Kamikochi Mountain Day Trip from Tokyo
- 14 hours
- Free cancellation up to 144h before
- 2 languages
- Mobile ticket
Highlights
This tour offers a rare chance to visit Kamikochi, a stunning alpine valley in Nagano Prefecture, designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a Special Natural Monument of Japan. With private cars restricted and public access limited, Kamikochi can be difficult to reach on your own—making this guided trip by train and chartered bus a truly convenient way to explore its untouched beauty. Spend up to 5 hours surrounded by crystal-clear rivers, towering peaks, and the iconic Kappa Bridge, all in one peaceful and unforgettable day.
Inclusions
What's included
- Round-trip transportation by train (for those who chose Shinjuku meet up option)
- Japanese-speaking tour conductor using a translation app for assistance
- Round-trip transportation by bus from Matsumoto Station and back
What's not
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter
- Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, shopping)
Itinerary
After meeting your tour conductor at Shinjuku, you’ll board the JR Limited Express Azusa departing between 7:00-7:30, traveling in reserved seats for a scenic ride through the Japanese countryside. No traffic, no transfers—just a relaxing journey toward one of Japan’s most breathtaking natural destinations.
Upon arrival at Matsumoto, you’ll meet with the rest of your group and will transfer to a chartered bus that will take you deep into the Japanese Alps. Depending on the date, part of the route may include a short ride on a local bus due to seasonal sightseeing bus regulations. Your destination is a pristine highland valley located at an elevation of 1,500m, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Hotaka Mountain Range. Known for its crystal-clear rivers, untouched forests, and dramatic alpine views, Kamikochi is a protected area within Chubu Sangaku National Park and is closed to private vehicles—making this tour a rare and privileged way to visit.
You’ll have 4 hours in total to explore Kamikochi at your own pace. Whether you choose to start your walk from Taisho Pond, the Imperial Hotel, or the Bus Terminal, you’ll be greeted by stunning views of the Azusa River, the iconic Kappa Bridge, and the surrounding mountains. The recommended mini hiking route from Taisho Pond to Kappa Bridge is approximately 3.5 km, taking about 70 minutes on mostly flat terrain, making it perfect for casual walkers and nature lovers alike. In autumn, Kamikochi transforms into a golden wonderland, with fall foliage typically peaking from mid-September to late October. Please note that lunch is not included, so you’ll have the freedom to enjoy a meal at one of the local cafés or bring your own food to enjoy in nature. Important: Final train details, including exact meeting time and train details, will be confirmed 1 week prior to your tour date and sent via Viator chat. Please check your messages for updates.
After an exciting hiking in Kamikochi, you’ll head back to Matsumoto Station, where depending on the option you chose, you will disband or board the Limited Express Azusa train back to Tokyo. You may choose to disembark at Hachioji or Tachikawa Station, or continue to Shinjuku Station, arriving between 21:00 and 21:30.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 144 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
5.0
- 53
- 40
- 30
- 20
- 10
Ratings come from 3 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- Meet at Matsumoto Station, Alps Exit. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled meeting time. The tour conductor will be coming from Shinjuku Station and will be holding a flag and a placard with the local tour operator's logo.
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group size
- Up to 42 travellers
- Operated by
- Club Tourism International Inc.
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infant (0-2 years old) are free of charge with no arrangement
- There are no meals provided on this tour, so we recommend bringing your own packed lunch or enjoying a meal at one of the restaurants near Kappa Bridge.
How it compares in Tokyo
- Its from-price is 68% below the median of the 893 day trips we list in Tokyo.
- It is longer than most of them.
- By number of reviews it ranks 291 of 893.
About Tokyo
Neon-lit districts, quiet shrines, superb food and distinct neighbourhoods make up Tokyo, a vast, orderly metropolis linked by punctual trains.
Every district feels like its own city. Shibuya's famous scramble crossing and Shinjuku's towers, bars and Golden Gai alleys pulse with energy, while Harajuku mixes youth fashion with the forested calm of the Meiji Jingu shrine. In Asakusa, the Sensō-ji temple and its market street keep an older Tokyo alive, and Ginza offers polished department stores and galleries.
Top-ranked sights in Tokyo: Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa Temple), Tokyo Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu).
Special offers in Tokyo
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
15% offFree cancellation
