Kamikochi Private Summer Escape: Meet Wildlife in Pristine Nature
Active
6h - 10h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover Kamikochi, a pristine alpine valley at 1,500m. Walk quiet trails, spot wildlife, and enjoy pure air in a protected sanctuary. Travel smoothly with a private guide, with photos gifted after.
❑ A Special Day in Kamikochi
At 1,500m in the Japanese Alps, Kamikochi is one of Japan’s most beautiful valleys. Walk forest paths and cross bridges as you breathe alpine air. You may glimpse monkeys, stoats, or even a rare Japanese serow. With rivers, clean air, and open views, this vehicle-free sanctuary is a serene escape.
❑ Why Private?
Public transport is slow, crowded, and inflexible, since private cars are restricted. With your own car to the entrance and an English-speaking guide to manage transfers, the journey is smooth and tailored to you.
❑ A Personalized Journey
We guide you to quiet trails, viewpoints, and hidden spots others miss. Wildlife, scenery, and alpine calm are photographed and gifted afterward as memories.
Available options
Kamikōchi Alpine Valley Full Day in Private Car Tour
Private guide service: only one group per day.<br/>Duration: 8 hours<br/>Lunch arranged with guide: Lunch can be arranged with your guide based on preference.<br/>Vehicle with luggage space: Start and end where you like – hotel or station transfers available.<br/>Admission : Round‑trip fare – 2,800 yen for adults and 1,150 yen for children aged 6–11; children under 6 ride free on an adult’s lap.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Air-conditioned vehicle
Fuel surcharge
Parking Fees
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Private car
Detailed itinerary
1
Discover Kamikōchi’s breathtaking high‑altitude valley in total comfort and privacy. Led by a friendly local guide, this full‑day adventure delivers the very best of the Northern Japan Alps — from crystal‑clear rivers and lush forests to soaring 3,000m peaks that will leave you speechless.
Truly Private Experience
Enjoy door‑to‑door pickup and drop‑off from your Nagano hotel in a private vehicle. Personalized service and flexible pacing tailored to your interests.
Guided Nature Immersion
Step onto the iconic Kappa Bridge and follow gentle riverside trails as your guide shares insider stories about Kamikōchi’s ecology, folklore, and seasonal highlights. Capture postcard‑worthy views of the Azusa River framed by towering mountain peaks.
Authentic Alpine Lunch
Savor a traditional Japanese lunch at one of Kamikōchi’s best local eateries — from hearty soba noodles to freshly grilled mountain trout — handpicked by your guide to match your taste.
What's not included
Guests can enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or picnic-style. Your guide will offer options to match your preferences.
Admission is paid on-site, so you get the best price without extra online fees.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
3 reviews
5★
3
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Nagano
Nagano, the capital of Nagano Prefecture, is a city rich in history and natural beauty. Known for its role in the 1998 Winter Olympics, Nagano offers a blend of traditional Japanese culture, stunning mountain landscapes, and world-class ski resorts. The city is a gateway to some of Japan's most famous hot springs and ancient temples.
Top Attractions
Zenko-ji Temple
Zenko-ji is one of Japan's most important Buddhist temples, dating back to the 7th century. It is a significant pilgrimage site and a symbol of Nagano's spiritual heritage.
Religious
1-2 hours
Free (donations appreciated)
Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani
The Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani are a famous attraction, known for their unique behavior of bathing in hot springs during the winter months.
Nature
Half day to full day
¥800 (adults) or ¥400 (children)
Nagano Olympic Museum
This museum commemorates the 1998 Winter Olympics held in Nagano. It features exhibits on the history of the Olympics, the events held in Nagano, and the athletes who participated.
Historical
1-2 hours
¥500 (adults) or ¥200 (children)
Togakushi Shrine
Togakushi Shrine is a complex of three shrines dedicated to the Shinto goddess of archery. It is a popular destination for both spiritual and cultural tourism.
Religious
Half day
Free (donations appreciated)
Shiga Kogen
Shiga Kogen is one of Japan's largest and most popular ski resorts, known for its extensive ski runs, modern facilities, and beautiful mountain scenery.
