Overview: The Japan Alps run down the middle of Japan's main island of Honshu, reaching heights of 3,000 meters. Kamikochi is in the north part of the Alps, in the city of Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture. Surrounded by mountains, the valley lies at a height of around 1,500 meters. The name Kamikochi originally meant 'The Place where the Gods Descends to Earth'. Kamikochi is the gateway to the Northern Alps, which is very popular with climbers in Japan. Every year, more than 1 million tourists visit Kamikochi.