长野县美景指南：上高地与白骨温泉

Nagano Prefecture Scenic Spot Guide: Kamikochi Shirakotsu Onsen Nagano Prefecture is located in the center of Japan’s Honshu Island and is surrounded by the Northern Alps (Hida Mountains), Central Alps (Kiso Mountains) and Southern Alps (Akaashi Mountains). It is known as the “Roof of Japan”.Not only was it the venue for the 1998 Winter Olympics, it was also one of the areas with the highest concentration of natural beauty in Japan.This article will focus on the two most representative scenic spots in Nagano Prefecture – Kamikochi and Shirahone Onsen. 🏔️ Kamikochi—the domain of the gods Kamikochi is located in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, with an altitude of about 1,500 meters. It is the most representative mountain scenery area in Japan’s Northern Alps.Designated by the Japanese government as a special place of scenic beauty and a special natural monument (double national treasure), it enjoys the reputation of “God’s territory” (神の地). Best visiting season: late April to mid-November (the mountain is closed in winter and no entry is allowed) Must-see attractions Taisho Pond The barrier lake formed by the eruption of Yakidake volcano in 1915 is the main entrance to Kamikochi.In the early morning, the lake surface is like a mirror, perfectly reflecting the Hotaka Mountain Range (the main peak group of the Northern Alps), making it a favorite shooting spot for photographers. Kappa Bridge A symbolic landmark of Kamikochi.Standing on the wooden bridge above the Azusagawa River, looking to the north, the Hotaka Mountain Range towers majestically; to the south, you can see the outline of the volcano Yakidake.This bridge is the “standard photo” angle that everyone who visits Kamikochi must take. Myojin Pond The mysterious pond surrounded by virgin forest belongs to the sacred territory of Hotaka Shrine.The water in the pool is crystal clear, surrounded by towering thousand-year-old trees, and full of sacred atmosphere. Tashiroike This shallow pool is located in the wetland. In June, you can see the Avalokitesvara (Avalokitesvara) in full bloom. It is a perfect place to experience the beauty of alpine plants. Yueze Wetland A treasure trove of alpine plants, with hundreds of flowers blooming in summer, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Recommended hiking routes Transportation Take the Matsumoto Electric Railway Kamikochi Line from Matsumoto Station to Niijima Station, then transfer to a route bus and arrive at Kamikochi Bus Terminal in about an hour. ⚠️ Private cars are not allowed to enter Kamikochi directly (environmentally controlled). They need to park their vehicles at Sawatari parking lot and transfer to a shuttle bus or taxi to enter. ♨️ Shirahone Onsen – milky white secret hot spring Shirakone Onsen is also located in the Azumi area of Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, at an altitude of 1,400 meters, about a 30-minute drive from Kamikochi. Note on pronunciation: White Bones is pronounced “しらほね(Shirahone)”, not “はっこつ”! origin of name There are two theories: one is that the hot spring sediment is white and looks like white bones; the other is that the writer Nakazatoyama famously called this place “white bones” in his famous work “Daibosatsu Pass”.The original name of this place was “White Ship” (しらふね). The singer Ruoshan Mushui once wrote in a book: “Shinshu White Bone Hot Spring is located in the center of the north side of Mt. Norikura, and the sea is five thousand feet high.The four buildings of the hot spring hotel, the second building of the Soba House, and the first building of the Aramoya…” (Shirakone Hot Spring in Shinshu is located on the mountainside on the north side of Mount Norikura, at an altitude of 5,000 feet. There are four hot spring hotels, two soba shops, and a grocery store…) It paints a simple picture of a secret hot spring in the mountains during the Meiji era. Hot spring characteristics Must experience items 🛁 Awa no Yu Shirakone Onsen’s iconic hotel has a large mixed-bath open-air bath with 1,730 liters of hot spring flowing out per minute, the largest amount of water in Nagano Prefecture.Although it is a mixed bath, the hot spring water is opaque and milky white, and you can bathe in a yukata, so there is no need to be nervous if you try mixed bathing for the first time. 🍵 Hot spring porridge (hot spring porridge) The porridge cooked with Baigu Hot Spring water has a soft, waxy and warm texture.At Meixiangan, you can try the “Yu no Hanazen” (from 850 yen), which includes hot spring porridge, rainbow trout boiled with nectar, hot spring eggs, etc. 🌿 Spheroidal limestone Nationally designated special natural monument.When ancient hot springs erupted, the special terrain formed by the long-term precipitation of calcium carbonate contains spherical limestone that is rare in the world and is of extremely high scientific value. 🚶 Tuntong・Guan Shuilu The 6-meter-high and 20-meter-long natural tunnel formed by rapids erosion of limestone can be reached on foot.It is an excellent power spot to feel the uncanny workmanship of nature. 📚 Ruoshan Mushui Song Monument Zhongli Jieshan Literary Monument Shirakone Onsen has a deep connection with Japanese literature.The singer Ruoshan Mushui stayed here many times for recuperation, and his monument stands beside the hot spring street.The literary monument at Nakazatoyama commemorates the chapter describing the White Bone Hot Spring in “Dabosattva Pass”. 📿 Thirty-three voices The 33 Guanyin stone statues built by Yujike in the Edo period to thank the hot springs for their effectiveness are still standing quietly in the corner of the hot spring street. 🚗 Recommended itinerary: One-day combination tour Matsumoto → Kamikochi (hike and enjoy the scenery in the morning) → Norikura Plateau → Shirakone Onsen (soak in the hot springs and eat hot spring porridge in the afternoon) → Matsumoto The two attractions are located in the Azumi area of Matsumoto City, and the drive only takes about 30 minutes, making them ideal for a combined tour. If you need one night’s stay More must-see attractions in Nagano Prefecture 🏯 Matsumoto Castle One of the five national treasures of Japan, with its black exterior and the backdrop of the Northern Alps, it is one of the most photogenic ancient cities in Japan. 🌲 Togakushi Shrine It is an ancient shrine group composed of five shrines. There is a cedar shrine about 2 kilometers long on the Okusha shrine approach, which is full of mystery.Don’t forget to try Togakushi soba. 🚗 ビーナスライン（Venus Line） The 76-kilometer plateau highway connects Tateshina Plateau and Mihara Plateau.Along the way, you can overlook the Yatsugatake Mountain Range, the Southern Alps and even Mount Fuji, making it one of the most famous driving routes in Japan. 🌿 Daioh Kono Farm The largest wasabi field in Japan, the wasabi fields irrigated by snowmelt water from the Northern Alps are picturesque.It is also the animated film “Your Name.””One of the filming locations.