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Kamikochi Imperial Hotel
Kamikochi, Japan · Imperial Hotels · High Luxury
Opened in 1933 as Japan's first purpose-built mountain resort hotel, its Swiss-chalet exterior and steep red roof rise among the peaks of the Northern Japan Alps in Nagano Prefecture. Imperial Hotel Ltd. rebuilt the original wood structure in reinforced concrete in 1977 while preserving its familiar silhouette. The 74-room hotel operates only from late April to early November each year, closing for the harsh alpine winter along with the road into the valley.
- 74 rooms
- Opened 1933
About Kamikochi Imperial Hotel
- Kamikochi is one of only two places in Japan, along with Mount Fuji, designated as both a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a Special Natural Monument.
- No private cars have been allowed into the valley since 1975; visitors park in Sawando or Hirayu and finish the trip by shuttle bus or taxi.
- The number of hotels and lodges permitted in Kamikochi has been capped since the 1970s, and the total has held steady at 17 ever since.
History
The Kamikochi Imperial Hotel opened in 1933 as the Kamikochi Hotel, established by Imperial Hotel Ltd. as Japan's first full-fledged mountain resort hotel, set among the peaks of the Northern Japan Alps in Nagano Prefecture. Its distinctive Swiss-chalet architecture and red roof became an alpine landmark.
The original wooden building was rebuilt in 1977 in reinforced concrete while faithfully preserving its beloved exterior appearance. The hotel offers 74 rooms and remains a seasonal retreat celebrated for its heritage and setting.
The setting
12-minute walk to Kamikōchi Hot Spring.
Experiences
- Lobby spring water fountain — Free spring water from Mt. Roppyaku on the first floor, kept chilled to around 8 degrees Celsius, for guests' walks.
- Reading room — A quiet reading room in the hotel, free of charge for guests staying at the hotel.
Amenities
- Onsen
Open Kamikochi Imperial Hotel in the atlas for live weekend rates, photos, and the full folio.
More Imperial Hotels hotels
- Imperial Hotel Tokyo — Tokyo, Japan · Grand Luxury
- Imperial Hotel, Kyoto — Kyoto, Japan · Grand Luxury
- Imperial Hotel, Osaka — Osaka, Japan · High Luxury
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