- 2 min read

Hiking around Kamikochi

From Taisho-ike to Myojin-ike via Kappa-bashi Bridge

If you are the type of person who likes walking along the water and viewing beautiful mountains, but hesitate to climb up a mountain path, Kamikochi Hiking is for you. This hiking course along the Azusa River is well maintained and almost flat. And it takes about only one hour each from Kappa-bashi to Myojin-ike or Taisho-ike Pond. You will feel quite satisfied with the view of these magnificent mountains that are in the 3000-meter class: Mt. Oku-Hodaka and Mt. Yake-dake. At Hodaka Shrine just in front of Myojin-ike Pond, they hold a special Shinto ritual on October 8 every year. Shinto maidens perform a ritual dance, and priests get on a small boat and go around the pond. A very famous mountain guide, Kamijo Kamonji had a hut near Myojin-ike Pond. Now, the great-great-grandson of Kamonji runs a restaurant and B&B in the same location. When you get there, please try their tasty grilled fish: It’s nice and soft and easy to eat bones and all. The places I introduce in this video (with some links provided) are listed below:

  1. Taisho-ike Pond: Azusa River & the Japanese Alps with morning mist
  2. Tashiro-ike Pond
  3. Kamikochi Imperial Hotel: Coffee made from water of Japanese Alps
  4. Kappa-bashi Bridge: So crowded that no Kappa were spotted!
  5. Camping Site near Kappa-bashi: Konashidaira campsite and its beautiful surroundings
  6. Hiking along Azusa River: Mountains, morning mist, and beautiful forests
  7. Myojin-ike Pond: Dead trees standing in the crystal clear pond
  8. Hodaka Shrine: Special Shinto ritual in October
  9. Kamonji Goya -1: Interview with descendant of mountain guide, Kamonji
  10. Kamonji Goya -2: Let's see how they cook their original grilled fish
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Sleiman Azizi a year ago
Most definitely one of the most beautiful locations in Japan.
Anonymous
Anonymous 9 years ago
Nice video, they look like some lovely places to go!
Tomoko Kamishima Videographer 9 years ago
Daniel, the season of Kamikochi is from late April to mid November. Even in winter, there are some ways to enter this area, but it is a bit difficult.
Mandy Bartok 9 years ago
Thanks, Tomoko! Sorry I missed that the first time around. These videos are great!
Tomoko Kamishima Videographer 9 years ago
Thanks for comments, Mandy. I'm happy you enjoyed this video!
Tomoko Kamishima Videographer 9 years ago
Hi Mandy! The ceremony is on video #8 (see index at the bottom of this article). I explained it a little bit there.
Mandy Bartok 9 years ago
That video makes me want to return to Kamikochi right away! Nice job, Tomoko! What sort of ceremony was going on around minute 1:30-1:34?

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