Tired of visiting the same popular cities in Japan? If you travel to Japan often, you've probably already covered Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hokkaido. Isn't it time to look for a new city that's just as amazing? We have a rising new destination to recommend: "Kamikochi". The scenery is so beautiful that it is one of the best places in Japan for mountain views. The most famous spot is Taisho-ike, a gorgeous spot where you can see a crystal-clear lake amid the Hotaka mountain range, like something out of a dream. Next is Tashiro-ike, which combines water, grassland, and forested mountains. Some parts look a bit like a garden, but it feels natural, unlike a man-made garden. And finally there's Kappabashi, which can truly be called the landmark of the area, located right in the heart of Kamikochi. This spot draws many visitors because everything you see here is beautiful, including the Hotaka mountain range, Mount Yake (Yakedake), the Azusa River, and the landscape of Chosenia shrubs. The bridge itself is a perfect spot for viewing and taking photos.
Let's take a quick look at Kamikochi. Kamikochi sits in a valley in the northern Japan Alps, within Nagano Prefecture. The area is surrounded by mountains, forests, and water, and the air is wonderful. Anyone who loves peace and quiet will fall for it. Getting there isn't difficult, as there are both train and express bus services, including one from Tokyo that takes about 7 hours. The express bus fare is around ¥6,200-9,200 for adults and ¥3,100-5,700 for children. Since that's quite far, most visitors prefer to stay overnight in nearby Matsumoto. This is especially true for travelers on a tighter budget, since accommodation in Kamikochi tends to be pricey, with most rooms costing close to ¥20,000 a night. So most people visit Kamikochi as a day trip and stay in Matsumoto instead. Travel from Matsumoto to Kamikochi is mainly run by Alpico, which offers two bus options: one way for ¥2,450 for adults and ¥1,230 for children, or round trip for ¥4,550 for adults and ¥2,280 for children.
There are quite a few accommodation choices in Matsumoto, but this time we'll recommend hotels in the Alpico group that are stylish and, importantly, very easy to reach — even for people who aren't good with directions. Prices vary depending on how luxurious each one is, but they all share a consistently high standard of rooms. These are Hotel Shoho, a luxurious traditional ryokan; Hotel Buena Vista, a refined, upscale hotel; ALPICO PLAZA HOTEL, smaller than the first two but with classic style and full facilities; and Ace Inn Matsumoto, the hotel closest to the train station and bus terminal, and importantly, the most budget-friendly.
There is also a complimentary service: guests staying at the other three hotels can use the onsen at Hotel Shoho for free. Using the service is simple — just tell the front desk, and they'll give you an onsen pass. When you arrive, hand it to the front desk and you'll receive a towel, and that's it. There's also a free shuttle bus both ways. The shuttle usually runs from 6 pm to 8 pm for the outbound trip, and from 8 pm to 9 pm for the return trip. Now let's take a look at what makes each hotel special.
Hotel Shoho
This is a Japanese-style ryokan that blends tradition and modernity perfectly. Rooms come in both Japanese tatami style and Western-style beds. It also has onsen baths to enjoy, and some higher-priced rooms even come with a private onsen. The hotel looks quite new, though it isn't newly built — it was recently renovated, so the rooms still feel fresh and stylish.
Price:
Amenities:
Free Wi-Fi, yukata sets, a kids' play area, a foot bath onsen, basic POLA amenities, an air purifier/humidifier
Access:
There is a shuttle bus to and from Matsumoto Station (castle exit), taking about 25 minutes. From the station to the hotel, buses run at 16:00 and 17:00; from the hotel to the station, at 9:00 and 10:00.
Highlights:
- A shuttle bus from the station is convenient for those with a lot of luggage
- A wide variety of room types to choose from
- Every room faces the mountains, with night views of Matsumoto and the Japan Alps
- Three onsen baths to choose from, including one with a panoramic view of the Japan Alps
- Both communal and private onsen baths, so you can try the traditional Japanese style or choose privacy
- Dinner is a traditional Japanese kaiseki course, while breakfast is a Western and Japanese buffet
Hotel Buena Vista
A full-service hotel with everything you need and just the right amount of luxury. It offers a beautiful view of Matsumoto city. The hotel also has printers and other equipment, which is handy if you didn't bring a printed map. The decor focuses on simple elegance, and most rooms are semi-double style. Anyone who loves a brand-new hotel will love this one, since it was just recently renovated. If you often find pillows too hard or too soft, this hotel has you covered, offering up to 6 types of pillows: feather, buckwheat husk, a feather-buckwheat mix, memory foam, a donut-shaped pillow, and a QUALLOFIL fiber pillow.
Price:
Amenities:
Free Wi-Fi, shared computer/printer, DHC bath products, an air purifier/humidifier, a minibar, basic amenities
Access:
A shuttle bus runs every 10 minutes between 13:00 and 20:30, and you can board from the station without a reservation. It's also just a 7-minute walk from Matsumoto Station/bus terminal.
Highlights:
- A shuttle bus from the station is convenient for those with a lot of luggage
- A wide variety of room types, and everything is very new
- 6 types of pillows to choose from
- Room lamps can switch between cool white and warm white light (in certain room types)
- Enjoy the breakfast buffet at the 14th-floor restaurant, the hotel's best spot for views, with a look out over the northern Japan Alps
ALPICO PLAZA HOTEL
A hotel right in the city center, very convenient and just a short walk from the station. The rooms are stylishly decorated, with both Twin and Single room types available.
Price:
Amenities:
Coin-operated washer/dryer, free Wi-Fi, POLA ESTHE ROYER bath products, basic amenities, an air purifier/humidifier
Access:
Just a 1-2 minute walk from Matsumoto Station/bus terminal.
Highlights:
- Very close to the train station and bus terminal
- Rooms are larger compared to Ace Inn Matsumoto
- A varied breakfast
- 2 types of pillows to choose from: microfiber and buckwheat husk
Ace Inn Matsumoto
A hotel in the city center that's very popular with travelers who want a good standard hotel with easy access, close to shopping, at a budget-friendly price. Both the hotel and the rooms are simply but nicely decorated, and it's very clean. Most rooms are Single type, ideal for travelers on a tight budget who don't have much luggage and want to get around easily.
Access:
About a 1-minute walk from Matsumoto Station/bus terminal.
Price:
Amenities: coin-operated washer/dryer, free Wi-Fi, shared computer/copier/printer, free drinks from 15:00 to 24:00, an air purifier/humidifier, basic amenities
Highlights:
- The hotel closest to the train station and bus terminal
- Free breakfast
- Budget-friendly price
- Clean rooms
- Full range of amenities
