Kamikochi and Yarigatake - July 2002

After a short rest in Matsumoto we took the train to Shin Shimajima and then the bus into the Kamikochi valley. A lot had changed since I walked in Kamikochi in the 1980's. Then about 250,000 people per year visited the valley, but I was surprised to learn that the figure was more like 5 million in 2002!

Nick at Matsumoto Station

Kamikochi Valley

Heading up the valley after Yokoo

Yarigatake finally comes into view

Yari getting closer

Yarigadake Lodge

Yari viewed from the lodge as the sun goes down

The ridge towards Kitahotaka

On the way down - Yarisawa Lodge

At Yokoo

Approaching Kappabashi

At Kappabashi

Thousands of people at Kamikochi!