[2025 Matsumoto Attraction] Travel Guide for Taisho Ike Pond (Updated Mar)

Located in the birthplace of the Japanese Alps, Kamikochi offers breathtaking views and access to your next adventure. The natural history of Kamikochi is one of great elemental upheavals occurring over many thousands of years, though some of these were also quite recent. The mountains and valleys were shaped in part by glacial activity, evidence of which can still be seen in some of the most prominent peaks. Another major player in the formation of the area was Mt. Yakedake, whose eruption over 14,000 years ago changed the course of the Azusa River, causing it to run through the basin in which present day Kamikochi and Matsumoto are located. Mt. Yakedake would again play a role in shaping Kamikochi’s landscape when another eru#asia tion in the summer of 1915 dammed the Azusa River, creating Taisho Pond. It should be mentioned that Mt. Yakedake is the only active volcano in the Northern Alps and still proclaims its fury to the heavens by constantly emitting a plume of smoke. #japan #nationalpark #travel #nagano #kamikochi #mountains #hiking #asia

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

\Recommended way to tour Kamikochi / ⁡ *As of November 28, 2024, the mountain is closed and cannot be visited. *The mountain is usually open from mid-April to mid-November. ⁡ I went to Kamikochi in late October. 🍁 It is closed now, but I will leave it here as a memorandum. ⁡ I left home at 3:30 in the morning and arrived at Akandana Parking Lot before 7:00. It is recommended to go early in the morning during the peak season for autumn leaves and other viewing! ⁡ First, buy a round-trip bus ticket, get off at Taisho Pond, and start hiking! I walked in the direction of Kappa Bridge and Hotaka Shrine. If you walk around this area slowly, it took me about 7 hours to get back◎ If you don't mind going as far as Kappa Bridge, 3-4 hours should be enough◎ Personally, I recommend walking to Hotaka Shrine◎ ⁡ ⁡ Thank you for reading to the end🫶🏻 ⁡ If you're interested in other posts, click here▷▷ Instagram↓ @anzun_travel_life ⁡ ⁡ ⁡ ⁡#domestictraveltrip #Kamikochi

#japantrip Exploring Taisho Ike Pond in Kamikochi, Nagano, is a tranquil and visually stunning experience. Formed by the eruption of Mount Yakedake in 1915, this picturesque pond is renowned for its crystal-clear waters that mirror the surrounding Hotaka mountain range and the iconic “standing dead trees,” creating a unique and captivating landscape. The serene atmosphere is perfect for leisurely walks, photography, and simply soaking in the natural beauty. The pond’s reflection of the mountains and the changing colors of the seasons make it a year-round attraction. Whether you’re hiking along the trails or enjoying a quiet moment by the water, Taisho Ike Pond offers a peaceful retreat into nature’s splendor

|Stunning Autumn Colors: Kamikochi, Nagano (with Transportation Guide). Kamikochi will be closed on November 15, so I went on the 8th to see its stunning autumn colors before it closed. The main attractions in Kamikochi are Kappa Bridge, Taisho Pond, and Myojin Pond. My walking route for the day was Kamikochi Bus Terminal → Kappa Bridge → Taisho Pond → Kappa Bridge → Myojin Pond → Kappa Bridge → Kamikochi Bus Terminal. At this time, the night buses from Shinjuku and the buses from Nagoya and Nagano are all suspended. Even the first direct bus from Matsumoto is full. So I chose to buy a train and bus combo ticket in [Matsumoto]. ✓ Take the train at 6:31 am to Shin-Shimashima Station, and transfer seamlessly to the bus to Kamikochi, [no reservation required]. ✓ Be sure to [reserve] the bus from Kamikochi to Shin-Shimashima for the return trip. Hiking route: ① Kappa Bridge → Taisho Pond, about 1h20min with photo stops, just in time to return to Kappa Bridge for lunch. ② Kappa Bridge → Myojin Pond, there are two routes, left and right, the left bank is farther, we took the left bank route and returned on the right bank route, the whole trip took about 3h. You will encounter horses on the way, be careful not to feed them~ Kamikochi is beginner-friendly for hiking, mostly boardwalks and gravel roads, mostly flat, suitable for leisurely hiking. About supplies: mostly at Kappa Bridge, there are cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops, and it is the closest attraction to the bus stop. Kamikochi in autumn changes every day, with mainly yellow leaves, so don't expect too much from the maple leaves 🍁.

#thingstodo A stunning lake view, a great start point to the miraculous trip to kamigochi. It does worth to spend few day here to feel how amazing our nature is.Very beautiful place to see the stunning views of Japan alps. The water in this pond is so clear that you can see the bottom of the pond. In a good weather day, you can see the mountains reflected on the pond. If you want to visit this place and want to make a short walking to Kappa bridge (3 km), getting off the bus at Taisho-ike bus stop.