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.
    • Summer
      • the nomad pasche family

        The World is Our Playground

        The Pasche family has been cycling and living out of a tent in remote corners of the planet for the past 13 years on four continents spanning 50 countries.
        adventure travel world summit in hokkaido

        Adventure Travel World Summit in Hokkaido

        The ATTA will host their first Adventure Travel World Summit in Asia in Hokkaido, Japan. We caught up with ATTA Director Shannon Stowell to find out more about the adventure travel industry and how it continues to grow and evolve.
        mead brewing in japan

        The Sweet Secrets of Brewing Mead

        Wander into the world of mead brewing and find yourself immersed in a fascinating journey spanning centuries and continents.
        the knights in white lycra

        The Knights in White Lycra

        Each year a group of cyclists head to the deep north towards Tohoku’s vast rice fields and coastal trails to help transform the lives of neglected children.
        sea to table yamagata

        Sea to Table in Yamagata

        An unforgettable way to intimately explore the Shonai Region in Yamagata is a culinary experience bringing bounty of the sea straight to your table.
    • 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
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • 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
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • River and Lake
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Mountain and Land
    • Sky
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Snow and Ice
      • climbing mt. fuji off season

        Mt. Fuji: The Path Less Traveled

        Fuji-san is the most climbed mountain in the world. If you are in good shape, there is a way to avoid the traffic for a more peaceful Mt. Fuji experience during the off-season.
    • Travel
      • the nomad pasche family

        The World is Our Playground

        The Pasche family has been cycling and living out of a tent in remote corners of the planet for the past 13 years on four continents spanning 50 countries.
        adventure travel world summit in hokkaido

        Adventure Travel World Summit in Hokkaido

        The ATTA will host their first Adventure Travel World Summit in Asia in Hokkaido, Japan. We caught up with ATTA Director Shannon Stowell to find out more about the adventure travel industry and how it continues to grow and evolve.
        getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
        maota sustainable fashion

        Weaving Stories with Maota

        Maota is a small-scale clothing line working with local craftsmen in the countryside of Aichi and Gifu prefectures. While their focus is on small, local and “slow” fashion, they are moving fast toward some big goals.
        the knights in white lycra

        The Knights in White Lycra

        Each year a group of cyclists head to the deep north towards Tohoku’s vast rice fields and coastal trails to help transform the lives of neglected children.
    • Food and Drinks
      • the nomad pasche family

        The World is Our Playground

        The Pasche family has been cycling and living out of a tent in remote corners of the planet for the past 13 years on four continents spanning 50 countries.
        adventure travel world summit in hokkaido

        Adventure Travel World Summit in Hokkaido

        The ATTA will host their first Adventure Travel World Summit in Asia in Hokkaido, Japan. We caught up with ATTA Director Shannon Stowell to find out more about the adventure travel industry and how it continues to grow and evolve.
        getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
        maota sustainable fashion

        Weaving Stories with Maota

        Maota is a small-scale clothing line working with local craftsmen in the countryside of Aichi and Gifu prefectures. While their focus is on small, local and “slow” fashion, they are moving fast toward some big goals.
        the knights in white lycra

        The Knights in White Lycra

        Each year a group of cyclists head to the deep north towards Tohoku’s vast rice fields and coastal trails to help transform the lives of neglected children.
    • Races and Events
      • fuji rock japan

        2023 Summer Music Festivals

        Get into the groove this green season while enjoying the great outdoors with family and friends.
        Summer Events Fireworks Festivals in Japan

        2023 Fireworks Festivals in Japan

        Enjoy these fireworks festivals held throughout Japan this summer and autumn.

100 Famous Japanese Mountains: #12 Akadake

It was still mid-October, but the chill in the air made me wonder if sleeping in a tent was a good idea. When I arrived at the gyojya (行者) hut, literally “pilgrim hut,” I figured roughing it would do me good. Only three hours had passed since the trailhead, but my pack felt like a ton of bricks and I was pretty worn out. As I put down my pack, I immediately put on gloves and started pitching my tent before the cold got to my fingertips.

