A Cosy Stopover in the Kamikochi Mountains


2017.12.18

NAVITIME TRAVEL EDITOR

A Cosy Stopover in the Kamikochi Mountains

The breathtaking Kamikochi region nestled among the Hida Mountains in Nagano Prefecture remains relatively untouched with limited access through the Kama Tunnel to the wonderland that lies ahead. With just a handful of places to stay overnight in the area, the Kamonjigoya mountain lodge is a must-visit for a unique experience in an unforgettable setting.

  • A Cosy Stopover in the Kamikochi Mountains

    A Cosy Stopover in the Kamikochi Mountains

    Set along the Azusa River, Kamonjigoya is a simple and traditional Japanese lodge that was built among the mountains in 1880. Established as a family business, the lodge is now run by the great grandson of W. Weston whose passion for the surrounding nature earned him the title of “the father of mountaineering” over 100 years ago. Found halfway along the Azusa River walking course, the lodge is a popular place to stop for a quick rest and some food in the welcoming outdoor seating area or for an overnight stay for those wanting to extend their stay in Kamikochi.

    A Cosy Stopover in the Kamikochi Mountains

    A Cosy Stopover in the Kamikochi Mountains

    A Cosy Stopover in the Kamikochi Mountains

    A Cosy Stopover in the Kamikochi Mountains

    Kamonjigoya offers enough space to sleep up to 30 guests with advance reservations recommended to guarantee yourself a room. Traditional tatami-floored rooms all promise nature within touching distance from your window with the chance to warm your cockles in front of a traditional irori fireplace in the company of the friendly owners. A night’s stay comes in at 6,000 yen per head or 8,000 yen for breakfast and dinner included.

    A Cosy Stopover in the Kamikochi Mountains

    A Cosy Stopover in the Kamikochi Mountains

    A Cosy Stopover in the Kamikochi Mountains

    A Cosy Stopover in the Kamikochi Mountains

    Eating starts early with breakfast from 6:30am and dinner from 5:30pm with seating available both inside and outside. Kamonjigoya’s speciality is its soba noodles which come served in a rich, warming broth and served up with delicately spiced mushrooms and a sprinkling of onions. Ayu fish served up on sticks cooked alongside the irori fire can also be enjoyed alongside a warming cup of green tea or a refreshing beer. With the father of mountaineering on site don’t miss out on the chance to join one of the owner’s mountain tours. While the tours are only run in Japanese, this is a great way to travel off the beaten track with somebody that knows the area better than almost anyone.

    A Cosy Stopover in the Kamikochi Mountains

    A Cosy Stopover in the Kamikochi Mountains

    As the lodge offers a genuine rural mountain experience, guests will need to take a 50-minute walk along the Azusa River left bank walking course or 60 minutes via the Azusa River right bank course before arriving at your destination. Alternatively, there are buses which travel up to the lodge area although these can take a little longer than walking. Alpico Group bus company offers trips all the way from Tokyo to Kamonjigoya. Setting off at 7:30am from Shinjuku Station, the Sawayaka bus arrives at Kamikochi bus terminal around five hours later. From here, it’s then possible to stay on the bus all the way up to Kamonjigoya with the bus leaving the Kamikochi bus terminal at around 12:20pm and arriving at the lodge at 1:50pm after a couple of breaks along the way. For a swifter ride to the lodge, jump in a taxi from the Kamikochi bus terminal.

    Kamikochi
    place
    Nagano Pref. Matsumotoshi Adumi
    phone
    0263952433
    opening-hour
    Open 24 hours[Kamikochi Koen…
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    嘉門次小屋
    place
    長野県松本市安曇4469-1
    phone
    0263952418
    info
    https://kamonjigoya.wordpress.com/
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