Kamikawa
,Kamikawa is a small town located in the heart of Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island. It is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including lush forests, crystal-clear rivers, and stunning mountains. The town offers plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and fishing, making it a popular destination for nature lovers.
Kamikawa also boasts delicious local cuisine and warm hospitality from its residents, providing a charming and peaceful retreat for visitors.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Eego o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $25 - $50
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Explore Kamikawa's Natural Wonders
morning
:Start your day with a refreshing hike in the Daisetsuzan National Park. Experience the stunning nature and possibly spot some local wildlife.
afternoon
:Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes. Afterward, visit the nearby hot springs to relax and rejuvenate.
evening
:Wrap up the day with a delicious dinner at a local izakaya. Savor regional specialties while chatting with friendly locals.
Cultural Immersion
morning
:Visit the Kamikawa Shrine and soak in the serene atmosphere. Take your time to appreciate the beautiful architecture and the surrounding nature.
afternoon
:Join a local craft workshop to learn traditional Japanese arts, such as pottery or indigo dyeing. It's a great way to connect with the culture.
evening
:Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner at a ryokan. Delight your taste buds with a multi-course meal that highlights seasonal ingredients.
Highlights
Good
- Beautiful natural scenery, including mountains and rivers.
- Rich cultural heritage with traditional Japanese architecture and festivals.
- Access to outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and seasonal sports.
- Close-knit community with a strong sense of local identity.
- Lower cost of living compared to urban areas in Japan.
Bad
- Limited job opportunities, particularly in specialized fields.
- Fewer amenities and services compared to larger cities.
- Potential issues with transportation, particularly for those without a car.
- Aging population, which may affect community vibrancy and services.
- Natural disaster risks, such as earthquakes and heavy snowfall.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Hiking in Daisetsuzan National Park
Explore the stunning landscapes of Daisetsuzan National Park, known for its beautiful mountains, diverse wildlife, and vibrant alpine flora. There are various trails suitable for all skill levels.
Hot Air Ballooning
Experience breathtaking views of the Kamikawa region from a hot air balloon. This unique perspective allows you to appreciate the natural beauty of the area.
River Rafting
Adventure seekers can enjoy thrilling river rafting experiences on the Sorachi River. This activity is perfect for both beginners and seasoned rafters.
Wildlife Watching
Kamikawa is home to diverse wildlife. Join guided tours to spot animals like the Ezo brown bear, deer, and various bird species in their natural habitats.
Camping
Set up camp in one of the many campgrounds in the area, surrounded by nature. Enjoy stargazing and the sounds of the wilderness as you unwind.
Skiing and Snowboarding
During the winter months, enjoy skiing and snowboarding at nearby resorts, offering a range of slopes and facilities for all levels.
Fishing
Try your hand at fishing in the rivers and lakes around Kamikawa, known for its rich fish populations, including trout and salmon.
Adventures
Uncover the best of Kamikawa with these unforgettable adventures.
Attractions
Visit one of these nice places.
Daisetsuzan National Park
A stunning national park with breathtaking mountain views, perfect for capturing the natural beauty of Japan. Hike several trails to find the best vantage points.
Asahi-dake
The highest peak in the Daisetsuzan mountain range, offering panoramic views and beautiful wildflower meadows. An ideal spot for photography, especially during the autumn foliage.
Kamikawa Onsen
Famous for its hot springs and scenic surroundings. The combination of hot spring landscapes with misty mountains creates a unique photo opportunity.
Kamikawa Town Viewpoint
A designated viewpoint in Kamikawa Town that offers a sweeping view of the surrounding mountains and valleys, particularly beautiful during sunset.
Sounkyo Gorge
A picturesque gorge featuring dramatic cliff formations and waterfalls. Scenic walking paths allow visitors to capture stunning photographs of the landscape.
Shirogane Blue Pond
Known for its striking turquoise blue water surrounded by trees, this pond is an Instagram-worthy spot that attracts photographers year-round.
Ginsendai Nature Trail
A walking trail that features beautiful forest landscapes and views of the mountains. A great place for nature photography, especially in spring.
Chubetsu River
This river offers various viewpoints along its banks, perfect for capturing the serene beauty of flowing water set against a mountain backdrop.
Cuisine
Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Zarame Soba
Zarame Soba is a specialty of Kamikawa, featuring buckwheat noodles served in a sweet soy sauce-based broth, often topped with green onions and tempura crumbs. One of the best places to try this dish is Sobadokoro Hirokawa.
Must-Try!
Hoba Miso
Hoba Miso is a traditional local dish that consists of miso-marinated vegetables and mushrooms grilled on a magnolia leaf. For an authentic experience, visit Hoba Miso No Ie, a restaurant known for serving this specialty.
Sakaiminato Squid
Sakaiminato Squid is a popular seafood dish in Kamikawa, featuring fresh squid caught in the nearby Sea of Japan. You can savor this delicacy at seafood restaurants like Sakai Minato Kaisen Ichiba.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Kamikawa better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Kamikawa Asahigaoka Morning Market
This market offers a vibrant array of fresh local produce, seafood, and ready-to-eat snacks. Visitors can sample various street food items such as yakitori skewers, takoyaki, and freshly grilled corn.
