Kamikochi/Norikura Custom Snowshoe Trekking Tour

Cost:

• 2 people: ¥35,000/person
• Group (3 or more people): ¥23,000/person 

Distance: ~13km round trip. There is 2km of uphill and 2km of downhill and the rest is generally flat.

**IMPORTANT Notice: This is a long tour and is not suggested for beginners. Arriving to Kappa Bridge is not guarunteed depending on physical fitness, time schedule, and for those coming by Bus. If you want a higher chance at arriving at Kappa Bridge we must start earlier at around 8:00am. For an 8:00am start you must stay in Norikura prior to the Tour or come by rental car to NORHTSTAR. There is no early bus that arrives at this time. Please plan accordingly. Guides will make the final decisions on the trail regarding when to turn back.

For: Must be older than 12 years old.

Meeting Locations: NORTHSTAR, Nakanoyu Bus Stop, Sawando Bus Stop, Norikura/Shirahone Onsen area (Pickup available).

>>Takayama to Kamikochi: How to travel for NORTHSTAR Tours

>>Matsumoto to Kamikochi: How to travel for NORTHSTAR Tours

Sample Schedule for Full Day Kamikochi:

**Time schedule can vary depending on hiking experience, weather conditions, etc.

• 8:00 Arrive at NORTHSTAR, meet guide, finish registration. Rentals and gear check. Depart in Northstar Van
• 8:30 Start hiking from Nakanoyu (Hiking through tunnels with headlamps 2km)
• 10:30 Arrive at Taisho-ike pond or Tashiro pond (Toilet)
• 12:00 Arrive at Kappa Bridge (Toilet)
• 12:15 Lunch time and break (Lunch is not provided, please pack a lunch)
• 12:45 Depart Kappa Bridge
• 14:00 Arrive at Taisho Pond
• 15:45 Arrive at Nakanoyu gate (Toilet)
• 16:00 Return to NORTSHTAR

Sample Schedule for Full Day Kamikochi Taisho Pond + Norikura Frozen Waterfall Tour:

• 9:05 Arrive at Nakanoyu Bus Stop and meet with NORTHSTAR guide. Rentals and gear check.
• 9:20 Start hiking from Nakanoyu (Hiking through tunnels with headlamps 2km)
• 11:00 Arrive at Taisho-ike pond or Tashiro pond (Toilet)
• 11:30 Depart Taisho Pond
• 12:30 Arrive at Nakanoyu
• 13:00 Return to Norikura Kogen / Lunch at Soba Noodle Restaurant, or other local restnt (optional)
• 14:00 Start hiking to the frozen waterfall
• 14:20 Arrive at Zengoro Fall (frozen waerfall)
• 15:00 Arrive at NORTHSTAR
• 16:06 Take bus towards Matsumoto from N-29 Norikura Kanko Center

Season:
Late December 25 to April 3

*No tours are available before December 25th

*Disclaimer*
Guides will make the final decision about the tour operation based on weather and applicable terrain conditions. Your safety is our priority. 

All NORTHSTAR Guides are fluent in English and Japanese.

>> Kamikochi Half/Full Snowshoe Tour-What does the day look like?

Required Equipment:

• Water proof snow jacket and pants
• Snow gloves 
• extra insulation jacket (packable down jacket/extra layer to put in backpack)
• snow boots (30cm high)
• Hiking backpack (around 30L size / capable to carry snowshoes)
• water bottle (500mL ~ 1L)
• Lunch (Simple and easy to eat)
• Snacks

*Please make sure you have all the required equipment. Temperatures in Kamikochi can drop below 0C to -10C on some days. Without the proper equipment it can become uncomfortable and possibly dangerous. Plan ahead for rental equipment.
**NORTHSTAR does not provide lunches. Please bring your own snacks and lunch for the tours.

>> Please read our blog post for Winter Outdoor Equipment Guide

Rental Equipment:

• Snowboots (snowboard boots) : ¥2,500
• Snow Wear Set (ski jacket, ski pants, beanie, gloves, goggles）: ¥4,000 
• Backpack 30L: ¥1,500