Ginger on summit of Akadake (2,899 meters)

It was difficult to concentrate, as the views around me of the high mountains seemed so close and unreal. Suddenly, the many smells of dinner coming from the hut snapped me back to reality, and all I could think about was food. Hmmm, the debate over whether to make ramen or eat at the hut was over quickly as I threw down my pack and went inside. I ordered a curry and a draft beer which, looking around the hut, seemed like the beverage of choice. 

I paid my ¥500 for tent space and said goodnight to the hut owner. It was only 7 p.m., but bedtime came quickly in the tent. The owner told me to stay warm, and I could come back and use the light if I wanted to read or warm up. After shivering in my sleeping bag, I concluded the beer was a bad idea. I should have gone for the hot chocolate the owner suggested.

While I was back inside drinking a hot chocolate, the owner told me the tale of Yatsugatake. The story goes it used to be the tallest mountain in Japan until a jealous Mt. Fuji clubbed it in a fit of rage and flattened it a bit. Looking up at the eight peaks of Yatsugatake, I could imagine it quite clearly. The next day I would head for the highest peak, Akadake.

I woke up to a nudging and huffing sound against my tent at 5 a.m. Knowing a hut was near kept me calm, but I took out my bear spray just in case. The east wall of my tent kept collapsing and I could make out a furry creature on the other side. Convinced it wasn’t too aggressive, I unzipped the flap a bit to peak out, and my visitor turned out to be a weird grayish hairy goat-like creature.  I stepped out of my tent, and my new friend stepped back quickly and then vanished.

Hut staffers were already outside doing morning chores, and one called out to me, “Are wa kamoshika da yo.” (That was a kamoshika.)  Seeing I was still looking confused, he added in English, “Kamoshika is a Japanese deer.” It didn’t look like any deer I had seen, but it definitely was a great way to start off the morning.

The morning sun was brilliant, and I could see why Akadake translates to “Red Peak.” After a breakfast of instant ramen and coffee, I packed a day pack and headed off, hoping to catch another glimpse of the kamoshika.

MOUNTAIN STATS

Mountain: Akadake (Yatsugatake)
Difficulty Level: 3 out of 5
Location: Border of Nagano and Yamanashi prefectures.
Peak: 2,899 meters
Duration: 2-day hike
When to go: July – late October

Getting There

From Shinjuku Station, take the rapid train to Chino Station. From there, take a bus to Minotoguchi Trailhead (美濃戸口).

Shinjuku→Chino Station→Minotoguchi Trailhead
2 hrs. 25 mins. (¥6,070) → 45 mins. (¥900)

Things to Bring

  • Raingear
  • Flashlight
  • Map
  • Camera
  • Sunscreen
  • Water
  • Camera
  • Gloves
  • Sunglasses
  • Warm hat
  • Food supplies
  • (Sleeping bag, tent and rain tarp if you are camping)

Contact Information

Minotokogen Lodge: (0266) 74-2102
Akadake Sanso Lodge:  (0266) 74-2274
Chino Tourist Information: (0266) 72-2101
Shika-no-yu: (0266) 66-2131
Yatsugatake Resort Outlet: (0551) 20-5454

Things Not to Miss

After the hike, you can relax in a nearby onsen. Shika-no-yu (Deer Hot Spring) is a recommended spot, as it has both a rotenburo and an inside bath for just ¥500.
If you are driving and have a chance to stop at Kobuchizawa, check out the Yatsugatake Resort outlet, which includes more than 60 shops, restaurants and cafes.

Recommended Hiking Schedule

Day One: 3 hours (stay at hut)
Day Two: 7 hours, 50 mins.

[novo-map id=2 individual=”yes”]

Outdoor Japan logo tree

Related

Latest posts

Categories