What to Wear in Kamikochi: A Guide for First-Time Visitors | Keiryuso Siorie

Keiryuso Siorie
Jun 20
4 min read

Updated: 4 hours ago

【Kamikochi Column Vol. 5】

Hello from Keiryuso Siorie!

"What kind of clothes should I pack for Kamikochi?"

This is one of the most common questions our guests ask us. First-time visitors often wonder if they need heavy mountaineering gear. The good news is: if you are sticking to the main walking trails—such as Taisho Pond, Kappa Bridge, Myojin Pond, or Tokusawa—casual clothing and comfortable walking shoes are completely fine!

*Iconic view of Kappa Bridge with the Hodaka Mountain Range. The perfect starting point for your walk.*

Monthly Weather / Clothing Overview

Kamikochi sits at an elevation of roughly 1,500 meters (approx. 4,900 feet), making it about 5–6°C cooler than low-lying cities. Here is a rough guide for each season:

April – May (Opening Season & Fresh Greens): Highs around 10–15°C (50–59°F). Winter chill lingers. A padded jacket, fleece, and gloves are essential.
June (Rainy Season): Highs around 15–20°C (50–68°F). Rainy and cool. A waterproof jacket comes in handy.
July – August (Summer): Highs around 20–25°C (68–77°F). Warm and comfortable during midday, but temperatures drop to around 15°C (59°F) in the morning and evening. Bring a light extra layer.
September – October (Autumn Foliage): Highs around 10–18°C (50–64°F). Temperatures fall quickly as fall sets in. Warm jackets and autumn coats are required.

Essential Clothing Tips / Packing Checklist

1. Sneakers or Walking Shoes

The walking trails in Kamikochi are well-maintained. You don't need heavy hiking boots unless you are climbing high peaks; standard sneakers or comfortable walking shoes are perfect. (Note: High heels and sandals are strongly discouraged, as you will likely walk for an hour or more.)

2. Bring an Extra Layer (Even in Summer)

Mornings, evenings, and rainy days can feel surprisingly chilly. Packing a hoodie, cardigan, or light windbreaker to throw over a short-sleeve shirt will keep you cozy.

*Taisho Pond reflecting the snow-capped Northern Alps. Easy walking in casual wear and sneakers.*

3. Sun Protection

On sunny days, UV rays are intense due to the high altitude. Don't forget a hat, sunglasses, and water to stay hydrated.

4. Rain Gear is a Must

Mountain weather changes rapidly. Sudden rain showers can happen even on clear days, so carry a compact umbrella or raincoat. (By the way, misty rain adds a mystical beauty to Kamikochi!)

5. Early Mornings are Cold (Even in August!)

Even during midsummer, early morning temperatures in Kamikochi can drop to around 15°C (59°F). If you plan to head out early, make sure to wear a long-sleeve jacket or windbreaker to protect against the cold morning air.

Planning an Early Departure? Try Our Special Breakfast Bento Box

For guests who want to beat the crowds or enjoy the quiet magic of Kamikochi at dawn, Siorie offers a Special Breakfast Bento Box as an alternative to the standard seated breakfast.

*Our house-made breakfast bento box. Handed to you the night before so you can reheat and enjoy it in your room before an early departure.*

＞ [Early Departure Guide: Meals & Breakfast Bento Box Details Here]

We hand you the bento box after dinner the night before. You can heat it up in your room using the microwave at whatever time you like in the morning. This allows you to enjoy a warm, full breakfast before setting off early—without waiting for our usual dining service hours!

Local Insights Right from Our Ryokan

Siorie is located right at the foot of the mountains leading up to Kamikochi. We can often gauge the weather and cloud conditions just by looking outside.

Before you leave in the morning, feel free to ask our staff: "Do I need a jacket today?" or "Is a short-sleeve shirt enough?" We are always happy to give you real-time advice based on the day's conditions.

Sawando Onsen: The Ideal Hub for Kamikochi

Private cars are restricted from entering Kamikochi. Guests must transfer to shuttle buses or taxis at the Sawando Bus Terminal.

*Sawando Bus Terminal, the gateway to Kamikochi. Just a 5-minute walk from Siorie, so you can leave your car parked at our ryokan.*

Siorie is located in Sawando Onsen, just a 5-minute walk from the Sawando Bus Terminal. You can leave your car safely at our inn and hop straight onto the shuttle bus!

After a long day of hiking, return to Siorie and soothe your feet in our Guest Rooms with Private

Footbath Terraces. Relax in the hot spring water while feeling the cool mountain breeze.

*Relaxing on the private footbath terrace in our guest room—the ultimate way to refresh after hiking.*

＞ [Rooms with Private Footbath Terrace & Facilities]

Helpful Online Tools

Kamikochi Official Clothing Guide
Illustrates recommended outfits for each season in a user-friendly format.
Check the Official Kamikochi Website for visual clothing guides.
Live Webcam by Gosenjaku Hotel (YouTube)
A 24/7 live feed showing Kappa Bridge, so you can see exactly what people on the ground are wearing right now!
Check real-time weather and visitor outfits on the live webcam.