The Hotaka peaks as they looked on Sunday, April 13th
A hearty hello to all of our readers near and far! It's just three days until Kamikochi opens its gates to the 2025 season. With buses and taxis commencing service on the morning of the 17th, a new crop of visitors will be streaming in to take in the sights and sounds of a park still in the midst of wintery conditions.
For your convenience and safety, we'll be sharing news of the trail conditions as they looked in the immediate leadup to opening. Please be aware that the continual presence of snow on some trails makes them more difficult to access in the early days of the season.
Taisho Pond to Tashiro Bridge
Recent reports tell us that the Azusa Course linking Taisho Pond and Tashiro Bridge remains closed due to damage caused by heavy rain last July. The Forest Course is similarly closed due to accumulated snowfall of between 20-50cm.
Visitors wishing to travel to Taisho Pond are advised to do so by bus.
Some areas remain closed due to heavy snowfall.
Tashiro Bridge to Kappa Bridge
Visitors wishing to hike from Tashiro Bridge to the Kappabashi area made use the path on the right bank of the Azusa River (the one on the side of the Weston Relief). However, the path on the opposite side of the river remains obstructed by 25-80cm of snow.
Kappa Bridge to Myoujin Area
The course following the left bank of the Azusa River is currently closed due to accumulated snow. The course following the opposite bank is now in the midst of snow removal operations and may be open in the near future.
In the meantime, visitors should have no trouble accessing the Konashidaira area near Kappa Bridge.
Whichever path you choose to follow in Kamikochi, please bear in mind that sturdy hiking boots are an asset at this time of year as they will allow you to traverse moderately snowy terrain while keeping your feet dry. You'll also want to ensure that you're dressed warmly enough to endure late-winter conditions, so a warm jacket, hat and gloves are in order.
As always, we'd like to thank the hard working folks at Five Sense for sharing the info and images use din Today's blog.
We'll be back at the end of the week with an up to the minute report on the early opening. Till then, we wish you all the best.
Source of Information
Nature Guide Five Sense, Kamikochi blog: https://fivesense.guide/blog/today/140233/
