Kamikochi valley walk in the Northern Alps

Kamikochi is a high valley in the Northern Alps of Nagano, lying at about 1,500 m along the clear Azusa River with the jagged Hotaka peaks rising at its head. Private cars cannot drive in, which keeps the valley quiet and the air clean. Taisho Pond was created in 1915, when an eruption of nearby Mount Yakedake dammed the river, and dead trees still stand in its still water.

Departures run from Takayama or Matsumoto, and longer days set out from Nagoya or Tokyo. The core route is a level path between Taisho Pond and Kappa Bridge, the wooden suspension bridge that serves as the centre of the valley, with the guide pointing out the peaks and the riverside wildlife. Some options add a soak at Kamikochi's hot springs, and a summer and autumn choice from Takayama continues up to Norikura, where buses climb to around 2,700 m.

The valley is only open from late April to mid-November; outside those months the road is closed. Fresh green arrives in late May, alpine flowers in summer, and the larches turn gold in October. Mornings are cool even in August, so bring a warm layer and rain gear. Monkeys often forage along the trail, and the walk is easy enough for most ages. Expect to leave with photos of mountains mirrored in water.