[2025 Matsumoto Attraction] Travel Guide for Myojin Pond (Updated Jun)

⛺【About Kamikochi】 📌 Is it open all year round? ❌ No! 📅 Closed from mid-November to mid-April every year (the scenic area is closed to the public due to heavy snow in winter) ✔ Open in mid-April, new greenery in May, cool summer in July and August, and beautiful red leaves in September and October! 📌 How to get there? 🚍 🚗 Self-driving: Private cars are not allowed in Kamikochi! Take a bus or carpool from Matsumoto, Hirayu Onsen, Takayama Station, etc.: Matsumoto Station → Kamikochi (direct bus, approx. 1.5 hours) Hirayu Onsen → Kamikochi (bus, approx. 30 minutes) Takayama Station → Hirayu Onsen → Kamikochi (approx. 2 hours) 🚶 Recommended for hiking Kappa Bridge → Myojin Pond (2 km, 1 hour) Easy to walk, beautiful scenery along the way! Kappa Bridge → Tokusawa (7 km, 3 hours) Suitable for hiking enthusiasts, the forest and streams are super healing! Challenge Yokoo, Koike Shindo, and Karasawa: Advanced hiking, the scenery is more and more amazing! Must-visit attractions in Kamikochi Kappa Bridge 🌉 📌 The symbol of Kamikochi! Standing on the bridge, you can see the Azusa River and the Hotaka Mountain Range. When the weather is good, the snow-capped mountains are reflected on the water, which is a postcard-level scenery! It is the most beautiful in the morning when there are few people and the morning mist is lingering. It is recommended to come early in the morning! Myojin Pond 🏞 📌 A super quiet secret place, with clear lake water and surrounded by mountains and forests, it is perfect for daze and taking photos! This is a shrine sanctuary, so keep quiet~ Taisho Pond 🌊 📌 The dreamy lake view in the early morning, with dead trees and snow-capped mountains reflected on the lake, is so unreal when the morning mist is lingering! It is recommended to come in the morning, when there are few people and you can take atmospheric photos! 🧡 Travel TIPS (must read!) ✔ Book accommodation in advance during peak season! Popular room types in hotels in the scenic area are fully booked one year in advance! ✔ Wear non-slip hiking shoes! There are slippery roads, so protect yourself! ✔ There is no convenience store here! Remember to buy food and water in Matsumoto/Takayama in advance. ✔ The ultraviolet rays are super strong! Remember to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. If you don't want to get sunburned, be sure to apply sunscreen! ✔ Take your trash with you! The ecological protection here is super strict, and there are no trash cans, so everyone must be conscious!

If you head inland from Kamikochi bus terminal along the Azusa River, you will come to Myojin Pond. Combined with Mt. Myojin visible in the distance, it has a very solemn atmosphere. If you are not planning on hiking, I think this would be one of the final destinations for sightseeing in Kamikochi. It is also a place where the autumn leaves are very beautiful. #hiking #autumn leaves #Kamikochi #Myojin Pond

Looking for a great destination during the Dragon Boat Festival holiday? Head to Japan's Hokuriku region! Today's sole highlight: a hiking trip to Kamikochi, a place known as the "Home of the Gods." With the majestic Central Alps as its backdrop, it truly feels like stepping into Europe. ✓ How to get to Kamikochi? It's recommended to stay overnight in Takayama. The next morning, take the earliest bus from the Takayama Nohi Bus Center. Tickets can be purchased at the machines on-site. The route is Takayama - Hirayu Onsen (transfer) - Kamikochi, with a round-trip ticket costing ¥5,800. ✓ Suggested Itinerary (5 hours 40 minutes): - Takayama to Hirayu Onsen: About 1-hour bus ride - Hirayu Onsen to Taisho Pond: 15-minute bus ride - Taisho Pond to Kappa Bridge: About 1-hour walk - Kappa Bridge to Myojin Pond: About 1-hour walk - Myojin Pond to Kamikochi Bus Terminal: About 1-hour walk - Kamikochi to Hirayu Onsen: About 25-minute bus ride - Hirayu Onsen to Takayama: About 1-hour bus ride The scenery along the way is absolutely stunning, making you feel like you're in Europe! You'll find yourself stopping frequently to take photos. By the return trip, your legs might be sore, and you'll be less inclined to snap pictures. In total, you'll likely take between 500 to 1,000 photos! Start early in the morning to avoid the afternoon's unpredictable mountain weather. Kamikochi with lingering snow is dreamlike; if you visit in autumn, the golden-red foliage will surely captivate you with its charm. Today, I was very lucky. The morning in Kamikochi was slightly overcast with occasional sunshine, making the weather incredibly pleasant. Around 1 PM, as I was leaving, it started to drizzle and turn chilly—what great timing! #SoloBirthdayTripJapan29Days #Kamikochi #TaishoPond #KappaBridge #MyojinPond

