Kamikochi: Hiking near Takayama

Natural heaven in the Central Alps of Gifu and Nagano

Amber Echevarria Feb 07, 2013 - 1 min read

<p>Towering mountains along the trail</p>

<p>One of a few suspension bridges – provide a great view of the scenery!</p>

<p>You will meet plenty of butterflies in Kamikochi!</p>

<p>Keep an eye out along the path for some of these red-faced Japanese monkeys</p>

<p>The scenery changes to marshland at Kamikochi</p>

<p>A few ducks decided to pop out and say hello</p>

<p>The terrain is not too difficult, even quite smooth along some parts</p>

<p>Clear mountain river water rushes along the path, mossy trees and rocks abound!</p>

<p>Start your day early so you can experience the afternoon sun along the riverbank</p>

Kamikochi is truly a great place to experience the amazing natural beauty of the central Japanese Alps. Choose from the many trails and you will see for yourself the secret beauty that exists when you slip away from the busy coastal life in the cities. The only skyscrapers here are massive mountains towering around you, and the busiest moments are where the crystal clear waters rush over naturaly smooth boulders and fallen trees. From Takayama Station, you can take a 60 minute bus to Hirayu Onsen, then a 25 minute bus to Kamiochi.

Amber Echevarria @amber.echevarria

I'm a midwestern girl from Chicago who visited Japan on vacation in 2011. I spent the following year wishing I was back in Japan and was extremely excited to return here to live in April 2012. My home town here in Japan is Takayama, in Gifu Prefecture, and I love living in this beautiful mountain...