How can we visit Kamikochi in March?

My partner and I are visiting Japan for the first time at the end of March/beginning of April (27th - 7th). We will go to Tokyo and then would like to see the Japanese Alps before travelling further south. I know it will be the 'winter season' and unfortunately much of Kamikochi will be closed, but can we still walk around? See the scenery? Also, how can we get to Kamikochi from Matsumoto? Will there be a bus service?

Thank you in advance for any advice or help : )

Elle

End of March and start of April is not winter season. I'd recheck your info. You'll find most places in Japan start to open up again early to mid march getting ready for Cherry blossom season.

hakata14, Kamikochi is not scheduled to open until April 17th this year. The Kamikochi page on this website clearly states that.

You most likely are correct. And I'm not searching random website for random question. Hence using words like recheck and most. Allowing possibilities for alternatives.

Nakanoyu Onsen Ryokan just outside of Kamikochi (close to Kama tunnel) is open throughout the year. You can stay there and do a "snow-trecking" if the weather permits. The ryokan seems to provide shuttle bus service from Matsumoto station.

http://www.nakanoyu-onsen.jp

http://bell-isle.cocolog-nifty.com/blog/2013/03/31617-cdf4.html

Thank you for the information frog1954. By 'winter', I meant not open as shown on the website. Just wondered if closed meant fully closed or there will still be bus services running.
Can we walk around on our own? Or does it have to be in a guided?

Just wondered if closed meant fully closed or there will still be bus services running.
Can we walk around on our own? Or does it have to be in a guided?

The road is closed for the car, beyond Kama tunnel. It is still open for walkers. It is not mountain climbing but still you will need to walk 8 km one way, which will take 5-6 hours round trip from Nakanoyu. You can see the blog in which the blogger do his own trek from Nakanoyu onsen. You can use google translate to read it.

http://bell-isle.cocolog-nifty.com/blog/2013/03/31617-cdf4.html

Below is the "perfect guide" for the winter trek in Kamikochi.

https://hyakkei.me/articles-219

That's really helpful. Thank you!