Miraculous nature spreads at the foot of the Hotaka mountain range, at an altitude of about 1,500m⛰️ You can take a walk in the rich nature of the virgin forest, or relax by the beautiful river while listening to the sound of the river! My personal recommendation is the walking route from Taisho Pond to Kappa Bridge to Myojin Pond. It's a 2-3 hour hike, but it feels like walking in a picture book. The path is flat and easy to walk. The charm of this route is that you can face nature at your own pace while being soothed by the mirror-like water surface and moss-covered forest along the way. ・Access: No private cars. Take a bus/taxi from Sawando or Hirayu (about 30 minutes) ・Best season: Fresh green leaves from May to June/Autumn leaves in early October ・It gets cold in the mornings and evenings, so take measures against the cold! Don't forget to bring insect repellent. #EnjoyJapan #Nagano #Kamikochi #DomesticTravel #Nature

Summer is coming, where else can we go besides Kumano Kodo? This time I bring you a small guide to going to the highlands! General transportation: Matsumoto → 30 minutes by train → Shin-Shimajima → 65 minutes by bus (reservations are required for this bus to return from Kamikochi) → Kamikochi one-way 3260 yen Matsumoto → Direct bus 1 hour 35 minutes → Kamikochi (reservation required) One way 4000 yen 🔥Follow us and charter a car for the entire journey. The driver will drop you off at Shanggao and you can start hiking! Hiking route: Kappa Bridge ➡️ Myojin Pond ➡️ Tokusawa ➡️ Myojin Pond ➡️ Shirakaba-so Kappa Bridge, it's really too simple, get a small map at the visitor center, the route is too obvious, so just do a pure enjoyment version to appreciate the autumn in Kamikochi Road conditions: gravel road, dirt road, wooden bridge, old tree roots entangled with rocks Climbing: 50 meters, no need for trekking poles or other auxiliary tools, hiking shoes can be worn, there are many rocks Meals: It is recommended to bring two bottles of water and some snacks, which can also be replenished at Myojin Pond Of course, if you travel with us, we will prepare lunch boxes and fruit snacks for you! I felt like I was in the European Alps‼ ️

Kamikochi is located in Matsumoto, Japan, and you can go there and back in the same day from Matsumoto! Visiting/opening months are from April to November🏞️ Every season has different scenery, so many people visit multiple times🍂 It is a national park in Japan with many peaks and landscapes🌳 Each view is very different along the way. Here is my route for the day: 🍃Taisho Pond - where the Sky Mirror is located 🌋Yakedake - an active volcano and one of the hiking trails 🍃Tashiro Pond and Tashiro ⛰️Hotaka Mountain Range 🍃Kappa Bridge - the most famous attraction in Kamikochi, with the most tourists and the busiest! 🍃 Myojin Pond For more travel and food information around the world, please follow @bunnys2peach_travel 🌷 #GlobalTravel #JapanTravel #Japan #Kamikochi #Matsumoto

Kamikochi is located in Nagano Prefecture and is Japan's most representative natural secret. The scenery here is distinct throughout the four seasons, especially in autumn and summer, when green rivers, majestic mountains and blue skies and white clouds complement each other. Whether you are a hiker or a tourist who loves nature, Kamikochi’s magnificent scenery will make you forget to leave. #### feature 1. **Charming reflection of Taisho Pond** When coming to Kamikochi, the first must-see attraction is Taisho Pond. In the early morning, the mist is lingering, and the reflection of the Hotaka Mountain Range is reflected in the pool, making it seem like you have entered a fairyland. 2. **The clear water of Azusa River** The Azusa River is the soul of Kamikochi, with its crystal clear water and green vegetation on both sides forming a beautiful scene. There are walking trails along the river, suitable for walking and taking photos or quietly enjoying the tranquility of nature. 3. **Myojin Bridge and Myojin Pond** Hiking enthusiasts can head to Myojin Bridge, a great spot for photographing the mountains and rivers of Kamikochi. Myojin Pond is regarded as a sacred place, and its peaceful atmosphere is soothing to the soul. 4. **The majestic Hotaka Mountain Range** The majestic mountains of the Hotaka Mountain Range make people marvel at the greatness of nature. Especially in autumn, the red leaves dot the foothills, making the scenery even more moving. #### Practical information 📍 **Address**: Azumami Kochi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture 🚶♂️ **Transportation**: It is recommended to take a bus or train from Matsumoto Station, then transfer to a dedicated shuttle bus or enter on foot (private cars are not allowed in Kamikochi). ⏰ **Best season**: May to October (mid-October is the best period for viewing red leaves). 💡 **Small fee**: It is free to enter the mountain, but there is a transportation fee for the bus. 📸 **# Kamikochi Secret Realm** **#Japanese Landscape Scenery** **#Natural Healing Journey** **#梓川 scenery** **#大正 poolEarly morning** #2024Travel Review

