Planning a Kamikochi itinerary from Tokyo to Kamikochi? This kid-friendly 3-day route pairs alpine walks with an Okuhida onsen stay, plus an optional Norikura itinerary—perfect for Kamikochi with kids.
“We want magical alpine views without the meltdowns.” If that’s you, this plan keeps walking distances manageable, avoids peak crowds, and builds in recovery time with hot springs.
Snapshot: 3-Day Kamikochi Itinerary (Tokyo to Kamikochi)
- Day 1 (Okuhida): Arrive from Tokyo → Drop luggage at your ryokan first → Shinhotaka Ropeway for alpine views → Return to the ryokan → Private bath & dinner.
- Day 2 (Kamikochi → Stay in Norikura Onsen): Early entry via bus → Taisho Pond → boardwalk → Kappa Bridge (short‑out, long‑back pacing) → Transfer to Norikura Onsen for the night.
- Day 3 (Takayama → Return): Morning transfer to Takayama → Morning market, old town, lunch → Head back to Tokyo (or Nagoya).
Why this order? Pre‑staying in Okuhida removes the early‑morning rush, makes Kamikochi’s “golden hour” easy, and keeps the route kid‑friendly. Ending in Takayama gives you great food and culture before the train home.
Luggage Strategy (Important)
Shinhotaka Ropeway may have coin lockers, but specifications vary and aren’t always published—confirm on the day. The most reliable strategy is to drop luggage at your ryokan before riding (email ahead).
Mini checklist
□ Confirm luggage drop availability/time with your ryokan
□ Check ropeway last lifts / weather the night before
□ If arriving late, tell the ryokan to adjust dinner time
Day‑by‑Day (Kid‑friendly Timing)
Day1 | Okuhida + Shinhotaka Ropeway
- 12:30–13:30 Arrive in Okuhida → Luggage drop at your ryokan
- 14:00–16:00 Shinhotaka Ropeway round‑trip (time it for clear spells)
- 17:00 Return → check‑in → private bath & dinner
Tip: Keep ropeway day light: camera/phone, water, wind shell, and a compact mid‑layer.
Note: On this trip we tried Kyo‑ya (饗屋) for the first time—a carefully restored kominka inn limited to five parties per night. It was fantastic; we’ll publish a full review soon.
Day 2 | Kamikochi → Norikura Onsen
- 07:30 Arrive Taisho Pond (bus) → photos in morning light
- 09:30 Easy boardwalk stroll toward Kappa Bridge (downhill‑biased; short‑out/long‑back)
- 12:00 Lunch near the bridge
- 14:30 Bus out of Kamikochi → transfer to Norikura Onsen
- 16:30 Check‑in → hot spring → dinner
Why this works: You keep kids fresh for the scenic bits and avoid midday crowd peaks.
Day 3 | Takayama → Return (Tokyo/Nagoya)
- Morning Transfer from Norikura to Takayama
- 08:30–10:00 Morning Market → Old Town stroll
- 11:30–13:00 Hida beef lunch → pick up souvenirs
- PM Head home (rail/bus)
Optional early add‑on (only if time & weather align): A short Norikura walk the previous evening or a quick morning soak before departing to Takayama.
Option: Day 3 — Norikura Sightseeing (Norikura Itinerary Tips)
If weather looks good, keep the morning in Norikura and visit Tatamidaira (family‑friendly boardwalks and short view walks), then return via Takayama.
Suggested timing
- 07:30–10:30 Tatamidaira area: easy 15–60 min loops on boardwalks and gravel paths; enjoy ridge views and small ponds (check wind/visibility).
- 10:30–12:00 Descend to Norikura Onsen for an early lunch/soak.
- 12:30–14:30 Transfer to Takayama (quick old‑town stop if time).
- PM/Evening Return to Tokyo/Nagoya.
Seasonality (from our experience)
- We visited in mid-November: foliage had just finished, skies were cloudy, and Tatamidaira was extremely cold. We therefore recommend visiting in summer (wildflowers at their peak) or from late September to late October (autumn colors).
- In November, consider staying below the summit—focus on Norikura Kogen waterfalls and viewpoints instead of going up to Tatamidaira.
Tips
- Seasonal buses: Service to Tatamidaira usually operates July–October, with many seasons seeing no service in November. Check the latest timetable the day before; if services are suspended, pivot to Norikura Kogen waterfalls and viewpoints.
- Altitude (~2700 m at Tatamidaira): go slow, hydrate, use layers, strong sun protection; in late fall, add hat/gloves.
- Plan B: if wind or cloud closes the top, spend more time in Takayama and the onsen—no stress.
