Best trails in Chubusangaku National Park
Surrounded by the Northern Alps, Chubu Sangaku National Park is home to stunning mountains, lush beech forests, and numerous waterfalls with crystal clear water. On the north side of the park, the Ushiro Tateyama and Tateyama mountain ranges face each other, and to the south stands Mt. Norikura. This park consists of 10 mountains with an altitude of 3,000 meters. This means that of the 21 mountains in Japan that are over 3,000 meters above sea level, 10 are located in this national park. Kamikochi's Azusa River, famous for its beautiful, clear water, is also a must-see. It is also famous for the Kappa legend. Another landmark that represents Chubu-Sangaku National Park is Goshikigahara Forest, a treasure trove of wild flora and fauna. Tour the rich nature and mysterious waterfalls, and enjoy peaceful moments and scenic views.
The park's mountains are dotted with a variety of inns and hot springs where weary travelers can soothe their bodies. In winter, you can also ski or snowboard down the mountains of the Hakuba region.
Top trails
- (553)•Moderate•4.8 mi•Est. 2–2.5 hrTake a walk at Myojin Ike Pond Loop (明神池周回コース). Kamikochi (上高地) is an area famous for its beautiful views of the Northern Alps and the Azusa River. This course is well-maintained and you can walk along the Azusa River to the Myojin Bridge. Myojin Pond is known for its serene landscape and stunning views. During the autumn, the leaves paint a gorgeous backdrop at the pond.
- (246)•Hard•7.6 miMount Yakedake - Kamikochi (焼岳 - 上高地) Explore the only active volcano in the Northern Alps, Mount Yakedake from Kamikochi. Enjoy remarkable views of the mountains surrounding Kamikochi from the summit. Mount Yakedake to Kamikochi may be closed due to heavy rain fall. Please check with https://www.kamikochi.org/ for more information.
- (152)•Moderate•4.8 mi•Est. 2–2.5 hrKamikochi Walking Tour (上高地ウォーキングツアー ) A walking tour in the scenic Kamikochi takes you around the beautiful Azusa River from Taisho Pond to the gorgeous Myojin Pond. Each site on this route offers visitors breathtaking views created by abundant nature in Kamikochi.
- (132)•Moderate•2.3 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrTaisho-ike Pond (大正池) Designated as a special scenic site and special natural monument by the Japanese government. The surface of Taisho-ike Pond reflects the Hotaka Mountains Range during the daytime and numerous stars at night like a mirror of nature. The beauty of Kamikochi attracts many visitors. This route leads you along the Tashiro-ike Pond to Kamikochi Visitor Center through Tashiro Pond.
- (118)•Hard•4.6 miMount Yakedake - Nakanoyu Onsen (焼岳 - 中の湯温泉) The only active volcano in the Northern Alps, Mount Yakedake that rises on the border between Nagano and Gifu prefectures, south of Kamikochi. This trail commences from Nakanoyu Onsen hot springs, located at the southwest bottom of the mountain continues to the north peak, where you can enjoy stunning landscapes of the magnificent mountains of Kamikochi. (the trail continues to the south peak is closed due to hazardous conditions.)
- (90)•Hard•24.4 miMount Yarigatake: Kamikochi Course (槍ヶ岳: 上高地コース) This course that continues via the Yarizawa Lodge to the summit of Mount Yarigatake. This mountain is famous for its peak that looks like a sharp spear. It is also the fifth highest mountain in Japan and is crowded with many mountaineers during the season. You can choose to plan a one-day climb, or stop at Yarizawa Lodge and continue on the next day.
- (74)•Hard•6.4 mi•Est. 5.5–6 hrKamikochi - Mount Yakedake (上高地 - 焼岳) Hike up the only active volcano in the Northern Alps, Mount Yakedake. This path begins from the trailhead at Nakanoyu Onsen hot springs continues to the Kamikochi via the north peak of Mount Yakedake, where you can enjoy stunning landscapes of the famous mountains around Kamikochi.