Matsumoto, Nagano / 上高地
Kamikochi
A mountain scenic spot visited by 1.2 million people a year. The British missionary Weston introduced Kamikochi and the Hotaka and Yari peaks to the world in 1896, and it is a national place of scenic beauty and natural monument. Taisho Pond was formed when an eruption of Mt. Yake in June 1915 dammed the Azusa River. Kamikochi is a "car-less" resort: private cars cannot enter at any time of year.
Last official check
26 Sept 2026
Traveler reports
0
Reports open in Phase 2
Next scheduled check
25 Dec 2026
Decide before you go
A short summary made from the official facts below. Check the rows for details.
- Getting there
- Bus
Before you go
Only facts we confirmed on official sources are shown. Anything else is marked “Not checked yet”.
- Opening hours
Not checked yet — we have not confirmed this on an official source yet. Check with the spot before you go.
- Closed
Not checked yet — we have not confirmed this on an official source yet. Check with the spot before you go.
- Admission
Not checked yet — we have not confirmed this on an official source yet. Check with the spot before you go.
- Getting there
Private cars (including rentals and motorcycles) are banned beyond the Kama Tunnel; take a shuttle bus or taxi from Sawando car park (Matsumoto side) or Akandana car park (Takayama side).
Checked 26 Sept 2026 on the official site- Parking
Sawando car park (800 yen per day), Akandana car park (600 yen per day).
Checked 26 Sept 2026 on the official site- Payment
Not checked yet — we have not confirmed this on an official source yet. Check with the spot before you go.
- Accessibility
Not checked yet — we have not confirmed this on an official source yet. Check with the spot before you go.
Found wrong or outdated information? Let us know
Official site: https://www.kamikochi.or.jp/
Location
We have not confirmed the location on an official source yet, so there is no map.
Crowds
- Crowd level
Not checked yet — no official source yet, and not enough traveler reports.
- Best time to visit
Not checked yet — no official source yet, and not enough traveler reports.
- Peak time
Not checked yet — no official source yet, and not enough traveler reports.
- Busiest days
Not checked yet — no official source yet, and not enough traveler reports.
- Busiest season
Not checked yet — no official source yet, and not enough traveler reports.
- Latest traveler report
- None yet
Very crowded on summer-holiday weekends and holidays, during Obon and in the October autumn-leaf season.Checked 26 Sept 2026 on the official site
Traveler crowd data by time of day appears after 5 traveler reports (0 so far).
You can check typical busy hours in Google Maps ("Popular times" on the place's page). Open this spot in Google Maps
Visiting respectfully
- RulesPrivate cars cannot enter Kamikochi at any time of year.Checked 26 Sept 2026 on the official site
- Local etiquetteDo not collect plants or insects. Do not feed wild animals. Take all litter home. Do not bring pets or non-native species. Do not leave the paths. Do not ride bicycles into the mountain area.Checked 26 Sept 2026 on the official site
- PhotographyDo not fly drones. Take turns with others when taking photos.Checked 26 Sept 2026 on the official site
Verification log
- 26 Sept 2026First check · Tourism board · https://www.kamikochi.or.jp/access/restrictionsAccess, parking and cautions and rules read from a tourism organization's site.
- 26 Sept 2026First check · Tourism board · https://www.kamikochi.or.jp/learn/rulesCautions and rules and photography read from a tourism organization's site.
- 26 Sept 2026First check · Tourism board · https://www.kamikochi.or.jp/learn/about/Description read from a tourism organization's site.