tsubaki took a two-day, one-night hiking trip to Mount Yakedake, one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains located in Nagano. Since Mount Yakedake is right next to Kamikochi, we also included a Kamikochi one-day walking trip as part of this hiking adventure!
In this post, I’ll be sharing my itinerary and key tips for a two-day trip that combines sightseeing in Kamikochi with hiking Mount Yakedake. I hope it helps anyone planning a Kamikochi getaway!
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Kamikochi & Mount Yake 2-Day Trip Overview
Because Kamikochi is a nationally protected nature reserve, there are strict traffic restrictions. Whether you’re driving or taking public transportation, you must transfer to a designated shuttle bus or taxi to enter Kamikochi.
On this trip, Tsubaki chose to drive. After parking at the designated parking lot, I took the shuttle bus to Kamikochi. If you’re also driving, I’ve detailed the full transportation guide in the article below—feel free to check it out:
[Nagano] Self-driving to Kamikochi from Tokyo | Essential Travel Info & Shuttle Parking
This article focuses on:
Day 1: Kamikochi sightseeing trip
Day 2: Mount Yakedake hike
So even if you’re only planning a Kamikochi day trip, you can still use this post as a reference.
By the way, since Mount Yakedake is one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains and located just beside Kamikochi, I highly recommend combining the two if you enjoy hiking!
2-Day Itinerary: Kamikochi trip + Mount Yakedake hiking
Day 1: Kamikochi One-Day Walking Trip
・Drive from Tokyo to Sawando Parking Lot
・Take the shuttle bus to Kamikochi Bus Terminal
・Lunch at Kamikochi Shokudo (Dining Hall)
・Walk to Kappa Bridge → Tashiro Wetlands → Myojin Pond → Myojin Bridge → Kamikochi Visitor Center → Tashiro Wetlands → Taisho Pond
・Take the shuttle bus back
・Drive to a hot spring ryokan in Shirahone Onsen
Day 2: Mount Yakedake Hiking
・Drive from Shirahone Onsen to Mount Yakedake trailhead
・Hike Mount Yakedake
・Return to Shirahone Onsen for a hot spring bath
・Visit Matsumoto Castle
・Dinner in Kofu on the way back
・Drive back to Tokyo
Detailed Trip Notes & Reflections
Since it takes a while to travel from Tokyo to Nagano, and our main goal was to hike Mount Yakedake, we arranged Kamikochi trip for Day 1. This allowed us more flexibility, as the Mount Yakedake hike on Day 2 required a full day and careful timing.
Looking back, this plan worked out perfectly! Even though we arrived in Kamikochi around noon and had lunch first, we were still able to walk through all the key Kamikochi spots within the afternoon.
Day 1: Kamikochi Trip
06:30 Drive from Tokyo to Sawando Parking Lot (approx. 5 hrs)
11:50 Arrive at Sawando and take the 12:00 shuttle (30 mins)
12:25 Arrive at Kamikochi Bus Terminal, lunch at Kamikochi Shokudo (~30 mins)
13:00 Start Kamikochi walking course:
・Kamikochi Bus Terminal → Kappa Bridge (10 mins walk, 10 mins stop)
・Kappa Bridge → Dakesawa Marsh (10 mins walk, 5 mins stop)
・Dakesawa Marsh → Myojin Pond (35 mins walk, 10–20 mins stop)
・Myojin Pond → Myojin Bridge (8 mins walk, pass through)
・Myojin Bridge → Kamikochi Visitor Center (40 mins walk, 10–15 mins stop)
・Kamikochi Visitor Center → Kappa Bridge (5 mins walk, pass through)
・Kappa Bridge → Tashiro Wetlands (30 mins walk, 5 mins stop)
・Tashiro Wetlands → Taisho Pond (15 mins walk, 10 mins stop)
16:50 Take the shuttle back to Sawando
17:20 Arrive at Sawando and drive to Shirahone Onsen for the night
Even with a late start from Tokyo, we were able to walk the majority of Kamikochi’s main sights in about 3.5 hours after lunch. Since we arrived quite hungry, we decided to eat at the Kamikochi Bus Terminal first before heading off to hike.
If you arrive earlier or have already eaten lunch, it’s recommended to get off at Taisho Pond and walk northward. Then, eat once you’re near the bus terminal. The official walking map also shows estimated walking times between sights. (Website link)
Accommodation Tips
There are several hot spring areas around Kamikochi: Hirayu Onsen, Norikura Kogen Onsen, and Shirahone Onsen. People coming from Nagoya usually choose Hirayu, while Tokyo travelers often stay in Norikura.
