The Northern Japanese Alps has several tall mountains, such as Yarigatake (3180 m) and Hodakadake (3190 m). Kamikochi, commanding a great view of these mountains, sits at the upper reaches of the Azusa River. There are two main hiking courses from the famous Kappa-bashi Bridge: the Taisho-ike Pond Course going down to the southwest along the river, and the Myojin-ike Pond Course walking up to the east. Kamikochi Imperial Hotel is between Kappa-bashi and Taisho-ike Pond. The red triangular gables of the hotel building make a striking contrast with the beautiful greenery. The stone built foundation creates a stately appearance. Lounge café “Grindelwald” has a huge mantelpiece in the center of the room, and it offers a cozy warm fire for visitors when the days are cold.
We started the hike from Kappa-bashi Bridge toward Taisho-ike Pond in the early morning and had a nice hot coffee here on the way back to our hotel. The hot coffee, made from the crystal water of the Japanese Alps, warmed our body and soul nicely.
