Read on how to plan on your half-day trip to Shinhotaka ropeway. The best way to admire the magnificent Japanese Alps landscape with a gondola ride.
Takayama is a perfect base to plan on your travel itinerary for sightseeing attraction nearby. There are few renowned attractions to visit such as UNESCO Heritage Site Shirakawa-go or go for a day hike to Japan Alps in Kamikochi.
One of the popular activities when visiting Takayama region is ascending into mountain peaks via the Shinhotaka Ropeway (新穂高ロープウェイ). This two-storied gondola ride on Shinhotaka Ropeway is the best way to admire the magnificent Japanese Alps landscape.
How To Get To Shinhotaka Ropeway
Getting to Shinhotaka ropeway by public bus is very convenient. It takes about 100 minutes of bus ride from Takayama to Shinhotaka ropeway. While the Nohi bus is the company running for this route. The bus departed from Takayama Bus Terminal to Shinhotaka Ropeway Station with one bus per hour.
The bus fare is outrageously expensive. Luckily, there is a discounted bus ticket (Okuhida 2-Days or 3 Days round trip set ticket) provide unlimited bus ride between Takayama, Hirayu Onsen, Kamikochi with Shinhotaka ropeway included.
If you are planning for self-driving, consider renting your rental car from RentalCars.com. It provides a wide range of car rental with cheapest price and high reputation from customers.
Travel Tips: One-way bus ticket cost about 2,200 yen and 2,900 yen for a round trip for ropeway. Do your smart calculation to purchase the Okuhida set ticket! So it will greatly save on money even you using the combo ticket for one day. We fully utilized the combo ticket by spending our visit to Kamikochi and spend one night stay in onsen ryokan.
Round journey ride on Shinhotaka Ropeway will require about half-day trip which climbs over 1000 meters up the side of the Hotake Mountain Range. Depend on your itinerary, it takes about four to five hours including the transport time. It is highly recommended to coupled up the ride and book an overnight ryokan stay in Hirayu onsen nearby to experience the hot spring bath.
After an amazing one night stay in Suimeikan Karukaya Sanso, we proceed our Chubu travel itinerary to Shinhotaka ropeway. However, we were unfortunately as it was raining cats and dogs. There was no opportunity to see the gorgeous mountain range. We even though about skipping it. But we had the combo ticket and paid for it. So we decided to proceed for the Shinhotaka ropeway ride.
The ropeway station was just 5 minutes from Suimeikan Karukaya Ryokan. And we get a free ride from friendly staff. Thanks again to Suimeikan.
From Shinhotaka Ropeway Station To Nabedairakogen station
We drop off at the entrance of Shinhotaka Ropeway station building (新穂高温泉駅). It is the two-story building where you can get some souvenirs and snack at the first floor. We proceed to the second floor and redeem our ropeway ticket. It was a very simple and easy process. There were not many people for our day and we got our ticket for less than 5 minutes.
The entire ropeway consists of 2 sections of cable car ride. The first is the usual single deck cabin gondola for the short 200-meter climb. It will goes from base to the halfway of the mountain at Nabedairakogen station.
The ride took about 4 minutes.
From there, you need to transfer for second ride to the summit. Take a short walk from Nabedairakogen station (鍋平高原駅) to Shirakabadaira station (しらかば平駅). Alternatively, you can also spend time wandering around before proceed to the summit. There is a cafeteria if you would like to take some rest here. The first floor allows you to walk out onto the open to enjoy the scenery.
Moreover, there is a natural walking path where you can fully enjoy nature. Too bad the weather was not so good and we had to cancel the little trek.
Alternatively, you can soak into Kamitakara-no-Yu, a natural open-air bath with entry fees at 600 yen.
Ascend To The Summit
The second ride is Japan’s only double-decker gondola for the 800-meter ride. It took about seven minutes to the summit, which is 2,156 meters above sea level.
We arrived in Nishihotakaguchi Station (西穂高口駅). There is a large panorama 360-degree observation deck where you will be greeted by the magnificent view of the Northern Alps on a cloudless day. We wish to spend more time on top. However, it was cold on top of the mountain due to rain. We took some photos and decided back to the ground.