Our route starts from Konashidaira Campground in Kamikochi, passing through Myojinkan, Myojin Bridge, Myojin Pond, and Hotaka Shrine Okumiya, then returning (one way 3.4km). We started hiking around 6:30 in the morning from the campground. The trail mainly goes through the forest, which made us worry about bears, but there were many hikers along the way. We took photos while walking and rested at Myojinkan (a mountain hut and shop) to eat. Most people also rest here. There are free public restrooms (recommended to use them here as the ones at Myojin Pond require a fee). It took us about 45 minutes to walk from the campground to Myojinkan. Myojinkan is a fork point; one path leads to Myojin Pond, and the other continues up the mountain to Tokusawa and further to Kurasawa. From Myojinkan to Tokusawa is another 3.4km, and Kurasawa is even farther. Tokusawa is a large meadow that used to be a grazing area and is now open for camping. We saw many hikers with camping gear heading there. Interestingly, many people had helmets on their backpacks, making us curious about how dangerous the trail is. We also saw many groups of Japanese children and teenagers carrying their own gear, some with their favorite stuffed toys attached. From Myojinkan to Myojin Pond is only 0.6km, so we continued to our final destination. Soon, we saw Myojin Bridge. After crossing the bridge, there are occasional cafes along the road. Not long after, we saw a torii gate, followed by shops. Kamonjiya Hut, famous for its grilled fish, was still closed when we arrived early in the morning. Following the road to the end, we reached Hotaka Shrine Okumiya. There is a ticket booth to enter Myojin Pond, and there are paid rest areas and restrooms nearby. The ticket booth also sells omamori (charms). Inside, the scenery is stunning. We first saw Myojin Pond One, with a wooden bridge extending into the pond and small boats docked nearby. Myojin Pond has two sections, and there are wooden walkways around the pond, perfect for taking photos. At the end of the walk, there is a small stream and waterfall, where we turned back. We were lucky to have clear blue skies and reflections on the lake, making it look like a fairyland. We spent about 40 minutes taking photos and enjoying the view. The return trip from Hotaka Shrine Okumiya was downhill and very easy, with the trail shaded by the forest, making it very comfortable. Remember!!!! When hiking in Kamikochi, be sure to bring a "bear bell" (available at shops in Kamikochi if you forget). Kamikochi is a bear habitat, and there are frequent signs warning visitors of bear sightings. Although bears generally avoid noisy areas with many people, it's still important to be cautious, especially on less crowded sections of the trail. Avoid staying outdoors alone at night or early morning when bear activity is more likely. Kamikochi and the surrounding peaks are part of Chubu Sangaku National Park. The hiking season is from mid-April to mid-November, after which the area is closed, shops are shut, and buses stop running. Winter hiking with snowshoes is possible but extremely challenging. So, make the most of the open season for an enjoyable experience.

Myojin Pond in Kamikochi, Nagano Prefecture, Japan, is a renowned spot known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning natural scenery. The pond consists of two interconnected small ponds, surrounded by dense forests and towering mountains, creating a picturesque landscape. The water here is exceptionally pure, and the surface of the pond reflects the surrounding scenery like a mirror, making it a place that visitors find hard to leave. The hiking route to Myojin Pond is one of the most popular trails in the Kamikochi area. Starting from the Kamikochi Bus Terminal, it takes about 1.5 hours to reach Myojin Pond by walking along the Azusa River. This route is flat and suitable for visitors of all ages. Along the way, you can enjoy magnificent mountain views and clear river waters, with multiple rest stops for visitors to take in the sights. Especially in autumn, the maple leaves along the route are breathtaking. There are several must-see spots around Myojin Pond. First is Myojin Bridge, a wooden bridge that spans the Azusa River and offers a perfect vantage point for capturing panoramic views of Myojin Pond. Next to the pond is Myojinkan, a traditional Japanese building that provides simple dining and accommodation services, making it a great place for visitors to rest. Additionally, the forest trails around Myojin Pond are not to be missed, offering a well-preserved natural environment where visitors can enjoy a peaceful forest walk.

