FAQ

Can I drive to Kamikochi?keyboard_arrow_down

Kamikochi welcomes visitors from all over the world. To protect its beautiful natural environment, private vehicles (cars and motorcycles) have been banned year-round on the Prefectural Road Kamikochi Koen Line since 1975. You will therefore need to transfer to a bus or taxi bound for Kamikochi along the way.

What if I will be arriving late?keyboard_arrow_down

As Kamikochi is located within a national park, no vehicles are permitted to enter Kamikochi after 19:00 (20:00 in summer). If you expect to arrive late, please be sure to contact us. If you are unable to arrive in time, we may regrettably have to decline your stay.

Can you accommodate allergies, vegetarian diets, or other dietary requirements?keyboard_arrow_down

We sincerely apologize, but we are unable to provide individual meal arrangements for allergies, vegetarian or vegan diets, or religious or personal reasons.

Do the guest rooms have bathrooms?keyboard_arrow_down

The guest rooms do not have private bathrooms. Please use the public bath on the 1st floor. MUKU3 rooms are equipped with a shower booth.

The public bath is not a hot spring. The water is natural spring water drawn from the Shimizu River, which rises at the foot of Mt. Rokubyō here in Kamikochi. The Shimizu River spring has been designated by Nagano Prefecture as one of Shinshu's "Meisui-Hisui" — its notable waters.

Toiletries — shampoo, conditioner and body soap — are provided at the public bath.

Hours　15:00–23:00 / 6:00–9:00 (next morning) *The bath is closed outside these hours.

Do the guest rooms have air conditioning?keyboard_arrow_down

For reasons including environmental protection, facilities in Kamikochi have heating in guest rooms but no air conditioning (cooling). If you open the window for a while, the pleasant Kamikochi breeze will flow in. As it can still get warm during summer afternoons, we lend small electric fans (limited availability).

What are the check-in and check-out times?keyboard_arrow_down

Check-in: from 15:00 / Check-out: by 10:00
We are happy to store your luggage before check-in and after check-out, so please feel free to ask.

Are there convenience stores or ATMs in Kamikochi?keyboard_arrow_down

There are no convenience stores or ATMs in Kamikochi. Please plan your trip with this in mind.

Are meals included?keyboard_arrow_down

All stays include dinner and breakfast (both served buffet style).

Can I pay by credit card?keyboard_arrow_down

Major credit cards are accepted.
*PIN bypass payments (skipping PIN entry and verifying by signature) are not accepted. Only payments with PIN entry are available.

How do I get from the Kamikochi Bus Terminal to THE PARKLODGE KAMIKOCHI?keyboard_arrow_down

From the Kamikochi Bus Terminal, it is about a 9-minute walk to Kappa Bridge; cross the bridge and the hotel is about 1 minute further on foot.
The route from the bus terminal is paved, so you can roll a suitcase, but please be careful as the surface is somewhat uneven in places.

I heard a direct bus is a convenient way to get to Kamikochi. Is that true?keyboard_arrow_down

The Sawayaka Shinshu-go express bus runs directly to Kamikochi with no transfers. Direct services take about 3 hours from Nagano City; about 5 to 7.5 hours from Shinjuku, Tokyo, Shibuya, Omiya, and Kawagoe in the Kanto region; and about 8 hours from Kyoto and Osaka.
For details, please see the link below.
By Direct Bus

How much does the bus cost?keyboard_arrow_down

・Sawando Bus Terminal – Kamikochi Bus Terminal: 2,800yen round trip / 1,500yen one way; children 1,400yen round trip.
・Akandana Parking Area / Hirayu Onsen – Kamikochi Bus Terminal: 2,800yen round trip / 1,500yen one way; children 1,400yen round trip. (As of March 2025)
For details, please see the link below.
By Public Transportation

What if I take a taxi to Kamikochi?keyboard_arrow_down

By taxi, it takes about 30 minutes from either Sawando Bus Terminal or Hirayu Akandana Parking Area.
・Sawando Bus Terminal – Kamikochi Bus Terminal: 5,200yen (4,680yen with disability discount).
・Akandana Parking Area / Hirayu Onsen – Kamikochi Bus Terminal: 6,000yen (5,400yen with disability discount) + Abo Tunnel toll (790yen one way). (As of March 2025)
Please note that the hotel is unable to arrange taxi reservations.
For details, please see the link below.
Fixed Taxi Fares

When do cancellation fees apply?keyboard_arrow_down

10–8 days before the stay: 10% of the rate
7–4 days before the stay: 30% of the rate
3–1 days before the stay: 50% of the rate
On the day of the stay: 100% of the rate
No-show: 100% of the rate
*All cancellation policies are calculated based on local time.

How much cooler is it than in Matsumoto City?keyboard_arrow_down

It is about 5°C to 10°C cooler than in the city.

What kind of clothing should I wear?keyboard_arrow_down

Even for a short walk, we recommend clothing that is easy to move in and allows you to adjust to temperature changes, such as layers.

Are there bears in Kamikochi? Do I need a bear bell when walking?keyboard_arrow_down

All of Kamikochi is habitat for Asian black bears. Please be especially careful in the early morning and at night, when encounters are more likely. Please carry a bear bell when walking. Bear bells are available to borrow free of charge at the front desk.

Are there restrooms?keyboard_arrow_down

Most public restrooms in Kamikochi operate on a tip (donation) basis, with a box placed in front of each restroom. At the bus terminal restrooms, please hand your tip to the attendant. Your contributions help support environmental conservation.

Is there a smoking area?keyboard_arrow_down

All guest rooms and shared areas of the hotel are completely non-smoking. If you wish to smoke (including e-cigarettes), please bring a portable ashtray and smoke outdoors in a place where you will not disturb other guests.

Is the tap water in the rooms drinkable?keyboard_arrow_down

All water from the taps in the hotel and guest rooms is Kamikochi's delicious natural water.

How is mobile phone reception in Kamikochi?keyboard_arrow_down

Mobile phones from all major carriers can be used at locations such as Kappa Bridge, Konashidaira, Kamikochi Bus Terminal, the Weston Monument, Tashiro Pond, and Taisho Pond.

Can I go out at night?keyboard_arrow_down

Yes, you may. However, for reasons including environmental protection, facilities in Kamikochi have rules on lights-out and locking. From 22:00 to 6:00 the next morning, the hotel lights are turned off and the entrance shutter is closed. If you go out during these hours, please use the night entrance next to the front desk. (Front desk services are suspended during these hours.)

Can I get fresh towels for a multi-night stay? Can I get extra towels?keyboard_arrow_down

Each room is provided with one set of towels (face towel and bath towel) per guest. We are unable to provide additional towels. For guests staying multiple nights only, one additional set per guest per night is available at the front desk.
*Towels are not provided for infants.

Can you store my luggage?keyboard_arrow_down

We are happy to store your luggage free of charge at the front desk both before check-in and after check-out.

There are monkeys nearby. Is it safe?keyboard_arrow_down

Kamikochi is home to many wild animals besides monkeys. They generally will not bother you unless you approach them, so please do not get close to take photos, and avoid making eye contact. Feeding wild animals is also prohibited in Kamikochi.