Back To Takayama by Bus
Back at the bottom of the ropeway, we relax our foot at the footbath while waiting for the bus back to Takayama station. It is a nice option to warm yourself with a footbath if you don’t have time to enter the hot spring.
Added, there is a food kiosk in front of the bus station. You can get some hot spring soft-boiled eggs, steamed Hida beef buns or snack if you’re feeling a little hungry.
Although we did not get a very good picture for the entire journey. We still highly recommended to enjoy the gondola ride with a magnificent view of the Northern Alps. Do visit the official Shinhotaka Ropeway website to check out the weather conditions.
Lastly, this Shinhotaka ropeway blog is part of our Chubu Japan travel itinerary. Read on our travel post if you need some ideas to plan on your itinerary.
Staying in Suimeikan Karukaya Sanso after day hike in Kamikochi turned out to be one of the most memorable journeys for our trip to Chubu Japan. The best onsen ryokan stay we had in Hirayu Onsen.
For those who looking for the best place to stay in Hirayu onsen or nearby Takayama, we highly recommended Suimeikan Karukaya Sanso (水明館 佳留萱山荘). This hot spring paradise is located in a gorgeous remote valley and featured with amazing hot spring variety.
After one day hike in Kamikochi, we were looked forward to getting rest on our tired feet with hot spring onsen bath. Suimeikan Karukaya Sanso is a great place for us to pop in for relaxation after the hike. It is located next to a river with a splendid view of the mountains.
Read on my stay in Suimeikan Karukaya Sanso, the best onsen ryokan stay in Hirayu onsen area.
Note: Suimeikan Karakaya Sansou is temporary close for construction. Please come back to check on its availability.
How To Get To Suimeikan Karukaya Sanso
The Suimeikan Karukaya Sanso is one of the members of the Japan Secret Hot Spring Association. These secret onsen is referring to as Hitou (秘湯 ひとう) by their very nature and stunning traditional scenery. It can be difficult to get to due to its remote location.
Getting to Suimeikan Karukaya Sanso does not required an intensive change of transportation. But it still required some little effort to get there. It is located on a quiet road on the way to Shin-Hotaka Ropeway. While it is not the easiest to get to without a car. For those who visited Suimeikan by self-driving, don’t forget to check on the reliable car rental company through RentalsCar.com. Best price and high reputation from customers.
Getting To Suimeikan By Bus
If you are getting to Suimeikan Karukaya Sansou by public bus, please continue to read on how we get there with Nohi Bus. From Kamikochi Bus Terminal, we took the bus back to Hirayu onsen. We next transferred to Suimeikan Karukaya by a short bus trip (25 minutes) to Shin-Hotaka Ropeway. It is the same direction and probably the last two stops before reaching Shin-Hotaka Ropeway stop.
The bus stop to the hotel is called Kurakaya (佳留萱). While it is not a big stop so please pay attention to the display on the bus. The bus ride gave us a great view of mountainous areas along the journey.
Besides, Suimeikan sits below the hill with a stretch of slope. One needs to go down the slope (5 minutes) after get down from the bus. It was an easy walk for us but please pay attention if you are carrying big luggage.
Travel Tips:Buses were outrageously expensive though the journey. We recommended purchasing the Okuhida 2-Days or 3 Days round trip set ticket for an unlimited bus ride between Takayama, Hirayu Onsen, and Kamikochi. Added, the Shinhotaka Ropeway ticket is included. We ride the ropeway after check out from the hotel at the next day.
Our Stay in Suimeikan Karukaya Sanso
Upon arrival, we were greeted by professional English spoken staff. She is very friendly and helpful by giving a brief introduction to the hotel facilities and onsen ethic. Added, we also choose our dinner and breakfast time for tomorrow.
The building was a bit dated but clean and cozy. It is the typical traditional ryokan style with its unique charm. There was a little counter at the front desk where you can buy beers and also snacks.
Our room had an authentic Japanese feel with small annex with a table, chairs on the tatami floor. Not very impressed but served its purpose for relaxing stay. The staff will make up our futon bed while we were off for dinner. All rooms in Suimeikan with a shared bathroom only.
We had a quick rest and can’t wait to go for our onsen session.