While camping in Kamikochi, I got up early and headed to Myojin Pond. It was just under 40 minutes one way from the campsite where I was staying. It was just the right amount of walk! Myojin Pond was clear in the early morning, and the scenery was truly breathtakingly beautiful. The sunlight, the mist on the water, and the green of the trees reflected in the water were truly beautiful!! [Sightseeing points] -------- ○Mornings are recommended. →Many tourists come to the Kamikochi area by bus during the day, so it is a privilege for guests to be able to leisurely look around and take photos in the morning when there are not many people. ○Mountain climbing shoes are essential. →I was not planning on hiking this time, so I only brought sneakers. The footing was wet with morning dew, so it was slippery and my shoes got wet. ○Something to wear even in summer is essential. →It was colder in the morning than I expected. My Uniqlo down jacket came in handy. [Caution] ------------------------ ○Beware of bears →It seems that bears often appear in this area, and the campsite had some very strict rules. For that reason, I brought a bell with me while walking through the forest just in case. I also thought about eating breakfast in the forest along the way, but I avoided places where there are no people early in the morning. 📍Myojin Ichinoike Pond ▶︎Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture (search by name to find it) ▶︎Admission fee: 500 yen (adult) #Kamikochi #Myojinike Pond #Morning walk #Travel with me

It takes an hour to walk from Kappa Bridge. The area where Myojin Pond is located is quite quiet. Because it is located in the Okumiya of Hotaka Shrine, the atmosphere nearby is quite solemn and sacred. The only thing you need to pay to see it is the ticket price of 300 yen per person. Because it is located inside the shrine, there are also many monkeys. But I don’t think the scenery is more beautiful than Kappa Bridge. It’s just a lake as smooth as a mirror. This is a transit area with hostel cabins, shops, and the famous Hotaka Shrine. If you have time, you can continue to the next attraction, Tokusawa. But it’s nothing special. If you don’t go up the mountain, you can go back to Kappa Bridge along the other side after reaching Myojin Pond. #JapanMust-visitCheck-inPoints #JapanTravelStrategy #OverseasTravel #Relax #Kamikochi #JapanAttractions #JapanTravel #JapanFreeTravel

The hiking route is in the opposite direction of the one to Taisho Pond, and the scenery is also very different. It is almost like walking in the forest. Although we are still worried about bears, there are really a lot of people hiking. We even met people who were walking back one after another. They were also taking pictures while walking, and they didn’t sit down to rest until they reached Myojin-kan (it is a mountain hut and a store). There are also public toilets here that are free (it is recommended to use the toilet here first, because the toilets at Myojin Pond require payment). It takes about 45 minutes to walk from the camping area to here. Myojinkan is also a fork in the road. One side goes to Myojin Pond, and the other side goes to continue up the mountain to Deze or even Guze. It is 3.4km from Myojinkan to Deze, and Guze is even farther. I heard that Deze is a large grassland that used to be a grazing area and later opened to camping. So you can see many climbers carrying equipment to go hiking and camping along the way. What is very special is that many people almost carry helmets on their backpacks. I am curious about how dangerous that road is. I also met many Japanese children and teenagers who carried their own equipment. It was so cute that some children tied their favorite dolls to their equipment. It is only 0.6km from Myojin-kan to Myojin Pond, so we continued towards our final destination. You can see the Myojin Bridge after walking for a while. After crossing the bridge, you will occasionally see a roadside cafe. After walking for a while, you will see the Torii Gate, and then there will be a shop. I heard that this Kamonji Hut Grilled Fish is very famous, but it was not open when we arrived early in the morning. Going along the road to the end is the Hotaka Shrine Okumiya. There is a ticket office next to it. You need to buy a ticket to enter the Myojin Pond. There are also rest areas and public toilets next to it, but you need to pay~ The ticket office also sells amulets. After entering, it is really a very different view. At the beginning, you will see the Myojin Pond, with a wooden bridge extending into the pond, and there are also boats docked on the side, which is super beautiful. There are one and two ponds in Myojin Pond. There are wooden plank roads along the ponds. You will take photos non-stop. When you reach the small stream and waterfall at the end, you need to turn back the same way. We happened to encounter blue sky and white clouds, and the reflection on the lake was really beautiful~ It was like a fairyland~ We stayed here for 40 minutes to take pictures. It was really good to take pictures~ The Kamonji Hut at the entrance of the Okumiya Torii Gate of Hotaka Shrine has also started business. The outbound journey is a slight slope, so the return journey is a downhill journey. It is very easy to walk all the way and it is super comfortable to be in the forest without sun exposure~ Myojin Pond Matsumoto, Nagano 390-1520Japan #Chubu Sangaku National Park #camping #cabin #Nagano Prefecture #Kamikochi #kappa bridge #Kojira Campground #Kojira Camping Area #Bears are around #Bear Bell #Myojin Pond #Myojin Hall #Myojin Bridge #Hotaka Shrine #Okumiya #Kamonji Hut