When the weather is good, the winter scenery of Kamikochi is absolutely breathtaking.
However, for visitors from countries without snow experience, it’s important to pay attention to the season, equipment, and access before joining a tour.
Please read the following guides carefully before making your reservation.

[About the Season]
The Kamikochi Snowshoe Tour is usually held from around December 20 through the end of March.
If the first snowfall comes late or the snow melts early, we may not need to use snowshoes, but this is generally the season when the mountains are covered in snow and at their most beautiful.

From late December to early February is the so-called midwinter period — the coldest and often the stormiest time of the year.　Sunny days with clear blue skies are rare, perhaps only about once a week.
From mid-February onward, there are more sunny days and temperatures become milder, but by mid-March, there is a higher chance of rain.
By late March, the weather becomes more stable, but the snow starts melting and the trails can get quite slushy.　Also, many hotels begin preparations for reopening, so there will be more vehicle traffic entering the area.

[About the Course]
We will drive you from the meeting point to the Kama Tunnel, the entrance to Kamikochi. The Kama Tunnel is a steep uphill walk of about 30 minutes, and it takes another 30 minutes after exiting the tunnel to reach Taisho Pond. You’ll arrive at Kappa Bridge, which is famous for its panoramic view of the Northern Alps, around early afternoon.
Depending on snow conditions and walking pace, the group may turn back before reaching the bridge. You’ll exit Kamikochi around 3:30–4:00 p.m., and from there, we will drive you back to the drop-off point.

[About Equipment]
It’s basic but important to note that “snowshoes” are not boots (Please refer to the image).
They are walking tools designed to keep your feet from sinking into deep snow, and are essential when snow is abundant.　Please make sure not to confuse them with footwear when requesting rentals.  Although Kamikochi itself is geographically flat, in bad weather it can feel just like a snowy mountain environment.　Therefore, if your outerwear or gloves are inadequate, there is a real risk of frostbite.

Recommended items for the tour:
Outerwear such as ski wear or rain wear, high-cut waterproof snow or trekking boots, knit hat, gloves, sunglasses, backpack, drink, and sunscreen.

Waterproof outerwear is highly recommended, and waterproof high-cut boots are essential.　Most items can be rented, so please contact us if you don’t have your own.

[About Access]
It is preferable that you stay overnight in Norikura Kōgen the day before and come directly to our office, so that we can make any necessary adjustments to your rental items on the day of the tour. For meeting points other than the office, we will pick you up by car and handle the check-in there.
If you plan to come to Kamikochi on the day of the tour, you will need to come either by bus or rental car. 

・For those coming by rental car:
8:00 – Norikura Visitor Center [office]   -> Map
8:45 – Sawando No.2 Parking Lot  -> Map
*There is no parking lot near the entrance to Kamikochi.

・For those coming by bus from Matsumoto:
8:46 – Get off at Sawando Bus Terminal. -> Bus Timetable
*The meeting point is Sawando No.2 Parking Lot.

・For those coming by bus from the Takayama / Hirayu area:
9:05 – Get off at Nakanoyu Bus Stop. -> Bus Timetable

*Pickup and drop-off at Hirayu Bus Terminal is also possible, but a toll fee of ¥1,580 applies for the tunnel. If you require transportation both before and after the tour, the total fee will be ¥3,160. Please check in advance, as it may not be possible on certain days.

We also offer free transportation from Shin-Shimashima Station for groups of three or more participants. -> Train Timetable
The meeting time is 7:50 a.m.

The tour is expected to finish around 3:30–4:00 p.m. If you are staying at a nearby accommodation, we can take you there. If you are heading toward Matsumoto, we will drop you off at the nearest bus stop. If you are going toward Takayama or Hirayu, we will take you to Hirayu Bus Terminal.

・To Matsumoto: board at N-29 Norikura Kogen Tourist Info Center at 16:21 or K-17 Oyako-daki at 16:36. -> Bus Timetable

If you have any questions, please contact us through the inquiry form.
-> Inquiry Form
-> Kamikochi Snowshoe Tour English Booking Page