Amazing Onsen Bath Variety
One of the highlights of Suimeikan Karukaya Sanso is its amazing onsen variety. It featured one huge mix gender outdoor bath, one female bath, and three private baths. If you’re an onsen lover, Suimeikan Karukaya Sanso is a fantastic place for you.
All the onsen bath are located opposite of the ryokan. Follow the direction, we walked across the car park to the hot spring. It is probably 300 meters with less than a few minute’s walk.
The path was well decorated with Japanese Zen atmosphere.
Firstly, we were welcomed by a different private onsen bath. If you prefer for private time, you can choose for the private ones which you can lock the door. Just take the key from the reception and return it when you’ve finished.
Private Onsen Bath
かじかの湯
The Kajika (かじかの湯) is featured with great riverfront view of Kamatagawa.
夢をいつまでもの湯
Next, Yumewo-itsumademo (夢をいつまでもの湯) is the private onsen with roofed open-air bath. You can enjoy the hot spring bath even in rainy day.
望槍の釜湯
Lastly, the Bosono Kamayu (望槍の釜湯) is made from actual cook beans to make miso in the Taisho era (1912-1926).
Female Only Onsen Bath
We took a quick look and proceed to go for the outdoor bath. There were changing room for female and male separately.
While female has additional one female only bath. It has more traditional Japanese feel but unfortunately no view. Still, you can look at the panoramic view of the mountains from above.
No clothes or swim suits allowed in female only bath.
Largest Outdoor Onsen Bath
For me, I voted for the mix sex hot spring bath. It is the largest outdoor onsen bath in Japan, surrounded by a stunning nature scene in every direction. If you are a hot spring lover like me, you will love it here. No worry about being naked. Bathing suit were given if you are too shy for the mix bath. But you may be seeing others to enjoy the hot spring bath “naturally”.
We enjoyed our time marveling at the beautiful trees surrounding the hot spring. We just sit and enjoy this natural hot spring doing nothing. The views were immense with autumn leaves in the valley and steam rising off the water. I can’t imaging its beauty during winter when snow-topped mountains in misty atmosphere.
We had four dip (before and after meal) at different bath during our stay in Suimeikan Karukaya Sanso. During the night time, the lights were lit up and you submerge in hot water under the star. What an experience.
Please take note no photo allowed if there are others in the hot spring bath. Photo was taken in the early morning when no others around.
Kaiseki Dinner and Breakfast
While our stay was on half board where dinner and breakfast included in the price. It was served in Kaiseki style meals, multi-course Japanese cuisine. And it was truly amazing and extravagant.
We had Tofu, fresh salad, sashimi, miso soup, Hida beef and so much more.
The Hoba Miso (朴葉味噌) is one of the local food in the Hida region. The Hoba is a type of magnolia leaf in Japanese. People here used the dried hoba leaf to cook the plain miso, Hida beef or other fresh ingredients over the fire. This signature regional dish was served together with Hida beef during our dinner in Suimeikan.
All dishes were made with love and well presentation with high-quality ingredients. This exceeded our expectations.
There also served the ayu fish skewer and keep warm with over little open charcoal fire. Love it.
Green tea was served but you can also other beverages with additional charge. We ordered the sake together with this marvelous dinner.
The next day breakfast was also served in the same dining room. We had a variety of dishes for our breakfast. Again, it was very delicious and taste so good.
Suimeikan Karakaya Sanyo
Overall, we had an amazing time in Sumeikan Karakaya Sanyo. It is one of the best hotels or ryokan experience I have had. Although the ryokan may relatively dated, the price is very reasonable given the quality of hot spring and food. It was value for money compared to other hot spring resorts with a higher price tag.
We truly enjoyed our one night stay in Sumeikan Karakaya Sanyo and will surely return. It’s a perfect place for nature lovers that seek a traditional and relaxed hideaway from a busy life. We highly recommended Sumeikan Karakaya Sanyo if you’re planning to visit in this area. A beautiful onsen with ryokan stay in Hirayu onsen and Takayama region.
Sumeikan Karakaya Sanyo
Address: 神坂-555 奥飛騨温泉郷 Takayama, Gifu 506-1421, Japan
Last but not least, this Sumeikan Karakaya Sanyo post is part of my Chubu Japan travel blog when visiting Takayama, Kamikochi, Kanazawa and Nagoya region. Check out our travel post if you are interested to know more on our travel itinerary.
