Set in the heart of Kamikochi, Hotel Shirakabaso is a peaceful mountain retreat with spectacular views across the Japanese Alps
Location: Hotel Shirakabaso sits beside Kappa Bridge in the heart of Kamikochi, surrounded by the Northern Alps and the clear waters of the Azusa River. From here, the area’s walking trails, ponds and mountain scenery are all within easy reach, making it an excellent base for exploring the valley.
Rooms: The hotel has 55 rooms, with a choice of Western-style twins and traditional Japanese rooms. Several of the newer rooms have floor-to-ceiling views towards the Hotaka mountains, while terrace rooms allow you to sit outside and take in the scenery. Interiors combine natural materials with simple Japanese design, with some rooms featuring tatami floors.
Amenities: Shirakabaso has a restaurant serving multi-course cuisine made with seasonal ingredients from the Shinshu region, alongside a café and open terrace overlooking the mountains. There is also a large public bath, a small museum exploring Kamikochi’s history and nature, and a shop selling local produce and outdoor essentials.
Activities: Hiking is the main attraction, with trails leading through the surrounding mountains and forests. The hotel also runs its own nature-guiding programme, with professional guides introducing guests to Kamikochi’s plants, wildlife, geology and history. Early-morning and evening tours offer a quieter way to experience the valley, while the lack of artificial light makes the area particularly good for stargazing.
Sustainability: The hotel is located within the protected Kamikochi area, where the surrounding environment is central to the experience. Its nature guides help guests understand the local ecosystem and the importance of preserving the area's natural and cultural heritage, while the hotel sources seasonal ingredients from the wider Shinshu region.
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Find out the best time to visit Japan with our month by month guide.
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January
January is ideal for winter sports in Hokkaido and northern regions, with plenty of snow. Tokyo and Kyoto remain chilly but offer clear skies for sightseeing. Explore Sapporo's Snow Festival and soak in an onsen for the ultimate winter experience.
February
February is the best time for skiing and snowboarding in Nagano and Hokkaido. The Sapporo Snow Festival is a major attraction, featuring stunning ice sculptures. Other areas are generally cold and dry and good for sightseeing.
March
March marks the beginning of spring, with cherry blossoms starting to bloom in southern regions like Kyoto and Tokyo. Enjoy hanami picnics under the pink blossoms. It's a great time for hiking and outdoor adventures.
April
April is the peak of cherry blossom season. Witness Tokyo's Ueno Park and Kyoto's Maruyama Park come alive with vibrant sakura. Golden Week, late April to early May, offers festive parades and events.
May
May offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities and hiking. Explore Tokyo's International Food Festival and enjoy the comfortable climate for sightseeing in Kyoto.
June
June is the start of the rainy season, known as tsuyu, lasting until mid-July. Although it's wet, explore Kyoto's temples and gardens amid light crowds. Festivals like the Sanno Matsuri in Tokyo showcase Japanese traditions.
July
July continues the rainy season, but the Tanabata Star Festival brightens the skies. Hokkaido hosts the Lavender Festival with fields of purple blooms. Kyoto's Gion Matsuri features grand floats.
August
August offers festivals and fireworks. The Obon Festival celebrates ancestors with lanterns and dances. Enjoy the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival in Tokyo. Hokkaido's summer flower festivals are perfect for nature enthusiasts.
September
September brings comfortable weather and the iconic Kunchi Festival in Nagasaki. Explore the Sapporo Autumn Festival in Hokkaido. It's a great time for sightseeing with fewer tourists.
October
October features stunning autumn foliage in Kyoto and Nikko. Visit Tokyo's Meiji Shrine during the Meiji Jingu Festival and enjoy Oktoberfest celebrations. Ideal for hiking and outdoor adventures.
November
November showcases autumn foliage, with Kyoto's temples and parks ablaze in red and orange. Yoyogi Park in Tokyo hosts the International Food Festival, and Kyushu's hot spring resorts offer relaxation.
December
December marks the onset of winter, with holiday illuminations in cities and festive lights. Explore Hokkaido's Sapporo Snow Festival with breathtaking ice sculptures. Ski resorts open for winter sports enthusiasts.
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