We chose a ryokan in Shirahone Onsen, as it’s very close to Kamikochi and convenient for accessing the Mount Yakedake trailhead. It’s also near the main Tokyo-Nagano route, which was another reason we picked it. Plus, it’s not as crowded or famous as other hot spring towns, so we thought it’d be fun to explore something different.
That said, after our hike on Day 2, we returned to Shirahone Onsen for a soak. If you don’t mind driving an extra 30 minutes to stay in Matsumoto city, you could just visit Shirahone Onsen for a bath and lodge elsewhere—Matsumoto has more budget-friendly business hotels.
Too Busy to Plan? Join a Tour!
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・[ Search Kamikochi on Get your guide ]
・[ Search Kamikochi on KKday travel ]
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Day 2: Yakedake Hike & Shirahone Onsen Hot Spring
・07:20 Checked out from the onsen ryokan and drove to the Nakanoyu trailhead of Yakedake
・07:55 Arrived at Nakanoyu trailhead and began the warm-up and ascent
・11:00 Reached Yakedake’s summit (stayed for 30 minutes for photos and lunch)
・13:45 Returned to the trailhead, then headed to Shirahone Onsen
・14:20 Arrived at Shirahone Onsen and enjoyed a hot spring bath (~1 hour)
・15:20 Drove to Matsumoto (~1 hour 20 minutes)
・16:50 Arrived at Matsumoto Castle and did some sightseeing (~50 minutes)
・17:40 Drove to Kofu (~2 hours)
・19:50 Arrived in Kofu and had dinner (~50 minutes)
・20:40 Drove back to Tokyo (~2 hours)
Although we could have driven straight back to Tokyo after the hike, we knew that Sunday afternoons to evenings are peak traffic hours on the expressway, which would likely mean 5–6 hours stuck in traffic.
So instead, we chose a more relaxing plan: soaking in Shirahone Onsen, stopping by Matsumoto Castle, and enjoying a hearty dinner in Kofu with their local specialty hōtō noodles. While we didn’t get back to Tokyo until around 10:30 PM, this detour made our return far more enjoyable—and added a few extra memories to the trip!
Day 1 Recap: Kamikochi One-Day Trip
Driving to Sawando Parking & Taking the Shuttle
Even though we left Tokyo early at 6:30 AM, weekend traffic caused a bit of congestion on the expressway, and it took us nearly 5 hours to reach the Sawando parking area. Luckily, we made it just in time for the 12:00 PM shuttle bus to Kamikochi Bus Terminal. If we had missed it, we would’ve had to wait another 30 minutes for the next bus.
Pro Tip: If you plan to return to Sawando after 5:00 PM, note that the tourist info center and shops will be closed, and the parking lot’s payment machines only accept old Japanese yen bills. Make sure to bring some with you or exchange money at the small souvenir shop before boarding the shuttle!
You can find more details about driving to Kamikochi and the shuttle system in this article:
[Nagano] Self-driving to Kamikochi from Tokyo | Essential Travel Info & Shuttle Parking
Lunch at Kamikochi Shokudo
After the long drive from Tokyo, both my boyfriend and I were starving. We had originally planned to get off at Taisho Pond and walk north to the bus terminal before eating, but we realized it would take another 45 minutes, and Ugo couldn’t wait that long. So we got off at the Kamikochi Bus Terminal and had lunch there (haha).
As expected, the menu prices were quite high—typical for tourist areas. I ended up ordering the “Sanzoku-yaki” (Bandit Chicken) Set, labeled as a Matsumoto specialty. It was my first time trying it, and while I’m not sure how authentic it was, it tasted like a saltier version of a fried chicken drumstick with the bone still in.
✔️ Kamikochi Shokudo
Address: Kamikochi, Azumi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-1516 (Google Maps)
Google Maps Code: 6JWP+C7 Matsumoto, Nagano
Access: Right beside Kamikochi Bus Terminal
Hours: 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM
More Info: [Official Website]｜[Online Reservation Page]
🧠 Trivia:
“Sanzoku-yaki” originated at a Matsumoto restaurant called Matsumoto Shokudo and became popular after WWII. Locals nicknamed it “bandit chicken” because its founder supposedly looked like a mountain bandit. (Source: Wikipedia)
Kappa Bridge
After lunch at Kamikochi Shokudo, we followed the signs toward Kappa Bridge. Before we even got there, the sight of the crystal-clear turquoise river already left us speechless.