Don’t miss the chance to visit Kamikochi, Japan’s most spectacular mountain scenery in the Northern Japan Alps. My Kamikochi itinerary with hiking travel guide included.
Kamikochi (上高地, Kamikōchi) s Japan’s best keep secret and is preserved in its natural state. Located in the Western region of Nagano Prefecture, it is also literally “the place where gods descended”, or “sacred place” for the Japanese.
Kamikochi has only moderately developed and is hard to access by transport. However, its natural landscape does not stop visitors from mesmerizing by the beauty of Kamikochi. Many locals and foreign travelers are coming along the way to Kamikochi for its stunning scenery, alpine flora, wildlife, and plants. It is very popular during the summer holiday and autumn leaf season.
Initially, I had no plan on the Kamikochi hiking itinerary on my Chubu travel trip. However, we decided to change our itinerary planning when getting to how beautiful Kamikochi is from the picture. We planned for a day trip to Kamikochi from Takayama and never regret it. Hiking in Kamikochi is one of the most memorable trips in Japan.
In this Kamikochi travel guide blog, we will share some of the useful information for planning on Kamikochi itinerary:
Please take note that Kamikochi is only open from mid or late April until November. All the facilities and parks will close down during the winter months. For the exact park opening date, please refer to their official website at kamikochi.org.
Kamikochi is welcome for every visitor when it is open. However, the best time to visit Kamikochi is in the fall. It is particularly beautiful for autumn foliage. The park is full of pleasant sights when the leaves turn in yellow and red color.
Here is some of the quick Kamikochi travel guide for itinerary planning:
When Kamikochi is open for the visit?
Kamikochi is open from mid/late April until November 15 and shuts down during winter.
How many days do you need in Kamikochi?
Kamikochi is best for day trips for an easy to moderate hike. But it is also ideal to stay one night in Kamikochi to enjoy the Japan Northern Alps of Nagano Prefecture with Japan’s most spectacular mountain scenery.
Can we stay in Kamikochi?
There are few lodging in Kamikochi where you can spend one night in Kamikochi. We recommended staying in Hotel Shirakabaso Resort Hotel, a popular resort in Kamikochi which offers a great view of the Japanese Alps.
What can we do in Kamikochi?
Kamikochi has been preserved in its natural state within Chūbu-Sangaku National Park. It is best to plan for hiking and enjoy the natural scenic view of Japan’s Northern Alps.
How To Get To Kamikochi
Kamikochi Travel Blog
To keep its natural beauty, no private car is allowed to enter the Kamikochi National Park. Visitors can only access Kamikochi by bus or taxi. However, there are still plenty of ways to get to Kamikochi by public transport from different places.
From Matsumoto and Takayama
Matsumoto and Takayama are great stopovers on your way to Kamikochi. Both places are accessible to Kamikochi with about 2 hours of traveling time by bus and train.
Getting to Kamikochi from Matsumoto by Train and Bus
There are two direct buses departing from Matsumoto bus station to Kamikochi at 5:30 and 10:30 in the morning. And you can catch the returning bus from Kamikochi bus station at 16:00 and 16:45 the evening. The bus journey took about 2 hours with a one-way fare of ¥2,450. You can get the discounted round trip ticket costs ¥4,550.
Alternatively, you can take the Matsumoto Dentetsu Kamikochi Line train from Matsumoto Station to Shin-Shimashima Station (30 minutes). From there, transfer to a bus ride to Kamikochi (60 minutes). Japan Rail Pass is not covered on these buses and trains.
Getting to Kamikochi from Takayama by Bus
From Takayama, visitors can take the Nohi bus to Hirayu Onsen and follow it to Kamikochi by bus. There is one bus per hour departed from Takayama bus station to Hirayu Onsen. The bus ride takes about 60 minutes at ¥1,570. While two buses per hour to Kamikochi for a 25-minute ride at ¥1,160 for one way.
