Destinations Guide

Facts about Kamikochi
The Japan 'Alps' were so named by Rev Walter Weston, a British climber who first mapped the peaks in the late 19th C sparking Japanese interest in climbing and hiking

More strange Japan facts
Since 1887 more than 7900 Japanese have died eating the delicacy Fugu (puffer fish) which is poisonous if not prepared properly
The average monthly winnings of a 'pachipro' (professional pachinko player) is 500,000 yen - $4300

Kamikochi - A beautiful National Park in the heart of the mountains

Few bus journeys can compare with the one which will take you literally through the mountains and up to this national park, a plateau situated more than 2000 metres above sea level in the centre of the northern Japan Alps.

The drive is breathtaking but yet is nothing compared to what you'll find on the other side of the tunnel which transports you to what feels like a different world.

This is the Japan which most Westerners don't know exists, a haven of truly outstanding natural beauty, home to wild bears (rarely seen), monkeys (keen to exhibit themselves), and many other varieties of animal and bird life.

A couple of nights here will give you the chance to enjoy some hiking, followed by a dip or two in the 'rotenburo', an outside hot-spring bath. A variety of accommodation is available from log cabins through to luxury ryokan and hotels. There are barbecue areas set aside in the Konashidaira camp site as well as a couple of eateries in case you fancy a bowl of noodles or a Japanese curry.

Don't forget to pack a woolly sweater as even in summer a night in the mountains can be a bit chilly, especially when skies are clear revealing an inspiring view of the heavens. Quite simply, Kamikochi will take your breath away.