Kamikochi information requested

Kamikochi in Matsumoto, Nagano prefecture, Japan  上高地   (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Kamikochi is about 40km west of Matsumoto.  It is one of the most beautiful mountain parks in Japan. There is a beautiful green forest, an icey cold river, waterfalls, beautiful old lakes, and massive tall mountains, many over 3,000 meters high.

There is a lot of wildlife in Kamikochi. There are friendly wild monkeys, secretive rare Ptarmigan, dangerous black bear and shy quiet deer. There are also pretty chirpy birds.

Our summers are lovely and cool, with clear blue skies. You can go camping in safe cheap camp sites and hiking along easy enjoyable tracks. You can go boating in interesting small boats, and  take photographs of beautiful natural scenes.

In winter, there is heavy snow, with good snow-shoeing spots. 

I hope this information is useful for you.

Best wishes, 

K.I.

Summer in Kamikochi - traveller's guide

Kamikochi (Photo credit: dwedelstein)

Weather:

• clear blue skies
• lovely cool days

River:

• icy cold water

 Flora:

• beautiful green forest

Fauna:

• pretty, chirpy birds
• friendly wild monkeys
• secretive rare Ptarmigan
• dangerous black bears
• shy quiet deer

Geography:

• massive tall mountains

Things to do:

• camping = safe, cheap camp site
• hiking = enjoyable easy tracks
• boating = interesting small boats
• photography = beautiful natural scenes

Posted for Kaoru - who knows a thing or two about Kamikochi!

The Snow Grouse (Ptarmigan)

General Information:

One of the most appealing animals found in this country is the Snow Grouse. During the last ice age, the species was widespread, but now it is endangered. These attractice creatures only live in high mountains and are perfectly adapted for life in cold districts, having fur on their legs. They live on a diet of various seeds, leaves and alpine berries. Insects are often eaten by the developing young. Though they are birds, they are not good at flying. Their homes are in communities of creeping pines. The Snow Grouse are solitary vreatures and it is rare to see a male & female together. The males have red

English: Rock Ptarmigan(Lagopus mutus japonicus) Female with winter fether in Mount Kogouchi 日本語: 雷鳥（雌・冬毛） 小河内岳にて (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

combs above their eyes and their song is a loud croaking.

Observing Snow Grouse:

Catching sight of a Snow Grouse in the wild is quite a challenge, as they are rather secretive animals. Those that live in high mountains are mostly active in the cool shade of trees. Mountain climbers say they might be seen in misty weather, which makes it very difficult to see them. The best place to see a Snow Grouse in this country is in the Japan Alps. If you are fortunate, you will be rewarded with a sight of these fascinating birds.

Posted by Atsuko (CAE class)