Many travelers also coupled their Kamikochi itinerary with one night stay in Hirayu Onsen and Shinhotaka ropeway ride. There is Okuhida 2-Days or 3 Days round trip set ticket for unlimited bus rides between Takayama, Hirayu Onsen, and Kamikochi. Added, the Shinhotaka Ropeway ticket is included. This discounted transportation ticket is very convenient and cheaper compare to buying the ticket separately.
From Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka
Kamikochi is a perfect stopover if you’re planning to visit Kanto and Kansai. Many people also visited the Matsumoto or Takayama when getting to Kamikochi.
Getting to Kamikochi Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka
Multiple buses company operates daytime and overnight highway buses to Kamikochi. The one-way trip takes about 5 to 7 hours and costs around 5000 to 7000 yen. Online reservations can be made through Willer. But if you are coming from Tokyo, you might want to book this Kamikochi day trip tour. So you don’t have to worry about transport arrangements.
Self Driving To Kamikochi
Getting to Kamikochi by Car
Self-driving is also the most convenient way of traveling around rural Japan. However, private cars are prohibited in the park. It can only able to reach the entrance gate in Kamikochi and park at Sawado. Visitors are required to take the bus (30 minutes, 1000 yen) or taxi ( 4000 yen) to Kamikochi. The bus leaves every 30 minutes from Sawando and takes about 30 minutes to reach Kamikochi. While the parking fee is about 600 yen per day.
You can be booked for your rental car from RentalCars.com to enjoy a self-driving trip to Kamikochi. There are some tips for renting a car for driving in Japan. Read my travel guide on driving in Japan if you are interested.
Kamikochi Hiking Route
Before we proceed into my Kamikochi itinerary, let us take a look at what to do and see in Kamikochi. This will greatly help to have an overall picture of this amazing place.
There are many hiking trails in Kamikochi and easily can plan for 1 day to 2 days Kamikochi itinerary. One of the most common and easiest treks is started from Taisho Pond station, two stations before the Kamikochi station.
The hiking journey from the Taisho Pond stop to Kamikochi is very ideal for a hiker with limited time. It’s approximate a one-hour hike between two places. This is a beautiful walk along the Azusa river to Kamikochi Bus Terminal with Kappashi nearby. You can choose to go further to Myojin pond and Hotaka Inner Shrine with about 3 hours round trip from the bus terminal.
Mount Yake (焼岳, Yake-dake) is an active volcano that you can see when entering the Kamikochi area. It formed the Taisho Pond when an eruption in the early 1900s. Besides, it is possible to hike into Mt. Yakedake with approximately 4 hours of one-way hiking journey.
Taisho Pond (大正池, Taishoike) is famous for its amazing view of surrounding mountains with fantastic reflection. It is one of the famous spots and a must-visit when visiting Kamikochi.
While Tashiro Pond (田代池) is another of Kamikochi’s most scenic spots. It is located along the hiking trail that connects the Kappabashi with Taisho Pond.
Kappabashi – Myojin Pond – Kappabashi
The main center of Kamikochi stands the Kappabashi (Kappa Bridge). It is located within a short walk from Kamikochi Bus Terminal with a few restaurants and hotels in the area. Besides, Kamikochi Visitor Center is also available and open from 8:00 to 17:00 to provide information to mountain hikers.
From the Kappabashi, there are many hiking trails leading up and down to the valley and summit of the surrounding mountain. For Kamikochi day trip hiker, you can choose to proceed with 3 hours round trip hiking trail to Myojin Pond.
Myojin Pond (明神池) is one of the most beautiful places in Kamikochi. It is home to the Hotaka Shrine’s dockside bell and is famous for its tranquil waters and fall foliage.
There are still several routes for you to explore in Kamikochi. You may simply walk around Myojin and Taisho Ike if you just want to enjoy the beautiful scenery. But for those who want to walk up to Yokoo, we suggest staying one night at Kamikochi.
Kamikochi Hiking Itinerary
After discussion, we decided to go for this easy hike for our Kamikochi day trip before heading to Hirayu Onsen. We visited Kamikochi from Takayama by the Nohi bus. It was a comfortable bus ride with many beautiful sceneries along the journey.
Including the bus transfer at Hirayu Onsen, the bus ride took about one and a half hours, and finally, we arrived in Kamikochi.
