Chubu
Chubusangaku National Park
PIXTA
Activity
Charter sightseeing cab! Explore Kamikochi, one of Japan's most famous mountain scenic spots! <1-4 persons / departure from City of Suwa>
Highlights
・Visit Kamikochi, one of Japan's most famous mountain scenic spots. ・Recommended for first-time visitors and those who are not physically fit. ・Charter for up to 4 people on a group basis. ・Recommended for families and groups traveling to Kamikochi for the first time!
Detail
This tour takes you to Kamikochi, one of Japan's most famous mountain scenic spots, by chartered sightseeing cab. 1.5-hour stay course is recommended for those who want to visit the area casually, such as for walking. 1-4 people can enjoy the tour at their own pace as it is completely chartered. The bus terminal, which is inaccessible by car, can be reached by private car, so you can enjoy Kamikochi sightseeing smoothly.
Summary
Location Nagano,Kamikochi
Required time 5.5hours
Transportation Pick-up at your desired location in Suwa City
Meal No
Kamikochi Hiking Day Trip from Matsumoto with 3-Hour Free Time
Highlights
Experience the untouched beauty of Kamikochi, located within the Chubu Sangaku National Park, on a guided day trip from Matsumoto. Stroll along scenic walking trails alongside the Azusa River, surrounded by the majestic Northern Japan Alps. With an English-speaking guide to enrich your journey, enjoy a peaceful and refreshing nature escape in one of Japan’s most celebrated highland valleys.
Detail
This full-day tour takes you from Matsumoto to Kamikochi, a pristine nature destination nestled in the heart of the Northern Alps and part of the Chubu Sangaku National Park. After meeting your English-speaking guide, travel by bus to the park entrance, where you’ll begin an easy and scenic hike along the Azusa River. Highlights include the iconic Kappa Bridge, panoramic views of the Hotaka mountain range, and crystal-clear rivers and forests that reflect the changing seasons. The guide will provide insight into the area's geography, history, and ecosystem, making it an educational and relaxing day immersed in Japan’s natural beauty. Ideal for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat from the city.
Summary
Location Matsumoto / Kamikochi
Required time 6 - 7.5 hours
Transportation Pick-up and drop-off available (conditions apply)
Meal None
Hida Great Limestone Cave & Round-trip Bus Ticke Depart from Takayama
Highlights
Experience effortless travel to the stunning Hida Great Limestone Cave with this package, which includes a convenient round-trip bus ticket directly from Takayama and direct admission to the cave. Explore its natural beauty at your own pace, immersing yourself in this unique geological wonder. Your digital ticket allows seamless boarding, eliminating any need for exchanges and ensuring a smooth start to your adventure.
Detail
Your package includes a round-trip bus ticket departing from Takayama Nohi Bus Center (from Platform 5 for the Hirayu/Shinhotaka Line) directly to the Hida Great Limestone Cave entrance, along with your admission ticket. This activity is available daily. To use your tickets, simply present your digital ticket on your smartphone (an internet connection is required) to the driver or staff when boarding. An exchange ticket for the cave admission must also be presented at the Hida Great Limestone Cave itself. Your voucher remains valid for three months from the purchase date.
Summary
Location Gifu / Takayama
Required time
Transportation Pick up not Available
Meal None
One-Day Trip to Kamikochi w/ Lunch Box: Enjoy the Northern Alps (English Guide)
Highlights
Escape into the breathtaking landscapes of Kamikochi, one of Japan’s most scenic alpine valleys, on this full-day guided tour from Nagoya. Walk along crystal-clear rivers, admire the majestic peaks of the Northern Japan Alps, and enjoy serene nature at your own pace. A delicious lunch box is included, perfect for a picnic surrounded by mountain beauty. This relaxing, nature-filled journey is ideal for photography lovers, hikers, and those seeking a peaceful retreat from the city.
Detail
This one-day round-trip tour departs from Nagoya and takes you deep into the heart of Kamikochi, located within Chubu Sangaku National Park. Led by an English-speaking guide, you'll have approximately 3 hours of free time to explore iconic spots like Kappa Bridge, the Azusa River, and the scenic woodlands. The tour includes comfortable coach transportation, a freshly prepared lunch box, and informative guidance along the way. No strenuous hiking is required, making it accessible for all nature lovers, from casual walkers to outdoor enthusiasts.
