Beat teh Heat: Japanese Alps Offer Cool Escape From Tokyo‘s Summer Sizzle
KAMIKOCHI, JAPAN – As Tokyo swelters under another scorching summer, a growing number of residents are seeking refuge in the cool, crisp air of the Hida Mountains. The Kamikochi valley, a pristine alpine resort, offers a readily accessible escape, drawing hikers and nature enthusiasts with its dramatic peaks, lush forests, and refreshing mountain streams.
The appeal is clear: temperatures in Tokyo have been consistently exceeding 30°C (86°F), prompting a surge in demand for cooler destinations. Kamikochi provides a viable alternative, reachable within a few hours by train and bus. While Japanese hikers are known for their meticulous gear - often seen with climbing helmets and bear bells even on easier trails - the reward is a revitalizing immersion in nature and a welcome respite from the urban heat. A sudden mountain rainstorm, while initially unwelcome, only adds to the experience, offering a complete break from the city’s stifling humidity.
Kamikochi is easily accessed via the limited express Azusa train from Tokyo’s Shinjuku station, a two-hour journey with reserved seats starting at ¥6620 ($66). Travelers are encouraged to pick up a beautifully presented ekiben (railway bento box) from the numerous stalls in Shinjuku station for the trip. From Matsumoto, the final leg of the journey takes approximately one hour by hire car, or 90 minutes by local train and bus.
Accommodation options include mountain huts like the Yarisawa Lodge, one of the few offering online booking. A one-night stay with three meals, including a packed lunch, costs ¥15,500 ($154) per person.
For detailed information on transportation, lodging, and trail conditions, visit jreast.co.jp and kamikochi.org.
