Ensconced high and deep in the Northern Japan Alps is the remote mountain valley of Kamikochi. Part of Chubu Sangaku National Park, Kamikochi has been designated a National Cultural Asset, and also routinely appears high on lists of Japan's best destinations for savoring scenic beauty.

The valley is about 18 kilometers (11 miles) long, with many trail courses crisscrossing the flatlands along the Azusa River that runs through it, east to west. Many of these trails run through marshlands and lead to pretty ponds.

To protect Kamikochi's natural beauty, access is restricted – no private vehicles are allowed to enter. I reached the area by highway bus from Nagoya by way of Takayama, but if you're coming from the east, there's also direct bus service from Matsumoto.

The bus terminal where I alighted also features an information center.

It was reassuring to see the measures being taken against COVID-19. These included bottles of sanitizer spray at building entrances. Social distancing is also encouraged.

At the information center, I spent a hundred yen for a compact folded booklet that opens up into a bilingual map of the walking trails through the area.

I also noted the warnings and guidance on interacting with the wildlife that visitors might encounter on the trail.

Then I headed upstairs for a lunch at the restaurant there. Here, too, obvious steps were in place to prevent infection. My lunch was a set meal featuring regional specialties, including a locally caught river fish called iwana and noodles with wild vegetables. The locally brewed craft beer that my server recommended paired well with it. Everything was delicious!

After lunch, I took out my map and planned my walk.

The many and trails in Kamikochi give visitors lots of options for routes matched to their individual levels of experience, stamina, and time available. I decided I'd head east along the river's south side (dubbed the "left bank" in the park) to Myojin Pond, then follow the trails on the north shore (the "right bank") back to Kappa Bridge before returning to the information center. Going by the map, my selected course looked to cover a total of eight or nine kilometers – maybe a little over five miles – and would probably take about two and a half hours to complete at a comfortable pace.

This might be a good point to note that although the terrain along the river in Kamikochi is mostly flat, there are some rises and dips, and the unpaved ground can be muddy after rain. Be sure to wear sturdy and comfortable walking shoes, and dress appropriately for the season!

And I was off!

I soon came to Kappa Bridge.

Just beyond was another bridge over the Shimizu River, a small tributary stream whose bed was covered in algae of spectacular green.

Onward I went, the trail taking me through pretty woodlands along the stream.

My surroundings were quiet and lushly green.

Occasional clearings afforded views of the rugged mountains enclosing the valley.

Eventually I crossed over Myojin Bridge.

As I drew near to Myojin Pond, the path took me through the precincts of a Shinto shrine.

At the shrine's office I bought a ticket for entrance to the pond area.

The pond itself was expansive and quiet – a very pleasant spot to rest for a bit and enjoy the reflections of the mountains and woods before heading back.

The path between Myojin Pond and Kappa Bridge along the right bank covers a somewhat longer distance than the path on the left bank. Some sections pass through wetlands, and the path in those areas becomes a raised wooden walkway.

At one especially pretty place where the river widened was a short pier, a place where strollers can linger a bit and enjoy the scenery.

Eventually I reached Kappa Bridge again.

From there it was just a short jaunt back to the bus terminal. I boarded the coach back to Hirayu and then on to Takayama, and, hungry after all my walking, on the ride I nibbled on a convenience-store find – hoba-zushi, a local sushi specialty that features salmon and other ingredients wrapped in a magnolia leaf.

My appetite whetted, once in Takayama I lost no time finding a local shop offering the handmade soba that is a specialty of the region. The perfect end to an active day!