But the closer we got to the bridge, the more crowded it became. It was clear that this area is the main hub for Kamikochi’s visitors—people were enjoying snacks, taking photos, and snapping stylish shots all around.
After snapping a few scenic photos, we crossed Kappa Bridge and continued along the northern trail. On this side of the bridge, the crowds thinned out significantly, and I managed to capture a favorite shot of myself with the majestic Hotaka mountain range in the background—it ended up being my favorite photo of the entire Kamikochi day trip.
Nature Exploration Area – Dakesawa Marsh
On our way to Dakesawa Marsh, we passed a sign marking the start of the Nature Exploration Area, reminding visitors to follow certain rules. The board also displayed the boundaries of the protected area for reference.
The first part of the trail, made of wooden planks, reminded me a lot of the scenery in Oze—bringing back memories of a past hiking trip there years ago.
After about 10 minutes of walking, we arrived at the wetland area, where crystal-clear water reflected the surrounding peaks. It was nothing like the dark, murky marshes I had imagined—instead, it was vibrant and serene.
Floating on the surface of the shallow water were bright red maple leaves, signaling that autumn was coming to a close in Kamikochi. Honestly, I might prefer seeing the leaves drifting in the water more than seeing them on the trees ;P
Myojin Pond – Hotaka Shrine Oku-no-miya
The walk from Dakesawa Marsh to Myojin Pond and Hotaka Shrine Oku-no-miya was a bit longer, but time passed quickly as we chatted and admired the scenery. In fact, we were so absorbed in conversation that we missed the turnoff to the pond and had to double back—thankfully we hadn’t gone too far.
To our surprise, there was an admission fee of 500 yen per person to enter Myojin Pond. While the visit only involves a short walk, the fee is understandable as it goes toward preserving the site. (Note: cash only is accepted.)
Inside the grounds, a wooden bridge leads into the pond and ends at a small worship platform, where Japanese visitors clap their hands in prayer.
Deeper inside lies Myojin Nino-ike (Second Pond). While it might not look particularly special in photos, the mirror-like reflection of mountains and trees gives it a mystical and spiritual ambiance—especially when paired with the shrine’s presence. Myojin Pond has long been regarded as a sacred site dedicated to the guardian deity of Kamikochi. Every year on October 8, a traditional boat festival called Funamatsuri is held here.
On the day we visited, we even saw a shrine maiden steering a small boat carrying tourists. However, we couldn’t find any information online about how to book or board the boat as a visitor.
Myojin Bridge
After finishing our visit at Myojin Pond, Myojin Bridge became our turnaround point. Although the nature trail continues farther into the forest, we had limited time, so we chose to cross the bridge and start making our way back toward Kappa Bridge.
The return trail was full of breathtaking sights. We kept stopping every few steps to take more photos—it’s hard not to when you’re surrounded by such natural beauty. It honestly made me think: those who only visit Kappa Bridge and miss the rest of Kamikochi don’t know what they’re missing.
Return via the Kamikochi Visitor Center
Before reaching Kappa Bridge, we passed by the picturesque Konashidaira Campground, where autumn foliage and riverside scenery surround the tents. It looked like an unforgettable place to camp!
After passing the campsite, we arrived at the Kamikochi Visitor Center. Initially, we stopped just to use the restroom—but I’m so glad we went inside.
Inside the wooden structure, the scent of timber filled the air, and the permanent nature photography exhibition left a lasting impression. Every photo reminded me of past hikes, including my climb to Mount Fuji.
Although I wanted to linger at the visitor center longer, sunlight was fading fast, and autumn days are short. So we picked up our pace and headed back to the Kamikochi Bus Terminal to continue on to Taisho Pond.
Tashiro Marsh
Between the Kamikochi Bus Terminal and Taisho Pond, there are two routes: a forest trail and a riverside trail along the Azusa River. However, due to flooding from a few days earlier, the riverside trail was closed. So we took the forest trail instead.
Located along the forest trail, Tashiro Marsh has been gradually shrinking due to accumulated sediment. The fallen leaves and silt have also started to transform parts of the pond into wetland. Tashiro Pond is often described as the most beautiful pond in Kamikochi, but we didn’t continue deeper due to time constraints—we were rushing to catch the last bus.
