Standard
$760per person
Own tent at a riverside camp site, shared guide
Choose StandardKamikochi River Camp
Six days of riverside camping and valley walks in the Japan Alps, with a bus in, no cars in the valley and autumn colour in October.
What you will walk
- Camping by the Azusa river inside the Kamikochi valley
- Walks to Taisho Pond and the mirror-still reflections of Yake-dake
- A bus-only valley with no private cars
- Autumn colour from late September into October
- Hot springs in the Matsumoto area on the last evening
Kamikochi is a high valley in the Japan Alps, reached by a bus that runs up the valley floor. Private cars are not allowed inside, so the valley is quiet and the paths are clear of traffic. The river runs clear over pale stones and the walking is flat, which suits walkers who want a relaxed week in the mountains.
We camp at a riverside site and walk the valley each day, with the guide choosing routes that suit the weather. The camp site has washing facilities and a shared kitchen tent, and the guide cooks breakfast and dinner on camping nights. Lodge stays are available on the comfort tier.
The best months are July to October. The valley is busy in autumn, so walk early or late in the day to get the quiet paths. The camp sites close in late October, and the trip does not run after that date.
Day by day, up and over
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Arrive in Matsumoto
Take the train to Matsumoto and meet the guide. The evening covers the kit list and the Japanese bus timetable for the valley.
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Bus into Kamikochi and camp
A bus takes you up the valley road to the entrance. The camp is a short walk along the river, and the afternoon is free for a first stroll.
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Walk to Taisho Pond
The flat path follows the river to Taisho Pond, where Yake-dake is reflected in the water on calm mornings. Stop for lunch on the bank.
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Myojin Pond and the river walk
A slower day along the wooden footbridges to Myojin Pond, which sits beside a shrine. Good for photographs and a long lunch.
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Day walk to the Kappa Bridge
The famous red bridge is a short walk from camp. Walk back in the late afternoon when the bus crowds have left the valley.
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Bus back to Matsumoto
Take the bus down the valley and rest in the town. An optional onsen bath in the Matsumoto area is available on the last evening.
Choose how you stay
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Most chosen Comfort
$980per person
Lodge rooms with half board, day walks from the lodge
Choose Comfort -
Private
$1,650per person
Private guide and camp set-up for your group
Choose Private
Included
- Five nights of riverside camping or lodge stays, depending on tier
- Breakfast and dinner on camping nights, plus lunch on walking days
- Licensed guide for the valley walks
- Camping equipment and sleeping bags for the standard tier
- Kamikochi bus pass for the trip
Not included
- International flights and Japan Rail fares to Matsumoto
- Travel insurance
- Onsen entry and drinks
- Tips for the guide
Pick your departure
| Departs | Seats left | Status | Price | Request |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 seats left | Open | $760 | Request Sun 18 Jul 2027 | |
| Only 2 left | Few left | $760 | Request Sun 8 Aug 2027 | |
| 8 seats left | Open | $760 | Request Sun 12 Sept 2027 | |
| Full | Full | $760 | Waitlist Sun 3 Oct 2027 | |
| On request | On request | $760 | Ask Sun 17 Oct 2027 |
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What travellers say
4.0
Based on 1 review
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Kamikochi in full autumn colour
The valley walk along the Azusa river was flat and easy, which suited my parents well. Colour was just starting on the birches and larches when we arrived in late September, and it peaked the week after. The river camp was basic but comfortable, with proper showers and a sheltered kitchen tent. I would have liked more time at the pond in the mornings, before the day visitors came off the bus.
Read moreShow less
Mei Lin Tan
Before you book
Still have a question?
Ask a planner. A person reads every message and replies within one working day.
Do I need to bring my own tent?
No. The standard tier includes a tent, mat and sleeping bag. If you have your own kit, you can bring it and the tier price drops by a small amount.
How cold does it get at night?
In October the valley can drop to a few degrees above freezing. Bring a warm layer and a hat for the night.
Is there a shop in the valley?
Yes, but prices are higher than in town. Buy snacks and water in Matsumoto before you go up.
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