Day trip: Kamikochi, Japan

KAMIKOCHI is an incredibly scenic destination in the Japanese alps, home to mountain vistas, hiking trails, camping grounds, a famous bridge, fresh fish, wildlife, and a select few hotels for overnight visitors.  It's easily accessible from others parts of the Nagano prefecture via train and then bus/taxi, and made for a lovely day trip from Matsumoto. 

Here are some photos from our latest rainy-day adventure, our "honeymoon hike" through Kamikochi.  (To Joe's great disappointment, we didn't encounter any of the famous monkeys that live in the mountains...maybe next time).  Learn more about it: here and here. 

Kappabachi Bridge from the trail

view from Tashiro Pond Trail

Tashiro pond trail

fresh rainfall

so fresh and so green

We started at Taisho Pond, which I believe was formed by a volcano.  Pretty incredible on a misty, foggy day.

plenty of beautiful birch trees in the forests

mid-hike Sake break

Taisho Pond again