No, Kamikochi is closed during the winter. The official open season runs from April 17th (when public transportation resumes operations / Opening Day) to November 15th (Closing Ceremony) every year. Note: The annual ceremonial event, the "Kamikochi Opening Festival (Kaizan-sai)," is held on a different date (usually April 27th).While the area is beautiful throughout the season, the best times to visit are the fresh green season (May to June), the alpine flower season (July to August), and the autumn foliage season (early to mid-October). During the winter closure (mid-November to mid-April), all public transportation, shops, and facilities inside Kamikochi are closed.

During the winter season (late November to mid-April), you can enjoy fantastic Snowshoe Trekking in the quiet, snow-covered mountains around the Sawando and Kamikochi areas. It offers a completely different, mystical world of pure white snowscapes and frozen waterfalls compared to the summer. We regularly update current winter trail and road conditions on our official blog and social media, so please check them before heading out.

Yes, our ryokan (Sawando Onsen) is perfectly located right between "Matsumoto" and "Takayama." Since local buses operate year-round, it is incredibly convenient as a base for wide-area sightseeing across both Nagano and Gifu prefectures. You can easily access various attractive destinations within and around the Chubu-Sangaku National Park by car or public bus:

Yes, we provide complimentary luggage storage both before check-in and after check-out at the front desk for our staying guests. You can leave your car in our free parking lot, store your heavy bags with us, and head out for your Kamikochi or Norikura adventure completely "hands-free" and comfortable. Please feel free to ask our staff before catching your shuttle bus or taxi.