fbpx
    • Spring
      • video

        Finding the Flow from Kansai to Kochi

        Shikoku’s many mountains, valleys and proximity to the ocean has made it a hidden gem for rafting, kayaking and canyoning enthusiasts willing to take a step or two further from the Golden Route of Kyoto and Osaka.

        Solace and Giant Salamanders in Akiota

        Just beyond Hiroshima City is a tranquil outdoor destination home to some of Japan's last remaining oosanshouo, the elusive giant salamander.
        Kyoto Oni Trail Outdoor Japanvideo

        The Oni Trail: Hiking Coastal Kyoto

        The mystical oni is prevalent in Japanese children’s stories, usually as a way to scare kids straight. Adventure Travel Kyoto is shedding a new light on this folklore and developing a new hiking route in the countryside of Kyoto.

        Spring Skiing in Japan 2022

        It may be spring in Japan but you can still ski in select ski resorts open all the way to Golden Week.
    • Summer
    • Autumn
      • Pow Bar Founder Megumi Scott

        Beyond the Brand: Pow Bar

        An interview with Megumi Scott, the founder of Niseko brand Pow Bar.
        Churamura Okinawa Sea Turtle Marine Conservation

        Churamura: Footprints in the Sand

        Churamura, an NPO in Okinawa, work to conserve marine life and protect endangered sea turtles in Japan's southernmost prefecture.
        Kawazu

        Fall in Love with Kawazu

        Enjoy waterfall hikes and hot springs, beautiful beaches and delicious seafood in Kawazu on the western coast of Izu Peninsula.
    • Winter
    • Near Tokyo
    • Near Kyoto
      • video

        Finding the Flow from Kansai to Kochi

        Shikoku’s many mountains, valleys and proximity to the ocean has made it a hidden gem for rafting, kayaking and canyoning enthusiasts willing to take a step or two further from the Golden Route of Kyoto and Osaka.
    • All Regions
    • Article Map
    • Ocean and Beach
    • River and Lake
    • Mountain and Land
    • Sky
    • Snow and Ice
    • Travel
    • Food and Drinks
    • Races and Events

100 Famous Japanese Mountains: #56 Kita-Dake

It was my third day out in the South Alps, and I was convinced I was an “ame-onna”  (rain woman) as I had been in my rain gear for two days straight, and there was no sign of it letting up.

That morning I was once again putting on the gear when the sun came out. I wasn’t sure whether to be happy or not. But as I stripped off my rain jacket, the heavens poured down on me again…forget it; I cursed and kept on walking without protection, letting the rain soak me.

The ascent up Kita-dake was tougher than I remembered, as I had been up Japan’s high mountain a couple times in the past, but always with sunshine. Steep but interesting. I had fun walking up the frozen valley which split up the trail. Kita-dake, the second tallest mountain in Japan (3,192 meters), is beautiful in the summer, known for its vast array of flora.

It’s usually packed with hikers and flower-mad photographers and tourists. Not this time, though. Bad weather and eroded bus roads allowed me to hike in solitude. In between gusts I saw amazing flowers with the most interesting shapes and colors. I took a break and stared in fascination. I said aloud more than once laughing, “How does this happen? How is this entire mountain decorated with such amazing perfection?”

Just before the summit of Kita-dake, I spotted a furry creature peering over a rock. Hmm, I wasn’t sure what I was seeing, whether I was hallucinating or just tired. But again, I saw a gray-brown furry head pop up, and then two, and then three. (And then a red ass!) A family of monkeys was hanging out on Kita-dake trying to hide from me. I went closer but they fled, and a few rocks came tumbling my way. Okay, I get the message and continued along my way.

That night I ran into some fellow hikers also amazed at the wildlife on Kita-dake.

“In Austria nothing grows higher than 2,000 meters and, at 3,000 meters, forget it. Rocks, low growing shrubs, moss and lichen…no interesting colors. Since we’ve been here, rain every day—the weather is awful—but hey, the flowers, how amazing. You never get this at home.”

The next morning as I suited up in my worn-out raingear and walked into the flowered path, I had to agree with them.

Trail Tips

The first day is really tough, so I would start early and hike the first six hours, then stay in the hut on Kita-dake Buttress. This hut is only an hour from the summit so, in the morning, wake up early, enjoy the summit and have a relaxing descent as you should arrive back to the trailhead in less than four hours. If you have a few days to spare, once you arrive at the summit, keep on going south through to Aino-dake (another hyakumeizan mountain). Budget about ¥8,000 per hut stay (includes two meals).

Mountain Stats

Mountain: Kita-dake
Difficulty Level: 4 out of 5
Location: On the border of Yamanashi and Nagano Prefectures.
Peak: 3,192 meters
Duration: Two-day hike
When to go: July-October
Things to Bring: Raingear, flashlight, map, camera, sunscreen, water, camera, gloves, sunglasses, warm hat, food supplies, sleeping bag, cash for hut stay and supplies.

Getting There

From Shinjuku take JR to Kofu, and then take a bus to Hirokawara trailhead (広河原).

Shinjuku Station → (2 hrs. 22 mins. ¥2,210) Kofu → (2 hrs. ¥1,950) Hirokawara Trailhead.

Contact Information

Kita-dake Sanso Lodge: 090-529-4947
Kita-dake Hut: (0552)-88-2421
Yamanashi Transportation Office: (0552) 23-0821
Kofu Station Taxi Service: (0552) 22-5151

Things Not to Miss

Between the months of June and August is the perfect opportunity to view flowers blooming at their brightest, so definitely bring your camera. Don’t miss a dip in the onsen to relieve those muscles on the way back to Kofu City.

South Alps Onsen Lodge: (0552) 88-2010.

Recommended Hiking Schedule

Day 1: 6 hours (hut-stay at buttress)
Day 2: 1 hour to summit, 4-hour decent.

[novo-map id=2 individual=”yes”]

Outdoor Japan logo tree

Related

Latest posts

Categories