Kamikōchi: Japan’s Alpine Highland

When one thinks of majestic mountains peaks, the Swiss Alps in Europe comes to mind, or the Rocky Mountains in the United States. But what about in Asia, or in its islands?

The Kamikōchi highland is located in the western part of Nagano Prefecture, by the Hida Mountains, north of the Japan Alps. It is bordered on the northern end by Mount Hotaka and on the southern end by the active volcano Mount Yake. At the base of Mount Yake is Lake Taishō, filled from the flowing waters of the Azusa River.

Kappa Bridge, Kamikochi National Park

Throughout the years, the natural beauty of Kamikōchi has been preserved in all its glory by Japan’s conservation efforts. It is considered to be one of Japan’s Natural Cultural Assets. The Kamikōchi highlands have breathtaking peaks that reach an altitude of 4,900 ft. (1,500 m). Unrivaled hiking grounds and ski slopes can thrill the most seasoned adventurer and challenge the most experienced hikers. Summer showcases all the vibrant colors of virgin forests while winter highlights the Northern Alps with 10,000 foot peaks covered in fresh fallen snow.

The first person to ever climb Kamikōchi is a Buddhist priest named Banryu from the Toyama region. According to the Buddhist doctrines, climbing mountains was thought of as a natural way to worship. It was during the Meiji Period when mountain climbing was introduced by Westerners as a sport and leisure activity.

A well-known Japanese novelist, Ryunosuke Akutagawa, wrote about Kamikōchi and Kappa Bridge in his novel Kappa, which was published in March, 1927. In July of that year, Kamikochi was selected as one of the most scenic spots in Japan. In August, His Imperial Highness Prince Chichibunomiya climbed Okuhotakadake and Yarigatake mountains from Kamikōchi, finally cementing Kamikōchi as a must-see destination.