The Mystic Beauty of Taisho Pond
Taisho Pond (大正池, Taishoike)
Firstly, we get off the bus at the Taisho stop before arriving at Kamikochi Bus Terminal. Once we arrived at Taisho Pond, we were amazed by its beautiful view.
The Taisho-ike was reflecting its peaceful mountain surrounded by crystal clear water.
Even though it was cloudy, the early morning mist had its mystic beauty. The mists and low-hanging clouds added to its beauty and made for majestically picturesque photos. Breathtaking!
Luckily there weren’t many visitors when we went there. We enjoyed our time mesmerized by the tranquil place in peaceful charm.
Hike From Taisho Pond To Kappa Bridge
Next, we were ready for our hiking trek in Kamikochi. It was a comfortable broad walk with a well-laid-out trail. Followed the path and hiking along the Azusa River, we were rewarded with beautiful views all the way.
The trekking journey along the Azusa River and surrounding offer spectacular scenery with fresh air. Bird chirping with fish in the river seen along the trail.
Tashiro Pond (田代池)
Besides, we made a pit stopped at Tashiro Pond. It required some detour on the way to the Kamikochi Terminal Bus. The water was so clean and flowing slowly. We spent some time there taking pictures and seeing the surroundings.
After about a one-hour walk, we finally reached the Kamikochi bus stop. We highly suggest visitors make the bus reservation on your planned return time. The staff will give you a numbered ticket with the departure time printed on your ticket. Remember to come back 10 minutes before departure time.
Kamikochi Travel Tips: Upon Arrived at Kamikochi Bus Stop, please get the numbered boarding ticket for your return bus. Else, you might not able to board the bus as per plan.
The pure waters of the Azusa River flow rapidly when we pass through the park. While the Kappa Bridge is the center of the Kamikochi where you’ll find a few restaurants and souvenir shops. However, we didn’t stop now and were off to Myojin Bridge. It is an approximately three-hour hike from Kappabashi.
Kappa Bridge
Kappa Bridge (Kappabashi) is a wooden suspension bridge over the Azusa River in the center of Kamikochi. This is the center point for Kamikochi and you’ll find restaurants, hotels, and bus stop nearby the area.
The Kappa bridge is the most popular place for shooting and offers an amazing view of the mountain and Azusa river. A must-visit in the Kamikochi itinerary!
Hike From Kappa Bridge To Myojin Pond
There are two walking trails from Kappa Bridge to Myojin Pond. We suggest walking on the right side and returning via the left side to Kappa Bridge. Again, we had a lovely walk up to the pond with a beautiful view along the journey. It’s about a 2-mile walk to the pond but the trail is flat.
Myojin Pond (明神池)
In Myojin Pond, we paid ¥300 to see the famous miniature shrine and bell at the end of the wooden dock. You won’t be able to imagine how spectacular it can be once we pass under a Tori gate.
The view in Myojin Pond was so tranquil and serene like from a fairy tale. But there are crowded with other people enjoying the serenity places together. We waited in line behind other people wishing to pay their respects. So it is advised to this peaceful place as early as possible.
Please take note a pond is a sacred place. So no soaking of tired feet in the crystal clear water and required to stay out of the water.
Lunch at Kamikochi Restaurant
While on the way, the rain started falling. We speed up and reached the Kappabashi area at around 3 p.m. We had our late lunch at Kamikochi Restaurant. It is a great place if you are looking for what to eat in Kamikochi. Our lunch was served with a beautiful view of the Kappa Bridge.
I had Nishi soba for my lunch in Kamikochi Restaurant. It was so good to have noodle soup after hiking in Kamikochi.
Kappa Bridge (Kappabashi)
After lunch, we spend some time wandering around the vicinity of Kappa Bridge. The Kappabashi is the most iconic landmark of Kamikochi which spans over the Azusa River. A favorite spot for sightseeing and photographers.
Lastly, we headed back to the bus station to catch the bus back to Hirayu Onsen. We arrived 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time and boarded the bus successfully. That makes the end of my one-day Kamikochi itinerary.
Kamikochi Hiking Travel Tips
The Kamikochi is extremely popular at the weekend during Autumn. If you are there during this peak season, we recommended booking your return bus ticket at Kamikochi Bus Terminal as it filled up quickly. The last buses departed from Kamikochi at 5:30 p.m, so I recommend taking the one-hour earlier bus to avoid any hiccup.