Taisho Pond
Taisho Pond is one of Kamikochi’s must-see spots. We passed it earlier when riding the shuttle bus, and it was packed with tourists. The water was bright blue and perfectly reflected the Hotaka mountain range. By the time we arrived on foot later in the day, the sky had dimmed, and the color of the pond had faded. Still, the golden hues of sunset blanketing the peaks offered a different kind of beauty.
Taking the Shuttle Back to Sawando Parking Lot
There’s a timetable posted at the Taisho Pond bus stop, but as is often the case in tourist areas, buses can run behind schedule. We were waiting for the last bus, but the previous one—delayed—showed up instead. Fortunately, there weren’t many passengers, so we managed to board and return smoothly.
After a 30-minute ride back to Sawando Parking Lot, we drove to our accommodation for the night in the Shirahone Onsen area.
Staying at Shirahone Onsen EBISUYA
The onsen village of Shirahone is tucked into a mountain basin and has that cozy, old-Japan hot spring vibe. Sadly, we arrived after dark, so we didn’t get to explore the village, though the brochures suggested there were quite a few sights to see.
We stayed at Ebisuya Ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn with a luxurious atmosphere and an unforgettable open-air bath. The hot spring water in Shirahone is rich in calcium, which causes white mineral deposits to accumulate along the tubs and rocks. These deposits are said to resemble bones, giving the area its name—Shirahone, meaning “white bone”—a truly memorable experience.
✔️ Shirahone Onsen EBISUYA（ゑびすや）
Address: 4206-2 Shirahone, Azumi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-1515
Google Maps Code: 5J3G+CV Matsumoto City, Nagano
Booking: Search on Trip.com
Day 2: Yakedake Hike & Shirahone Onsen Bathing
Check out Ryokan, head to Nakanoyu trailhead
We checked out of the ryokan around 7:30 AM and drove just 15 minutes to the Nakanoyu Trailhead. Since the trailhead is so close, we even had time for one last soak in the morning hot spring.
Despite it being the weekend, the parking lot wasn’t full, and we managed to find a spot without issue.
For more details on the hiking route, gear tips, and safety advice, check out my full post:
[Nagano] Hiking Yakedake , Explore the Active Volcano of the Japanese Alps｜Trail Guide, Tips, and How to Access via Nakanoyu Route
Summiting Yakedake – Japan’s Active Volcano
After about three hours of hiking, we reached the summit. From there, we saw a volcanic crater still emitting gas, and panoramic views of the Hotaka Mountains—it was absolutely stunning.
As we approached the peak, I finally laid eyes on the view I had dreamed of for so long. Massive, layered rock formations towered before me like guardians of the mountain, and the steaming gas created a mystical aura. This was the exact scene I had seen in a mountaineer’s photo years ago, and it had inspired me ever since. Now, standing in the middle of it—it was surreal.
Want a full breakdown of the hike? It’s all in my Yakedake guide airticle:
[Nagano] Hiking Yakedake , Explore the Active Volcano of the Japanese Alps｜Trail Guide, Tips, and How to Access via Nakanoyu Route
Soaking in Shirahone’s Public Outdoor Bath
Since we finished our hike earlier than expected, we had time to visit the Shirahone Public Open-Air Bath, a place I’d long wanted to try.
This hot spring is nestled in a basin, surrounded by mountains—it really feels like you’re bathing in nature’s embrace. The water is naturally milky-white, making your skin feel silky smooth, and carries a mild sulfur scent that adds to the relaxation.
However, note that part of the men’s bath is slightly visible from a nearby pedestrian bridge, so if privacy is a concern, keep this in mind. The women’s bath has bamboo blinds for privacy, with a small opening near the bottom so bathers can still enjoy the natural view. Even though it slightly obstructs the scenery, the atmosphere remains peaceful and immersive. Soaking while listening to the gentle sound of flowing water was the perfect way to end our Yakedake adventure.
✔️ Shirahone Public Open-Air Bath（白骨温泉公共野天風呂）
Address: 4197-4 Shirahone, Azumi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-1515（Google Maps）
Google Maps Code: 5J2G+RW Matsumoto City, Nagano
Hours: Weekdays 10:00–16:00｜Weekends 9:00–17:00｜Closed Saturdays & Winter (Late Nov–April during Kamikochi closure)
Entry Fee: 520 yen / adult
Facilities: Free parking
Website: Official Website
Sightseeing at Matsumoto Castle
Rather than spending hours stuck in highway traffic heading back to Tokyo, we chose to make a stop at Matsumoto Castle. By the time we arrived, it was already late in the afternoon and most of the shops along the old town street had closed. Still, we could feel the nostalgic charm that surrounds the castle.
