Weston Monument, the father of modern mountain climbing in Japan
- Nagano
- Experience Gifu
The monument is a relief of Walter Weston, an English missionary who visited Japan in the Meiji era (1868-1912) to climb the Northern Alps. After returning to Japan, he introduced the charms of Kamikochi to the world in his book "Mountaineering and Exploration in the Japanese Alps". The Weston Monument was established in 1937 by the Japan Alpine Club in honor of his contribution in promoting mountaineering as a leisure rather than an article of faith among the Japanese people, and he came to be known as the "father of modern mountaineering in Japan.
Nearby is the Weston Enchi (Weston Park), a plaza where visitors can enjoy the view of the mountains from along the Azusa River. It is a great spot for taking pictures with its wonderful views of the Rokhyaku and Kasumisawa Mountains.
Not only in the fresh green season, but also around mid-October, the contrast between the yellow leaves of the larch trees and the snow-capped peaks of the mountains is vivid.
The "Weston Festival" is held on the first Sunday of June every year.
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Access
Matsumoto Electric Railway Kamikochi Line - Niijima Station - 1 hour and 30 minutes by bus (cab) to Kamikochi
Kamikochi is closed to private cars all year round.
Private cars (including motorcycles) are restricted from the Kama Tunnel, so please use shuttle buses or cabs from the parking lots.