Make sure to arrive at the bus terminal 15 minutes before the departure time. Besides, it is possible to board the bus at Taisho Pond but it might be full. So, it is still best to board the bus at Kamikochi Bus Terminal to ensure you get a seat.
Limited restaurants in the Kamikochi area and most are located in the Kappabashi area. Remember to bring water and some snack if you plan for hiking. We bring some Japanese rice rolls and had our late lunch after completing the hike.
Where To Stay in Kamikochi
Kamikochi is doable as a day trip to enjoy the mountain scenery in Northern Japan Alps. However, if you would like to spend more time with nature, we highly recommended spending one night in Kamikochi.
Here are some ideas of where to stay in Kamikochi:
Hotel Shirakabaso Resort Hotel has perfectly located nearby the Kappa Bridge. It is a very popular accommodation in Kamikochi for a great view of the Japanese Alps. Dinner is served with seasonal fresh ingredients in kaiseki ryori or modern French cuisine.
Kamikochi Taishoike Hotel is the only hotel located nearby Taisho Pond. It is the best place if you wish to plan your hiking trip starting from Taishi-ike.
Kamikochi Nishi-itoy Mountain Lodge is more on mid-range ryokan stay in Kamikochi. The location is superb with a few steps away from Kappabashi. A wonderful traditional inn with exceptional food, an onsen bath with rooms overlooking the river, and Mt. Hodaka.
But please make sure to book your accommodation in advance. Most of the accommodations are fully booked especially during peak season during the school holiday and fall foliage.
One Day Kamikochi Itinerary
All in all, we enjoy our one-day Kamikochi itinerary by hiking from Taisho Pond to Myojin Pond. It is an easy trek with mostly flat terrain along the hiking journey. A day trip to Kamikochi with a few hours hike will be rewarded with beautiful sights along the trail. However, there is much more to see, and can plan for a 2-Days trip for a more relaxing visit. Some people choose to stay one night in Kamikochi. You can even climb to the surrounding peaks if you love to explore even further.
My Kamikochi itinerary with Easy Day Hike in Japan Alps:
7:50 Depart from Takayama to Kamikochi by Nohi Bus.
9:30 Reach Taisho Pond. Hike to Kappa Bridge area.
11:00 Arrive at Kappa Bridge and reserved the return bus ticket.
11:30 Round trip hike to Myojin Pond.
15:00 Back to Kappabashi and late lunch at Kamikochi Restaurant.
16:00 Wandering around and leaving Kamikochi with the bus.
Note: Above Kamikochi itinerary with rough time estimation. Please adjust based on your physical strength and weather condition.
Lastly, hopefully, this Kamikochi itinerary travel guide helps you plan your perfect hiking in Northern Japan Alps. Enjoy your trip to Kamikochi.
See how I join the locals to celebrate the Shirakawago Doburoku Matsuri Festival Festival during my trip to Shirakawago. A great experience for Japan’s local festival.
Shirakawa-go (白川鄉) is world-famous for its unique Gassho farmhouse design. This hidden gem sits in a beautiful river valley in Gifu prefecture. The preserved village has strong believe to god of mountain since ancient Japan. During mid of October (between 14th to 19th), Shirakawa is celebrating Shirakawago Doburoku Masturi. This festival is the biggest celebration at Shiragawa region. Offerings are made to the gods of the mountain to appreciate good weather and harvesting.
When planned on Shirakawago Itinerary, we get to know that Shirakawago Doburoku Masturi will be held during our visit. We were just in time to catch the Shirakawago-go Festival which held in October every year. Such a lucky for my Chubu Japan travel trip.
Read on my experience to the Shirakawago Doburoku Matsuri Festival and enjoy the festival with locals.
Shirakawago Doburoku Masturi
Every year, the Shirakawago Doburoku Masturi (どぶろく祭) is held at multiple shrines throughout the village which takes place in October. It is also the biggest celebration at Shiragawa region. While Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine is the major event among all the three important shrine in Shirakawa region. The activities will start from morning until night.
