Kamikochi offers everything from mellow hiking to some of Japan’s most challenging alpine climbs. A long mellow hike from Kappa Bashi takes you from the explosive colors of the valley or to the alpine zone of the Karasawa Cirque where you are surrounded by many of Japan’s 3,000-meter peaks.
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Camping or mountain hut accommodation is available at Karasawa Hutte, which offers excellent meals and a sound rest to get ambitious adventurers ready for Hotaka-dake (3,190 meters).
Camp or stay at Hotaka-dake Hutte and enjoy gourmet dinners and hearty breakfasts to power up before bagging a few easy peaks or the challenge of Maehotaka-dake (3,090 meters) and Nishihotaka-dake (2,909 meters).
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The variety of options, challenges and incredible views makes Kamikochi a world-class alpine destination. Spring and autumn offer visitors the most dramatic transitions as the white season is overtaken by green and then once again as the sweltering summer gives way to the golden season. From slow and steady trekking to scrambling and climbing, Kamikochi offers a large variety of routes and itineraries to satisfy the abilities of all adventurers. The abundance of facilities from the valley floor to the top of mountain passes provides safety and comfort while on the trail within an hour or two at a moderate pace.
WHAT TO BRING
Kamikochi and the high peaks around Hotaka-dake require warm, waterproof, ultralight gear in spring, summer and autumn. Suggested items include:
• Light Gortex shell jacket and pants
• Mid-layer jacket and pants
• Light and big puffy down jacket
• Warm eece under garments
• Wool socks
• Light and sturdy hiking boots
• 1.5-liter Water bottle
• Light Backpack
If camping also bring:
• 0°C rated ultralight sleeping bag
• Alpine or full-length air sleeping mattress
• Four-season ultralight two-person tent
Your load will vary between 8-12 kg. including a few survival meals but it is much easier to eat at the mountain huts along the way and reduce the load. General information and historical information about Kamikochi is available here.
Gint Atkinson and the Beidou Adventures team offer some of Japan’s most exciting adventure treks in Kamikochi, Tateyama, Yatsugatake and many other great locations for trekking, climbing and alpine touring during the green season. They also o er rock climbing and mountaineering instruction in Japan and China. In winter, Beidou Adventures offers ski/splitboard touring, avalanche education, ice climbing instruction and winter alpine climbing across Japan and the great ranges of Western China. To join tours with Beidou Adventures visit Outdoor Japan Adventures.