Adventure
Full day or overnight
¥4,000 - ¥6,000 (lift tickets)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Soba Noodles
Soba noodles are made from buckwheat flour and are a staple of Nagano's cuisine. They can be served hot or cold, with various toppings and dipping sauces.
Dish
Vegetarian (if no meat or fish toppings are added)
Oyaki
Oyaki are dumplings filled with various ingredients, such as vegetables, meat, or cheese. They are a popular snack in Nagano and are often served with meals.
Dish
Vegetarian options available
Sake
Nagano is known for its high-quality sake, made from locally grown rice. The region has numerous sake breweries, offering a variety of flavors and styles.
Drink
Contains alcohol
Onsen Ryori
Onsen Ryori is a type of cuisine served in hot spring resorts. It typically consists of dishes made with local ingredients, such as vegetables, fish, and tofu, cooked in the hot spring water.
Dish
Vegetarian options available
Popular Activities
Skiing
Snowboarding
Hiking
Mountain biking
Hot air ballooning
Hot spring bathing
Temple visiting
Shopping
Best Time to Visit
Winter (December to February)
Winter is the peak season for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. The city hosts numerous winter festivals and events. Expect heavy snowfall and cold temperatures.
-2°C to 5°C (28°F to 41°F)
28°F to 41°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Japanese
- Widely spoken: English (limited)
- English: Limited
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Time Zone
GMT+9
Electricity
100VV, 50/60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Nagano is a generally safe destination for travelers. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime, such as pickpocketing, is uncommon. However, travelers should still take precautions to protect their belongings and be aware of their surroundings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
- • Be cautious of your surroundings, especially at night.
- • Use reputable taxis and tour services.
Getting there
By air
- Nagano Airport • 10 km (6 miles) from the city center
- Chubu Centrair International Airport • 200 km (124 miles) from the city center
By train
Nagano Station
By bus
Nagano Station Bus Terminal, Zenko-ji Temple Bus Stop
Getting around
Public transport
The city bus system is the primary mode of public transport in Nagano, covering most areas of the city and connecting to major attractions. Buses are frequent and affordable.
Taxis
Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Central Nagano
Togakushi
Shiga Kogen
Day trips
Shiga Kogen
50 km (31 miles) from Nagano • Full day or overnight
Shiga Kogen is one of Japan's largest and most popular ski resorts, offering a wide range of winter and summer activities. It is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Togakushi
20 km (12 miles) from Nagano • Half day
Togakushi is a rural area known for its ancient shrines, soba noodles, and hiking trails. It is a popular destination for both spiritual and cultural tourism.
Jigokudani Monkey Park
60 km (37 miles) from Nagano • Half day to full day
Jigokudani Monkey Park is a popular destination for observing wild Japanese macaques, known as snow monkeys, in their natural habitat. The park is especially famous for the monkeys' unique behavior of bathing in hot springs during the winter months.
Festivals
Nagano Winter Festival • February
Nagano Summer Festival • August
Togakushi Fire Festival • February 3rd
Pro tips
- Visit Zenko-ji Temple early in the morning to avoid crowds and experience the temple's serene atmosphere.
- Try Togakushi's famous soba noodles at a local restaurant, such as Soba Koenji or Soba Nagano.
- Take a day trip to Shiga Kogen for skiing, snowboarding, or hiking, depending on the season.
- Experience the Nagano Winter Festival in February for a unique and memorable cultural event.
- Visit the Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani in winter to see the monkeys bathing in the hot springs.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
![[Nagano Day Trip] Togakushi Shrine & Jigokudani Monkey Park: Snow Monkey Walk & Sake Culture Experience (From Nagano)](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/ukyhyhpy5wizkkwfpvyg.jpg)
![[Nagoya Kamikochi Hiking Tour] One-Day Nature Forest Hiking Tour of Kamikochi & Taisho Pond & Tashiro Pond & Kappa Bridge & Myojin Pond & Hotaka Mountain Range & Hotaka Shrine Okumiya (Departure from Nagoya)](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/qsf8xvw21lpfzjy2e2zb.jpg)
![[Kamikochi Light Hiking Day Trip] Highland Valley Route: Taisho Pond, Kappa Bridge | Departure from Nagoya](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/enzzeu1vfxjzqkonut2q.jpg)
