By YUKIO KONDO/ Staff Writer
May 2, 2020 at 18:45 JST
MATSUMOTO, Nagano Prefecture--Kamikochi, a scenic highland valley in the Hida mountain range here and gateway to the Northern Japan Alps, would probably be one of the world's most sought-after destinations if anyone could get there.
But in the absence of visitors, total serenity reigns.
Normally during high season starting at this time of year, the area of outstanding natural beauty is bustling with tourists craving spectacular mountain views and a steady stream of climbers scaling the local peaks.
But not now as the nation has been under a state of emergency since in mid-April due to the new coronavirus pandemic.
Reaching Kamikochi by car is restricted throughout the year.
But this year, even bus services are not available because of the health crisis, and taxi companies also are not taking fares, at least through May 6 when the government will decide whether to extend the state of emergency.
In a nutshell, there are no means for visitors to get there unless, of course, they are prepared for a very long walk.
In addition, hotels, traditional ryokan inns, shops and camp sites remain closed, as do huts in the Northern Japan Alps.
“Operators of ryokan, mountain cottages and people involved in the local tourism industry joined forces” to stem the spread of the health crisis, said Tatsuya Oshima, a national park ranger with the Environment Ministry. “We are hoping tourists and climbers will refrain from coming here.”
On a fine day, the majestic snow-capped Hotaka mountain range in the Northern Japan Alps offers stunning views from the Kappabashi bridge, a popular spot in Kamikochi.
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Kamikochi looks abandoned with no guests on April 29 after all facilities closed to stem the spread of the new coronavirus in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture. The Kappabashi bridge is seen in the foreground over the Azusawaga river. The image was taken by a drone. (Kazuhiro Nagashima)
