Kamikochi is a popular resort located in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture in Japan. This beautiful place is surrounded by the Northern Alps and is located at an altitude of 1,500 meters, making it one of the most spectacular mountain views in Japan.

The resort is part of the Chubu Mountain National Park and has been recognized as a "Special Scenic Area" and a "Special Natural Monument" for its beautiful scenery. The only other place in Japan that has received both designations is Kurobe Gorge in Toyama Prefecture.

To get to Kamikochi, you can take a bus from Matsumoto Station, which takes approximately 1 hour and a half. The resort is open from mid/late April to November and is closed in winter. It is a large, green plateau surrounded by high mountains, located in the Northern Alps Catalpa Valley.

The original kanji for Kamikochi is "Kamigaki-uchi", which was named after the god of Hotaka Shrine, Hotaka Mitsume. The god descended to Hotaka-dake and was enshrined in the Hotaka Shrine Oku-no-miya and Myojin Pond on the upper plateau.

If you want to enjoy the charm of Kamikochi, a hiking experience is highly recommended. There are a variety of hiking trails in Kamikochi, so whether you want to take a casual stroll or really feel the fun of hiking, you can find the perfect trail with different attractions and things to see.

Kamikochi has a humid subalpine climate with cool summers and severe winters, as it is located at an altitude of 1,500 meters. The area has colorful vegetation, mesmerizing winter snow, lush early summer fresh green, and beautiful late autumn red leaves.

The forests and lakes are inhabited by Japanese monkeys, wild ducks, grouper, and other creatures that have lived in Japan since ancient times.

Kamikochi is also a hot spring area, and there are hot spring inns where you can go to and from on the same day. The surrounding area has a variety of hands-on experiences, art galleries, art museums, elegant independent galleries, and more. Whether you are alone or with friends, you can find plenty of places to go in Nagano Prefecture.

One of the attractions of Kamikochi is Taisho Pond, which was created by the only volcano in the Northern Alps, the Yayoi Volcano. The eruption blocked the flow of water from the Zigawa River with earth and rock, creating the Taisho Pond.

The original forest was also directly submerged by the water, and the trees were turned into dead trees, creating a fantastic and mysterious scenery. In addition, on a cloudless day with little wind, the water reflects the appearance of the Hotaka mountain range, creating a dreamy atmosphere with a sense of vigor.

Kamikochi is a beautiful and charming resort located in the Northern Alps Catalpa Valley, with a variety of hiking trails and scenic spots to explore. The area has a humid subalpine climate with colorful vegetation and is inhabited by a variety of creatures that have lived in Japan since ancient times.

Kamikochi is also a hot spring area, and there are hot spring inns where you can go to and from on the same day. If you're looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, Kamikochi is worth visiting.