Published date: July 29, 2025
Enjoyable Even in the Rain, But Hope for Clear Skies for First-Timers
Room Type Stayed
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Experience of the stay
Kamikochi is a beloved place I have visited many times. It's a place worthy of being called the best summer resort, although it gets closed for winter due to snow. Technically, even when it’s closed, with proper gear, it’s possible to walk through the Kamal Tunnel with snowshoes or hiking boots. The winter scenery of Kamikochi, adorned in snow, is nothing less than beautiful. However, whether you visit during the fresh greenery of lingering snow, the summer peak season, or the autumn foliage, it will be a wonderful experience. Even in the rain, the greenery becomes deeper, making strolls through the damp forest delightful. On this occasion, I fortuitously found a last-minute vacancy in this hotel, which is usually fully booked during the season, and enjoyed the long-awaited stay with breakfast and dinner included. As you can see from the calendar, it's almost fully booked until the end of the season. So, by occasionally checking the calendar, you might find sudden openings. Normally, this hotel does not accept reservations for one person, so I have always thought of it as one of the hidden treasures. I encourage everyone to visit Kamikochi to experience Japan's wonderful scenery and air at least once. Dinner is served as a course, and it was very delicious. The breakfast is buffet-style. When it’s sunny, you can enjoy the splendid view of the Hotaka mountain range from the terrace of the breakfast venue, which is undoubtedly one of the top views in Kamikochi. Staying at the campsite at Konashi Plain or Takizawa by extending your walk can be fun, but during rainy weather, you will definitely feel the advantage of staying at the hotel. On a day blessed with good weather, I recommend walking to Myojin and Takizawa. I hope to visit again when the first snow falls.
Experiences during the trip
Despite the rain confirmed just before my last-minute cancellation, the sun peeked out when I arrived and as I left. Since it was raining, I could only stroll around the hotel area after checking out, while spending the heavy rain hours leisurely reading books or working in the lounge on the third floor of the hotel, watching people pass by the Kappa Bridge. The view from the Konashi Plain campsite is also beautiful, so don't miss it. I enjoyed a walk through the Gakuza Wetlands, Visitor Center, and Weston Monument, taking in the scenery. It’s very convenient as there are direct buses to Kamikochi Bus Terminal from Tokyo, Nagoya, and Kansai areas. This time, I came from Matsumoto to Shinshimashima Station and then took the Alpico bus to Kamikochi Bus Terminal. Either way, please enjoy the scenery from the bus window.