Archives: Travel Post

Walter Weston (1861-1940), an English missionary who introduced the charm of the Japanese Alps to the world in his book "Climbing and Exploring in the Japanese Alps" and is said to be the father of modern mountaineering in Japan. The Weston Monument, set up by the Japan Mountain Association, stands in the middle of a walking path connecting Tashiro Bridge and Kawadobashi in honor of its achievements. The surrounding area is maintained as Weston Garden, and you can enjoy the view of Mt.

Okumiya at Hotaka Shrine in Hotaka, Azumino. It is said in mythology to have fallen to the peak of Mount Okuhotaka, and is dedicated to Hotakami Mikoto (the son of the sea god and uncle of Emperor Jinmu). He is a god of the Azumi tribe who flourished in Kitakyushu and excelled in nautical techniques. He is considered a guardian deity of the Japanese Alps and a guardian deity of maritime traffic. There is Myojin Pond at the back of the company (Myojin Pond admission fee: 300 yen for adults, 100 yen for elementary school students).

In front of the Tashirobridge, a forested area in the back of the Kamikochi Imperial Hotel. There is a walking path along the Azusa River, where willows and birches grow like trees. The walking path can be taken one lap (40 minutes), and there is also a branch towards Kawadoibashi.

A moor surrounded by native forest.

Before the opening of the current Iriyama route to Kamikochi, the road from Isinsujuku through Shimazaya Minamisawa and over the Tokumoto Pass, about 2100m above sea level, was the main mountain trail to Kamikochi. Gauland, Weston, Kotaro and Chieko also cross this pass. There is a Tokumoto-toge hut in the pass, and a good view of Hotaka-Senbong.

It is a valley at an altitude of about 1500m, surrounded by the northern Alps, such as Mount Hotaka, Mount Yakudake, and Mount Kasumizawa, and is visited by many climbers as a gateway to the Northern Alps. Country-designated special name wins, special natural monuments. After being introduced to the world by climber Walter Weston in the Meiji 20 s, he became one of Japan's leading mountain resorts, and received two stars in the French guidebook "Michelin" in 2008. Popular photo spot around Kappa Bridge, which can be said to be a symbol of Kamikochi. Along the Azusa River, large and small ponds are scattered, wrapped in primeval forests such as birch, fir and rice tsuga. It is not possible to enter a general passenger car.

Pond due to underground water from Rokujoyama and Mt. It is shallower and smaller than before due to the influx of sediment caused by typhoons and heavy rains. The area around the pond is turned into a moor, and aquatic plants and floating islands can also be seen. From the middle of June to the beginning of July, the flower of the azalea and the sun pea is seen.

A pond formed by the flow of the Azusa River being dammed by the Great Eruption of Yakedake in 1915. Pale blue water, dead trees create a fantastic atmosphere. On the west side of the pond, an active volcano that still raises a thin plume, a volcanic mountain at an altitude of 2455m, looms. At present, it is also used as a reservoir for water to be sent to downstream power plants.

"Nakanoyu Onsen Ryokan", an inn in the mountains overlooking the majestic Japanese Alps. The open-air bath is surrounded by native beech forest, and the mountain range of Hotaka is also beautiful. From spring to summer, fresh green, autumn leaves and winter snow baths are also recommended. If there is room, you can use a private bath only with a bathing fee.

Day-trip bathing is also possible at an inn in the mountains of Hiyu, where the mood drifts. Hot water rich in minerals such as calcium has been known as child treasure hot water since ancient times. It also has the effect of improving cold and beautifying the skin. I want to stop before and after sightseeing in Kamikochi. Accommodation is from 13,000 yen for 2 meals per night.