After strolling through the old town, we reached Matsumoto Castle. The castle’s outer grounds are free to explore, and even at night, the reflection of the historic black castle on the still water created a magical scene—it felt like a dream. It’s no wonder Matsumoto Castle is considered a National Treasure of Japan. Having visited many castles across Japan, this one definitely ranks among my top five favorites for its unique presence and elegance.
✔️ Matsumoto Castle
Address: 4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0873（Google Maps）
Google Maps Code: 5J2G+RW Matsumoto City, Nagano
Hours: Outer grounds open 24 hrs｜Interior 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Admission: Free for outer grounds｜Interior: 700 yen/adult, 300 yen/child (free for preschoolers)
Website: Official Site
Dinner Stop in Kofu – Hōtō Noodles
After leaving Matsumoto, we continued driving toward Tokyo and made a special stop in Kofu City, known for its local specialty—hōtō noodles. Kofu is near Lake Kawaguchi, and the closer we got, the more memories came flooding back of the many hōtō meals I’ve had there. Naturally, I couldn’t resist getting one more bowl on this trip!
We chose to dine at Kosaku (小作), a famous local restaurant specializing in hōtō. (I forgot to take a picture this time, so I used a previous photo from when I visited their Lake Kawaguchi branch.)
Tips & Advice for Visiting Kamikochi & Yakedake
You must know before you have a Kamikochi Trip
If you’re driving, note that private vehicles are not allowed beyond Nakanoyu. You’ll need to park at a designated lot and transfer to a shuttle bus. Full driving and shuttle information is in this guide:
[Nagano] Self-driving to Kamikochi from Tokyo | Essential Travel Info & Shuttle Parking
From November to April, the road to Kamikochi is closed due to heavy snow. During this time, all bus and taxi services are suspended, and shops and hotels shut down for the winter. While it’s technically possible to walk in during the closure, the snow can be dangerously deep—only attempt it with proper winter gear and a licensed mountain guide.
Route Suggestions
If you want to cover the full Kamikochi trail in the shortest amount of time, I recommend starting at Taisho Pond and walking northward to end at the Kamikochi Bus Terminal via Myojin Pond.
On your return, it’s safest to board the bus from the Kamikochi Bus Terminal, as buses often fill up. If they’re full, they won’t stop at Taisho Pond, and you’ll need to wait for the next one. When I visited just before the seasonal closure, the crowds were relatively light, and we had no trouble boarding at Taisho Pond. But during peak season, it’s best to play it safe and start from the terminal.
📌 Pro Tip: Arrive at the bus stop 10–15 minutes early. If the bus reaches full capacity, you’ll need to wait for the next one. That said, the bus company does adjust its service—if there are too many passengers waiting, they’ll add an extra bus to accommodate.
What to Wear
Kamikochi is a natural park, not a paved city environment, so I recommend outdoor clothing and sturdy walking shoes, especially if you plan to explore beyond Kappa Bridge. Of course, if you’re only planning to take some pretty photos near the bridge, feel free to dress however you like.
Where to Stay Around Kamikochi
There are several hotels within Kamikochi, but they tend to be on the pricier side. If you have a larger budget, staying inside the park is a special experience. Otherwise, if you’re planning to visit other areas as well, staying slightly farther out might be more convenient.
From Nagoya: Consider staying in Hirayu Onsen or Takayama.
From Tokyo: Recommended areas include Norikura Kogen Onsen, Shirahone Onsen, or Matsumoto City.
Ultimately, your accommodation choice depends on your budget and itinerary, so feel free to adjust accordingly. If you need personalized suggestions, feel free to leave a comment or DM me on Instagram!
Recommended Kamikochi Accommodations
・Kamikochi Imperial Hotel
・Kamikochi Alpen Hotel
That wraps up my complete guide to a 2-day adventure in Kamikochi and Yakedake. I hope it helps you plan a memorable trip, and if you’ve already been, feel free to share your experience in the comments!
🗻✨ Wishing you a wonderful trip exploring Kamikochi!
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