The Japanese Alps aren’t just a backdrop—they’re the main event. This trek launches from Matsumoto, where samurai once roamed, and sends us straight into the clouds along the legendary Panorama Ginza route. We’re talking steep climbs, razor-sharp ridgelines, and views so unreal they belong in a woodblock print. Nights in mountain huts above the clouds, views of cloud-kissed peaks, and a grand finale descent into Kamikochi? Absolute perfection. If you’ve ever wanted to earn your ramen with a week of heart-racing adventure, this is your ticket.
After the arrival in Matsumoto, there will be a welcome briefing at 5pm at the hotel lobby, followed by a group dinner.
After check-in, we’ll rest for a couple of hours before meeting the guide in the lobby. We will get to meet our tour-mates, and then be briefed about the itinerary and the climbs before heading out for dinner.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Matsumoto
Today, we can enjoy local sights. A must-see is Matsumoto Castle, one of the few remaining original castles in Japan. After lunch, we will move to Nakabusa Onsen, where we will spend the night at a traditional Japanese inn, close to the trailhead for the next day’s hike.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Japanese inn
On Day 3, we will go through a forest as we climb up the mountain, traversing some steep climbs over paths ridden with roots. When we reach the ridge, we’ll drop off our bags at the mountain hut. From there, it’s just a little bit more to the summit of Mt. Tsubakuro.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 6 km (3.7 mi), 6 hours
Accommodation: Mountain hut
The trail starts with an easy hike heading south along the ridgeline, towards the summit of Mt. Otensho. The ascent of this mountain is steep, over loose rocks and gravel. Mt. Otensho is the highest peak on the Panorama Ginza route. After summiting, we will continue with several more descents and ascents towards Jonen, all the while enjoying views of the Japanese Alps.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Hiking: 10 km (6.2 mi), 7 hours
Accommodation: Mountain hut
The hike on Day 5 starts with a steep and rocky climb to the summit of Mt. Jonen. Once at the top, we will be greeted with panoramic views of the mountains and a glimpse of the Kamikochi basin below. After Mt. Jonen, our hike will dip below and above the tree line until we reach Mt. Choyari and Mt. Chogatake. While walking along the ridgeline, we can view the Japanese Alps on one side and Matsumoto valley on the other, until we reach our mountain hut.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Hiking: 6.5 km (4 mi), 6 hours
Accommodation: Mountain hut
Our last hike will take us down to Kamikochi, back to civilization. It is not a particularly technical route. After check-in, we can enjoy views of the Japanese Alps from below in the evening, and settle in for our last night in this national park.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 5 hours
Accommodation: Japanese inn
After breakfast, we will board the bus and head towards Matsumoto city. After lunch, we can rest up in the afternoon or explore local sights before our final group dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Matsumoto
Today is the last day of this hiking tour, and we’ll part with our tour-mates and guides. We’ll say our goodbyes and depart back home.
Meals: Breakfast
Included:
Add-ons:
Not included:
This Kamikochi hiking tour in Japan is rated moderate to challenging. All participants should be relatively fit for proper alpine hikes up to 7 hours and 10 km (6.2 mi) per day, while gaining up to 1,500 m (4,921 ft) in elevation.
You can find more detailed hiking distances in the itinerary.
Looking to explore a different side of Japan? Check out these cycling adventures!
Meals served in the mountain huts will be typical Japanese fare like curry rice, noodles, miso soup, rice, rice balls, udon, and vegetables.
Hikers with food allergies are advised to prepare their own food.
This trek isn’t just a walk in the park—it’s a serious high-altitude adventure. We’ll be climbing above 2,900 m (9,500 ft), where the air gets thinner, and the body has to work harder. Some hikers may experience mild altitude effects like headaches, dizziness, or fatigue.
To help the body adjust, it’s recommended to hydrate constantly, pace yourself, and get plenty of rest. The itinerary is designed to allow gradual acclimatization, but if you have concerns about altitude sickness or pre-existing conditions, consult your doctor before the trip. If possible, spend time at an altitude before the trip.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Important note: Please bring a separate bag to store your non-hiking related luggage, which will be left in Matsumoto on the morning of Day 2. You will get this luggage back when you return to Matsumoto on Day 7.
Group sizes and pricing
A Kamikochi hiking tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Kamikochi hiking tour is Matsumoto. To get there, most people fly into Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) or Matsumoto Airport (MMJ).
The most convenient way to get to Matsumoto from Tokyo is to take the Azusa Express train which runs out of Shinjuku Station in Tokyo. The train journey is around 3 hours, and there is a train departing almost every hour. Train tickets can be bought at any JR Ticket Office (JR = Japan Railway) that can be found at major hubs in Tokyo (Tokyo Station, Ueno Station, Shinjuku Station) and other JR Stations (including at the airports in Tokyo).
From Matsumoto Airport, you can take a shuttle service or use public transport to reach Matsumoto.
Once you’re there, you will meet your guide at the hotel in Matsumoto. Your guide will provide more information before the adventure begins.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!