Furano Delice Marche
While not in Kamikawa, the nearby Furano Delice Marche is a must-visit for food lovers. It features a wide selection of artisanal cheeses, pastries, and locally made food products, making it a paradise for food enthusiasts.
Weather
How To Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respect for Nature
In Kamikawa, as in much of Japan, there is a deep respect for nature. Visitors should be mindful of their surroundings, practice Leave No Trace principles, and appreciate the natural beauty without disturbing it.
Polite Communication
Communication in Kamikawa tends to be indirect and polite. It's important to use respectful language and be mindful of body language. Avoid confrontation and be attentive to subtle cues.
Traditional Offerings
When visiting shrines or participating in local traditions, it's customary to perform rituals respectfully. This includes bowing, making offerings, and following local customs when entering sacred spaces.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Kamikawa with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping & Payment
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping
In Kamikawa, as in much of Japan, tipping is not a common practice and can even be considered rude. The service industry places a strong emphasis on providing high-quality service without the expectation of a tip. Instead, the price of service reflects the quality of the offering, and exceptional service is typically included in the overall experience.
Payment
Payment practices in Kamikawa usually involve cash transactions, as many small businesses and rural areas prefer cash over credit cards. However, in recent years, electronic payment methods and credit cards have become more accepted, especially in urban areas and tourist destinations. Customers are expected to place their money directly into the hands of the cashier or in a tray provided for payment.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring
Spring (March to May) is a beautiful time to visit Kamikawa, as the cherry blossoms start to bloom, particularly in late April. The weather is mild, making it perfect for outdoor activities and enjoying the natural beauty of the region.
Summer
Summer (June to August) can be warm and humid, with temperatures often reaching 30°C (86°F). However, it's a great time for hiking and exploring the scenic landscapes of Kamikawa, including Daisetsuzan National Park, where you can experience lush greenery and various outdoor festivals.
Autumn
Autumn (September to November) is known for its stunning fall foliage, with vibrant colors throughout the mountains. The weather is cool and comfortable, making it ideal for sightseeing and enjoying the natural panorama as the leaves change to hues of red and gold.
Winter
Winter (December to February) brings snow to Kamikawa, making it a prime destination for winter sports enthusiasts. You can expect cold temperatures, with opportunities for skiing and snowboarding in nearby resorts, as well as experiencing the serene beauty of a snow-covered landscape.
Nightlife
Hiking Spots Nearby
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Daisetsuzan National Park
A vast national park featuring stunning mountain landscapes, diverse wildlife, and well-marked trails for various hiking levels.
Kamikawa Onsen Trail
A scenic trail that offers beautiful views of nature, including hot springs along the route.
Asahidake
The highest peak in Hokkaido, known for its challenging trails, unique volcanic landscape, and year-round hiking opportunities.
Sounkyo Gorge
A picturesque gorge that offers a network of trails ranging from easy walks to more strenuous hikes, with stunning views of waterfalls and cliffs.
Mount Taisetsu
Part of the Daisetsuzan range, this hike offers a challenging ascent with rewarding panoramic views from the summit.
Aiports Nearby
How to reach Kamikawa by plane.
New Chitose Airport (CTS)
The largest airport in Hokkaido, located approximately 158 km south of Kamikawa, offering numerous domestic and international flights.
Asahikawa Airport (AKJ)
Located about 36 km from Kamikawa, this airport serves domestic flights and is the second busiest airport in Hokkaido.
Hakodate Airport (HKD)
Situated approximately 310 km southwest of Kamikawa, it provides both domestic and limited international flights.
Obihiro Airport (OBO)
This airport is around 200 km to the southeast of Kamikawa and offers domestic services and limited flights to Tokyo.
Memanbetsu Airport (MBE)
Located about 150 km northeast of Kamikawa, it serves domestic flights and is a key airport for the eastern region of Hokkaido.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Japanese
The predominant demographic group in Kamikawa, consisting of ethnic Japanese individuals.
Ainu
An indigenous people of Japan, particularly residing in Hokkaido, including parts of Kamikawa.
Foreign Residents
Includes a small number of people from various countries living in Kamikawa for work or study.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Snowboarding
Kamikawa is known for its snowy winters, making snowboarding a popular sport among locals and visitors alike. The area's ski resorts attract enthusiasts looking for quality slopes.
Skiing
Similar to snowboarding, skiing is a favored winter activity in Kamikawa, with many ski parks and trails catering to both beginners and experienced skiers.
Hiking
With its stunning natural landscapes, hiking is a popular sport in Kamikawa, especially during the warmer months. There are numerous trails offering scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking has gained popularity in Kamikawa, with various trails designed to challenge riders and provide a thrilling outdoor experience.
Fishing
With abundant rivers and lakes, fishing is a common recreational activity in Kamikawa, attracting both amateur and seasoned anglers.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
While Kamikawa may have limited dedicated vegetarian and vegan establishments, many restaurants in the area offer vegetable-based dishes and are willing to accommodate dietary preferences with advance notice. It's advisable to communicate your dietary needs clearly when dining out.
Gluten-Free Considerations
Those with gluten restrictions can enjoy grilled meats, fresh seafood, and rice-based dishes widely available in Kamikawa. However, it's advisable to inquire about ingredients and preparation methods to ensure gluten-free options.