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Kamikochi Imperial Hotel

Kamikochi Imperial Hotel

Kamikochi, Japan

Kamikochi Imperial Hotel

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Opened in 1933, this historic lodge feels almost a part of the landscape of Kamikochi National Park itself. A branch of the Imperial Hotel Tokyo, which has proudly hosted both celebrities and royalty, the Kamikochi Imperial aims to bring an equal level of grandeur to the Japanese Alps.

Both the property’s dining room and Japanese restaurant serve some of the best food available in the national park, and breakfast is served both American style and à la carte each morning in the dining room. Cake, coffee and alps spring water are available by day in the Grindewald Lounge, which is also open for fireside drinks in the evening, along with cocktails and spirits in the hotel’s Bar Horn.

Though the Swiss style decor means this hotel could be anywhere but Japan, we love the stunning views from the balcony rooms, the nostalgic approach to service and the cozy feel of the reception’s roaring fireplace after a long day of trekking.

OUR OPINION:

A very good option for Kamikochi with its oddly homely European feel to it, it is rustic and quite isolated so it's likely you will stay here in the evenings for dinner too. It's by far the best property in an area with very tired hotels. Please note that all rooms are deodorised.

OUR RATING: First Class

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Photos of Kamikochi Imperial Hotel

  • Imperial Kamikochi - Exterior
    Imperial Kamikochi - Exterior
  • Imperial Kamikochi - Lobby
    Imperial Kamikochi - Lobby
  • Imperial Kamikochi - Suite
    Imperial Kamikochi - Suite
  • Lobby at Kamikochi Imperial Hotel, Kamikochi
    Lobby at Kamikochi Imperial Hotel, Kamikochi

Rooms

All of the hotel’s 75 rooms are en suite and twin-bedded, including two suites and a few ‘family’ quad rooms. The rest are made up of standard twin rooms categorised by ‘A’ and ‘B’ according to size, and veranda rooms with front and side facing balconies. Wi-Fi is available in rooms and throughout the hotel, although a pocket Wi-Fi rental device is recommended for those who require a high speed, reliable connection. 

Location

With no private cars allowed into the park, most will enter Kamikochi by bus from Hirayu Onsen, and the Imperial has its own convenient bus stop just before the route terminates at the Visitor Centre. Guests can set out on a number of park walking routes directly from the hotel, with excellent illustrated maps provided at the front desk.

Food and drink

  • American style and à la carte breakfast served each morning in the dining room.
  • French cuisine served in the dining room each evening.
  • Azusa-an restaurant offers a dinner menu that serves Japanese kaiseki, teppanyaki and shabu-shabu.
  • Alpenrose restaurant offering casual dining for both lunch and dinner.
  • The Grindewald Lounge serves drinks and refreshments throughout day, with Bar Horn serving drinks in the evening.

Families

Families are welcome with interconnecting rooms available.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

    Alternative places to stay nearby

    Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can't be bettered.

    Experiences while staying here

    The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area's inhabitants.

    • Hiking in the Northern Alps
      Kamikochi

      Hiking in the Northern Alps

      Hiking in the Northern Alps

      There are walks of all grades and lengths possible using Kamikochi as a base, with the easiest keeping to the river valley and more strenuous options leading up to the summits of nearby peaks.

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    Kamikochi and nearby places