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

【Kamikochi Column Vol. 5】

Hello, this is Keiryuso Shiorie.

“We are planning a trip to Kamikochi. What kind of clothes should we wear?”

This is another question we frequently receive from our guests.

First-time visitors often worry and ask, "Do I need full hiking gear?" Rest assured, if you are planning to walk the standard trails—such as from Taisho Pond, around Kappa Bridge, up to Myojin Pond, or Tokusawa—your regular comfortable clothes and reliable walking shoes are perfectly sufficient to enjoy the experience.

■ Shoes: Sneakers are Highly Recommended

The walking paths in Kamikochi are very well-maintained, so you do not need heavy, professional hiking boots. Your everyday, well-worn sneakers or walking shoes will do just fine.

On the other hand, we occasionally see visitors in high heels or sandals, which we really do not recommend. While you might manage if you only plan to walk from the Kamikochi Bus Terminal to look at the view from Kappa Bridge and head straight back, the basic Kamikochi experience involves walking for at least an hour or more, even on flat paths.

■ Always Pack a Layer, Even in Summer

Located at an altitude of about 1,500 meters (approx. 4,900 feet), Kamikochi is significantly cooler than the flatland cities. In the early mornings, evenings, or on rainy days, it can feel much chillier than you might expect. Relying solely on a short-sleeved T-shirt can leave you feeling cold, so packing a light jacket, cardigan, or hoodie in your bag will give you peace of mind.

■ Don't Forget Sun Protection

While Kamikochi has a reputation for being a cool summer resort, the sunlight can feel incredibly strong on clear days. Be sure to bring a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of water to stay hydrated.

■ Rain Gear Brings Peace of Mind

Mountain weather is famously unpredictable. Even if it is perfectly sunny in the morning, sudden showers can catch you by surprise. Having a compact umbrella or a lightweight rain jacket in your backpack is always a smart move. Besides, Kamikochi on a rainy day has a misty, serene beauty that offers a completely different, magical atmosphere.

■ Essential Checklist from Your Local Inn

For your first time in Kamikochi, you are completely set if you have these three essentials:

Comfortable walking shoes

An extra layer of clothing

Rain gear

As a matter of fact, Kamikochi is located just on the other side of the mountains you can see directly from Shiorie. Because we are so close, we can gauge the weather and cloud movements quite accurately right from the inn.

Our guests often ask us things like, "Do I need a jacket today?" or "Will I be fine in just short sleeves?" We are always happy to advise you on the best clothing choices based on the real-time weather and temperature of the day, so please feel free to ask us before you head out!

 Two Handy Extra Tools for Your Planning

To help you pack, here are two highly recommended resources:

1. The Official Kamikochi Website's Clothing Guide: They feature a very visual, easy-to-understand seasonal clothing guide showing exactly what to wear month by month.

2　The Gosenjaku Hotel Live Camera (on YouTube):

This is a fantastic trick! You can check their live stream in real time to see exactly what clothes the people currently walking around Kappa Bridge are wearing right now.

We highly recommend checking these out as you prepare for your adventure. Have a wonderful and comfortable trip!