- Weather/visibility check for Tatamidaira →
- Norikura seasonal bus timetable →
Transport & How to Think About It
- Kamikochi is car‑free. The kid‑friendly line is Taisho Pond → Kappa Bridge with wide boardwalk sections and frequent rest spots.
- Ropeway: Pre‑stay day keeps your core Kamikochi day clean. Always check wind and last‑lift times.
- Norikura: Highly weather‑dependent; if forecasts sour, shift time to onsen + Takayama without guilt.
What to Wear & Pack (Alpine Weather Changes Fast)
- Layers: windbreaker + light insulated mid‑layer (mornings/evenings are cool)
- Footwear: grippy sneakers good for boardwalks/gravel
- Rain plan: waterproof jacket & pants + pack cover
- Kids: light stroller + baby carrier combo; a small thermos with warm soup; frequent snack breaks
Recommended Stays in Okuhida Onsen (Family‑Friendly)
Both of these ryokan pair perfectly with this 3‑day route from Tokyo, offering easy transfers, restorative baths, and kid‑friendly meals.
Yarimikan (槍見館)
- Why families love it: Multiple private open‑air baths (one with a swing), seasonal views toward Mt. Yari, Local & Kid’s dinner ; kids’ excitement factor is high.
- Good to know: No reservation needed for most private baths (first‑come).
- Access tips: Check the nearest bus stop and last services back from Kamikochi. In winter/shoulder seasons, confirm snow/road conditions.
- Read our Yarimikan family review
- Check Yarimikan rates on Official site
Kyo‑ya (饗屋)
- Top pick for food: Refined kaiseki—one of our best ryokan dinners.
- Private baths (4): Try the all‑hinoki indoor and the detached open‑air bath.
- Rooms: Cozy kominka style with fresh flowers; loft room delighted our kid.
- Small inn (5 parties/night): Luggage drop before check‑in = ask in advance.
- Note: No English‑speaking staff per the official site.
- Check Kyo‑ya (饗屋) rates on Official site(Japanese Only)
- Kyo‑ya (饗屋) review—coming soon
Rain & Re‑route Options
- Ropeway windy? Enjoy Okuhida’s baths & cafés instead.
- Norikura iffy? Prioritize Takayama (market → old town → lunch).
- Keep a half‑day buffer mindset—alpine weather rewards flexibility.
FAQ
Q: Is Kamikochi stroller‑friendly?
A: Not recommended. Strollers aren’t officially banned, but due to steps, gravel, and narrow boardwalks/bridges, they are not recommended. Use a baby carrier as primary; if you bring a buggy, keep it to short, flat sections near hubs.
Q: What’s the best way to avoid crowds?
A: Use a pre‑stay in Okuhida and enter early. Take lunch off‑peak to skip the midday surge.
Q: Where can we stash big luggage?
A: At your ryokan (pre‑check‑in) if confirmed; otherwise use large lockers at stations or the ropeway.
Q: Is this plan good for Kamikochi with kids?
A: Yes. It’s built as a Kamikochi with kids flow inside a 3‑day Kamikochi itinerary, starting Tokyo to Kamikochi with easy boardwalks and planned rests.
Q: Any family‑friendly Okuhida onsen recommendations?
A: Yes—base at Okuhida onsen (e.g., Yarimikan or Kyo‑ya). Both pair well with a Kamikochi itinerary thanks to easy transfers and private baths.
Q: I have 7–8 days in Japan. After this 3‑day Kamikochi itinerary, where else should I go?
A: Choose a hub with great international airport access—Tokyo, Osaka, or Nagoya—and add one of these 3‑day blocks (paste your own links):
- Tokyo: Tokyo Disney Resort, teamLab, onsen in Izu/Hakone, Ueno or Tama zoo.
- Osaka: Universal Studios Japan, Kyoto, Nara.
- Nagoya: Ghibli Park, Nagoya Castle, Ise Jingu, Gifu hidden hot springs & cultural workshops.
Related Links
Official Access / Visitor Information
- Shinhotaka Ropeway — Official Access Info
- Tatamidaira (Mt. Norikura) — Official Access Info
- Kamikochi — Official Access Info
Recommended Stays (Official Sites)
- Yarimikan (槍見館) — Official
- Kyo‑ya (饗屋) — Official
- Hirayu no Mori (平湯の森) — Official
- Norikura Onsen — Official
— Area features three different spring types; Norikura Kogen Onsen is a milky sulfur spring and our top pick. - Kyukamura Norikura‑Kogen (国民休暇村 乗鞍高原) — Official
— Good value with buffet breakfast & dinner (kid‑friendly); bus stop to Mt. Norikura is right in front.