For detail on venue, date, and schedule for Shirakawago Doburoku Masturi, please check on the Shirakawago official website for the coming festival.
We participant Shirakawago Doburoku Festival during our day trip to Shiragawago and have so much fun. In the morning, we spend our time visited the UNESCO Heritage site village. We took some breaks and have our lunch at one of the cozy places for a simple yet heartwarming meal. Next, it’s time for us to join the Shirakawago Doburoku Matsuri.
From far, we could see the villagers gathered and started for the procession from Shirakawa Hachiman Shinto Shrine. A portable shrine is carried around and pulled through the village in a parade. We joined the procession and stopped in front of one of the Gassho house.
Two men wearing red-faced and green-faced devil mask with full-color suit for festival performances. They were not frightening and scary. They were very friendly and we also took some photos with them.
Folks Music And Songs
Local kids started their performance with traditional folk music and songs. The folks’ song was performed in a circle and it is being handed down from generation to generation.
Shishimai Lion Dance
A mask lion called Shishi-gashira was handled by locals while two kids fighting the lion by using weapons. They moved around technically and fighting the Shishimai skillfully. It was so cute when seeing the little kids fighting the Shishi-gashira with weapon.
The performance show takes about 30 minutes. Next, the procession moved to another house and redo the same show. Many locals and visitors came and joined the celebration. Some even dress up with festival costume to join the Doburoku Matsuri.
The morning event ended at about 3 p.m. Its time to continue the celebration at Shirakawa Hachiman Shinto Shrine.
Afternoon Event at Shirakawa Hachiman Shinto Shrine
In the late afternoon, the festival celebration continues at the Shirakawa Hachiman Shinto Shrine. There was lion dance and folks song by the kids and villagers.
It was so crowded and probably all the villagers were gathered at the shrine.
One of the special things to do in Shirakwago Doburoku Matsuri is doburoku distribution. Doburoku is an unrefined type of sake made with rice. This milky white doburoku is rich in fragrant with thick and sweet taste. Japan’s government is very strict on sake brewery and banned for it. However, Shirakawa has special permission to produce the homebrew doburoku.
In Shirakawa Hachiman Shinto Shrine, we sat down on the floor with the prepared tatami together with locals. Everyone seems like waiting excited for the Doburoku distribution. You can also buy some snacks such as yakitori from the stalls nearby the entrance.
Doburoku Distribution
TThe doburoku was prepared and offered to local mountain gods in thanks for their protection and good harvest. The remaining are offered to local villages. Locals are happy to share it with visitors and join for their celebration. What you need to do is pay for 500 yen to get a flat cup at the entrance of the Hachiman Shinto shrine.
You can take a sip on doburoku from shrine for one time before the late afternoon event started. But don’t throw this flat cup and remember to keep it. You can use it for unlimited doburoku during the late afternoon festival celebration.
When the event started, some ladies served the sake one by one when there was an empty cup in front. They busily poured and filled up the doburoku into the flat cup.
The Unrefined Doburoku Sake
See my milky white unrefined doburoku sake. It looks like rice porridge but taste so good. We enjoyed the sake and soak in the festival atmosphere with locals. Such a magical experience in Shirakawago.
There were performed on stage but seem like nobody care. Everyone was enjoyed, laugh and focused on the sake drinking. We have almost 5 rounds of doburoku and it’s time to catch our bus back to Takayama.
Most Unique Experience In Shirakawago Doburoku Matsuri
All in all, Shirakwago Doburoku Matsuri is one of the unique experience to enjoy a local Japan festival with locals. While Winter Light Up Event is extremely popular among the locals and visitors. But we enjoyed sacred procession and parade in the morning. In late afternoon, the unlimited Doburoku (sake) was distributed to every visitor. One of my unique experiences during my Japan travel trip.
Still, it is best to stay in Shirakawago if you have the time. The festival event will held until night. We stayed at Takayama Country Hotel which conveniently located opposite the bus station. If you need more accommodation options, check it out the best hotel pick if you are looking for where to stay in Takayama when visiting.
Lastly, this Shirakawago Doburoku Matsuri Festival blog is part of my travel post when visited Takayama and Shirakawago. Check out my Takayama travel and food blog if you are interested.
