What other travelers are saying about Myojin Pond (Myojin Ike)
Beautifully located around 1,5 hours easy walk from Kappa bridge. Calm green lake in the middle of the forest. We need to pay 500 JPY to enter this lake area. Took a 10 minutes queue to be able to take a picture in the lake side where there is small tori.
If you visit Kamikochi in the first time and love basic hike, this place would be good for you. From Kappa bridge, it takes more than 6-7 km to reach here. Try to plan for morning or late afternoon. It gets dark around 4.30pm in autumn time.
Paid entrance fee to visit this place.
Gorgeous at 9am, definitely even more beautiful earlier in the morning with the morning light and mist! There is a cafe and a restaurant nearby to grab breakfast too. JPY500 entrance fee
I would think Myojin Pond 明神池 is at it's prettiest at early morning with the soft and warm sunlight and calm weather. If you are lucky enough like me you will see perfect reflection on both ponds, plus there are very few tourist.
I Visted at 6-7am, 28/4/23. But to be there so early one has to stay in one of the nearby lodge (e.g. 明神館, or like me in Tokusawa-en and set off at 5am to catch the first sunlight at Myojin bridge and pond)
(Also attached are some photos of Myojin Bridge at early morning)
The lake was beautiful but the entrance fee is too expensive and the ticket salesman is unkind. It was the first time that I felt someone is unkind in Japan and I feel bad :(
Swimming is not allowed in Myojin Pond as it is considered sacred.
Pets are prohibited in the pond area, but you can walk with them on designated trails nearby.
Several restaurants and cafes are located near Kappa Bridge, about an hour's hike from Myojin Pond.
While there is no strict dress code, visitors are asked to dress modestly and respectfully, as this site is sacred.
Several hotels and lodges are located near Kappa Bridge, which offers easy access to Myojin Pond. During peak seasons, it is recommended that you make reservations in advance.
