Kamikochi Snowshoe Trekking Tour
Kamikochi is the birthplace of the Japan Alps hidden deep in the mountains of Nagano and is closed for winter. It is part of the Chubusangaku National Park. In the summer it is well known as being the base of mountaineering for the high peaks. In the winter the road access is closed and so it becomes a very quiet and pristine place for snowshoeing. We offer 2 versions of the Kamikochi tour. Our local guides will take you through the tunnels to see the beautiful reflection of Taisho pond or for a full day to the famous Kappa-bashi Bridge. All of NORTHSTAR Tours/Lessons have English speaking Guides.
Regular Tour: Half day to Taisho Pond
This tour is perfect for those who want to see the picturesque view of Kamikochi in the winter time. We will guide you to the edge of Taisho pond and along the rivers to Tashiro pond to enjoy the many scenese of Kamikochi. It is a total of 7km round trip with uphills and downhills and walking through tunnels.
Other Tour Options
For full day tours and other options please check out our Custom Snowshoe tours page.
Half Day tour to Taisho Pond
Cost
- 2 people: ¥24,000/person
- Group (3 or more people): ¥16,000/person
*Includes guiding fee, insurance, rental snowshoes, rental trekking poles, rental headlamps and sales tax. Does not include lunch.
**Minimum number of participants are two people.
Distance: 7km round trip.There is 2.5km of uphill hiking and 2.5km of downhill hiking and the rest is generally flat terrain.
For: Must be older than 12 years old.
Schedule
- 7:45 Registration and Preparation at NORTHSTAR
- 8:00 Depart with NORTHSTAR shuttle
- 8:30 Start hiking from Nakanoyu (Hiking through tunnels with headlamps 2km)
- 10:00 Arrive at Taisho-ike pond or Tashiro pond
- 10:10 Break- warm beverages included
- 10:30 Depart Taisho Pond
- 12:30 Arrive at Nakanoyu
- 13:00 Return to Northstar (NORTHSTAR shuttle)
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 / needs to be able to carry snowshoes)
- water bottle (500mL ~ 1L)
- Lunch (for full day tour only)
- Snacks
*Please make sure you have all the required equipment. Temperatures in Kamikochi can drop below 0C to -15C 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 what to wear for winter trekking
Rental Equipment:
- Snowboots (snowboard boots) : ¥2,500
- Snow Wear Set (ski jacket, ski pants, beanie, gloves, goggles）: ¥4,000
- Backpack 30L: ¥1,500
- Water Bottle
Disclaimer
Guides will make the final decision about the tour operation based on weather and applicable terrain conditions. Your safety is our priority.
>> Check our blog post for how the tour is going to be like
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