Summary
Location Kamikochi
Required time 11.5 hours
Transportation Pick up not Available
Meal Yes
Nagano Scenic Hiking: Day Trip to Kamikochi National Park with 3h Exploration
Highlights
Embark on a scenic day trip from Nagoya to Kamikochi National Park, nestled in the heart of the Japanese Alps. Enjoy approximately 3 hours of free time to explore the park's stunning landscapes at your own pace. Walk along the crystal-clear Azusa River, cross the iconic Kappa Bridge, and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of this alpine paradise. This tour offers a perfect blend of nature, tranquility, and adventure, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts and photography lovers alike.
Detail
Departing from Nagoya, this full-day excursion takes you to Kamikochi, a renowned highland valley located at an altitude of approximately 1,500 meters. Upon arrival, you'll have about 3 hours of free time to explore the park's scenic trails, iconic landmarks, and picturesque spots. The tour includes comfortable round-trip bus transportation, ensuring a hassle-free journey. Please note that this tour does not include a guide, allowing you to enjoy the park at your own pace. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, it's a perfect escape into nature without the need for strenuous hiking.
Summary
Location Kamikochi
Required time 11 hours
Transportation Pick up not Available
Meal None
Access
How to get there
Chubusangaku National Park encompasses the Hida Mountains (also known as the Northern Alps). The park includes parts of Toyama, Nagano, Gifu, and Niigata prefectures. Popular locations in the park include the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Kurobe Gorge, the Kamikochi and the Hakuba valley. Some of these sites (and others) close from late November through mid-April due to heavy snow, so plan accordingly. The cities of Takayama, Matsumoto, Nagano and Toyama serve as transport hubs to various parts of the park.
From Tokyo
To reach the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Toyama Station (2 hr 45 min) or get off at Nagano Station (1 hr 40 min) then take a direct bus to Ogizawa (1 hr 45 min). For Kurobe Gorge Railway, ride the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kurobe-Unazukionsen Station (2 hr 30 min), then take a Toyama Chiho train departing from nearby Shin-Kurobe Station to Unazukionsen Station (25 min). The railway station is only a few minutes on foot. To see Kamikochi's beautiful autumn colors, take the JR Azusa or Super Azusa limited express trains to Matsumoto Station (2 hr 30 min), transfer to the Alpico Kamikochi Line, continue to Shin-Shimashima Station (30 min), then take a bus to Kamikochi (60 min). Options for accessing the Hakuba Valley include taking the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano Station, then a bus to Hakuba (2 hr 45 min); taking the JR Azusa limited express (make sure the train goes all the way to Hakuba) to Matsumoto Station (4 hr 40 min); or taking a highway bus from Tokyo to Hakuba (5 hr). Public transportation is preferred as a way to help preserve the natural environment.
From Osaka
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and the Kurobe Gorge Railway can both be reached via the JR Thunderbird limited express to Kanazawa Station then transferring to the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen. Ride the shinkansen to Toyama Station for the Alpine Route (3 hr). For the Gorge, alight at Kurobe-Unazukionsen Station (3 hr), then transfer to the Toyama Chiho Railway, which departs from the adjacent Shin-Kurobe Station where you can ride to Unazuki-Onsen Station (25 min). Kurobe Gorge Railway trains are a five-minute walk from there. For Kamikochi, take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya Station (60 min) then transfer to the JR Hida limited express train for Takayama Station (2 hr 20 min). After that, take a Nohi Bus to Hirayu Onsen (60 min) and another bus to Kamikochi (25 min). For the Hakuba valley, take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya Station, transfer to the JR Shinano limited express and get off at Matsumoto Station (2 hr) then take the JR Oito Line to Hakuba Station (1 hr 30 min).
Getting Around
Many park locations, such as Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and Kurobe Gorge, have specially designed transportation systems that allow visitors to enjoy the park's natural beauty without damaging it. Private vehicles are useful for exploring the park but be prepared to leave them behind when entering certain areas. For those without a car, buses operated by Alpico Kotsu and Nohi Bus are a great way to get around. Detailed route information is available on each companies' English-language websites.
