Japanese Alps Hike: Kamikochi to Karasawa (Karasawa Cirque), Matsumoto – Chubusangaku National Park, Northern Alps, Japan

Region: Northern Japanese Alps (Hotaka Range) – Nagano (Chubu), Japan

Places To Stay: This one’s a proper Japan Alps classic — you walk in from Kamikochi through the valley (Tokusawa + Yokoo), then pop out into the dramatic bowl of Karasawa Cirque surrounded by the Hotaka peaks. Most people do it as a 2-day trip with a night in a mountain hut (or camping), especially in late September / early October when the place goes full-on autumn postcard.

Looking for more trails in Japan? Visit my Japan Hiking Trails page.

Below are 3 ideas for trips, transfers and tours around Kamikochi / the Japan Alps, with GetYourGuide offering great discounts and availability + Much more!

For a wider choice of accommodation in the Matsumoto / Nagano area (handy for Kamikochi access), Booking.com has a huge variety to browse through.

Kamikochi → Karasawa is the kind of hike that feels like it belongs on a “best of Japan” list. The first part is a gentle valley wander (rivers, bridges, forest, that clean alpine air), then it gradually gets more serious as you push towards Yokoo and up into Karasawa Cirque. You don’t need ropes or anything technical for the standard trail, but you do need decent legs, it’s a long day if you’re not staying overnight.

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Nearest small airport: Matsumoto Airport (MMJ). Most travellers fly into Tokyo (HND/NRT) then train to Matsumoto and bus onward to Kamikochi.

Getting There: Directions, GPX and App Link

• Start/Finish: Kamikochi Bus Terminal (access via bus from Matsumoto / Shin-Shimashima, or via Sawando / Hirayu transfer).
• Important: Private cars aren’t allowed into Kamikochi — you park at Sawando (Nagano side) or Hirayu (Gifu side) and transfer by bus/taxi.
• Seasonality: Best May–October. Late September to early October is peak autumn colours (and peak crowds). Snow can linger early/late season.
• Download the GPX file here
• You can follow this route on my Outdooractive profile.

Hike Profile

• Distance: ~30–31 km round trip (out-and-back).
• Duration: Typically 2 days / 1 night (around 11–12 hrs total walking). Strong walkers can day-hike it, but it’s a big one.
• Highest Point: ~2,300m (Karasawa area).
• Elevation Gain: ~800m (depending on exact route + starts).
• Difficulty: Moderate-to-hard — not technical, just long and surprisingly relentless by the end.
• Terrain: Well-made valley paths, forest tracks, bridges, then rockier / rougher trail as you climb into Karasawa.

Stages & Distances (Typical 2-Day Itinerary)

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Hike Description

The start of the hike is at Kamikochi Bus Terminal, and within minutes you’re into that famous Kamikochi vibe, with clean air, clear river, and big peaks peeking over the treeline. The early section is a great introduction: wide paths, wooden bridges, and that feeling you’re walking into the heart of the Alps rather than just “going for a stroll”.

The route rolls on past places like Tokusawa (a great spot for a breather and a snack), then continues deeper towards Yokoo. Up to here it’s mostly gentle valley walking, but don’t let that lull you into thinking it’s an “easy day”, you’re still eating distance, and you’ll want energy in the tank for what comes next.

After Yokoo, the trail starts to pick up. The path climbs more consistently and you get that proper “we’re heading into the mountains” feeling. It’s not technical, it’s just a steady grind, boots on, head down, keep moving, stop when you need to, and don’t rush it.

And then you arrive in Karasawa, and it’s absolutely unreal. A huge rocky basin surrounded by the Hotaka peaks, with the huts sat there like a little alpine village. In autumn, the slopes turn fiery red and gold, and it can feel like the whole of Japan has turned up for the same photo. It’s popular for a reason.

If you’re staying overnight, you get dinner in the hut, the sun dropping behind the ridges, and that crisp mountain quiet once the day hikers clear out. If you’re camping, you’ll still get the same magic, just with a bit less comfort. Either way, waking up in Karasawa with the peaks towering above you is the sort of thing that sticks in your head for years.

Day 2 is the return the same way. It’s easier going downhill, but it’s still a long walk back, take care on tired legs, especially on the rougher bits nearer Karasawa and Yokoo. Once you’re back in the valley, it turns into that relaxed riverside wander again, and before you know it you’re back at Kamikochi.

Walk this route yourself in 3D!

The video is a 3D walkthrough of this route; it’ll give you a great idea of what to expect before you set foot on the trail.

I’ve created 3D videos of my walks and shared them with the Outdooractive and Welsh Man Walking communities.

Kamikochi to Karasawa – 3D Walkthrough

Places to Stay (Matsumoto / Kamikochi / Karasawa)

Mountain huts can sell out fast in peak season (especially autumn colours). Below are a few options:

Karasawa Mountain Huts

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Karasawa Hutte (Karasawa Hyutte)

Right in the cirque with unreal views. A popular base for sunrises and (for experienced folk) bigger Hotaka objectives.

Check Availability

Karasawa Goya

A smaller hut option in Karasawa — brilliant atmosphere in peak season, but book early if you want a bed.

Check Availability

Base Stays (Matsumoto / Kamikochi)

Kamikochi / Matsumoto Base Options

If you want the easiest logistics, base yourself in Matsumoto (more choice) or stay in Kamikochi itself if you can grab a room.

Check Availability

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For a wider choice of accommodation in the Matsumoto / Nagano area, Booking.com has a huge variety to browse through.

Practicalities

• Start early: This is a long hike. If you’re day-hiking, you want to be moving early doors.
• Cash: Huts, snacks, toilets, bits and bobs — carry cash just in case.
• Food & water: You’ll find huts along the valley in season, but don’t rely on them — bring plenty, especially on warm days.
• Toilets: There are toilets at key spots, but in peak autumn season expect queues.
• Weather: The Alps can turn fast. Pack a proper waterproof + warm layer even if it’s blue skies at the bus terminal.
• Hut booking: If you want a bed in Karasawa in late Sep / early Oct, book as early as you can.

Below are 3 ideas for trips, transfers and tours around Kamikochi / the Japan Alps, with GetYourGuide offering great discounts and availability + Much more!

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Japanese Alps (Kamikochi to Karasawa) FAQs

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