June Adventures
|
6/10 (Sat) Nikko Shirane Hike and Onsen Trip
To get started with the summer hiking season, we are headed to one of our favorite hikes in Nikko. Shirane is the highest peak in North-Eastern Japan and packs in a ton of great scenery. We will be hiking from the North-west side of the mountain not far from Marunuma-Kogen and will be taking a partial loop route up and over the mountain taking in the Go-shiki Pond along the way. You can expect to see some awesome views from the top, and this is a great entry level mountain for fit beginners as well. 9,500円 (+tax) (Transportation, guide, and onsen entry included) - Hiking Level: 1B |
|
6/24 (Sat) Naeba-yama Wildflower Hike and Onsen Trip
When most people think of Naeba they think skiing and snowboarding, but this easily accessible 100 famous mountain in Niigata prefecture also has some amazing summer wildflowers. We will be skipping the lifts and hiking the Akasawa route starting in the forest and working our way up above tree line where alpine lakes and 360 degree views await us. The hike itself is not very strenuous with approximately 850 meters of elevation gained with 9.5km of distance covered in the day. 9,500円 (Transportation, and Accident Insurance are included) Hiking Level: 1B |
July Adventures
|
7/1~7/9 (Sat~Sun) Aosta Valley - Matterhorn Alta Via 1 Trek
We have put together an amazing deal for a one week trip trekking in the Aosta Valley in Northern Italy on the border with Switzerland. More specifically we will be trekking next to the Matterhorn and near other giants such as Monte Rosa and Mont Blanc. The trek we will be doing is a one way hike in the village of St. Andre' near Aosta and finishing in the village of St. Jacques just below the Matterhorn. This highest point of the hike is 3,394 meters on the 3rd day of the trek. The trip starts and ends in Milan home to amazing food, cafes and fashion. 91,500円 +tax (Local Transportation all lodging and mountain huts, and some meals included) Hiking Level: 3C *Airfare not included |
|
7/15~16 (Sat~Sun) Shirouma to Karamatsu Traverse - Kaerazu Kiretto
This is a big route in the North Alps climbing up to the top of Shirouma by the Daiseikei (permanent snowfield) which is also one of the 100 famous mountains. That's the easy part, after spending the night on the ridge between Shirouma and Karamatsu we start early and will then make the traverse through the Kaerazu Kiretto (不帰キレット) which loosley translates to the "Ridge of no Return". This features steep climbing, exposure, plenty of chains, and amazing views. Then we descend the gentle route down from the top of Karamatsu. 27,500円 +tax (Transportation, temple lodging, and 2 meals included) *Friday Night Departure Hiking Level: 1C |
August Adventures
|
8/11~13 (Fri~Sun) Tohoku - Asahi Dake, Gassan, and Zao Camp
We are heading back to Tohoku to escape the Kanto heat and climb three of the 100 famous mountains that are hard to reach. We will be base camping at an elevation of 800 meters so the evenings will be cool and there are no heavy bags to carry. We depart on Thursday night to get close to Yamagata and on Friday we'll climb Gassan and climb past year round snow fields and then visit the shrine at the summit which has some great surprises. Saturday is a big day climbing Asahi-dake one of the most beautiful mountains in Tohoku. On Sunday we'll pack up early and head home making a small detour for a 2 hour hike to the summit of Zao. 34,500円 +tax (Transportation, camping fees, 4 meals included) *Wednesday night departure Hiking Level: 1C |
September Adventures
|
9/16~18(Sat~Mon) Tohoku Bandai Fall Camping Trip
Fall comes early to the Tohoku area and we are heading up to the Urabandai area for lake-side camping and hiking. We may see some early fall colors up on the high mountain ridges. We will be camping on the northern end of lake Hibara set up right next to the lake. In camp we'll eat amazing food as always including some dutch oven cooking. Saturday will be spent exploring the local area including the Goshiki Numa wetland and other spots near the camp site including some hot springs. Sunday's hike will be to the top of Bandai-san one of the 100 famous mountains of Japan. Monday we will hike to the top of Nishi-Azuma which has great 360 degree views and is also another of the 100 famous mountains. 29,500円 +tax (Transportation, Tents, and 4 meals included) Hiking Level: 1B |
|
9/30~10/2(Sat~Mon) Tsurugi-Dake and Tateyama Hike
Tsurugi-Dake was the last peak to be summited in Japan, and presents a very formidable climbing challenge featuring vertical faces, exposed traverses, and just generally awesome climbing. We are planning ascents of both Tsurugi and Tateyama two of the 100 famous mountains of Japan. We will keep our schedule a bit flexible to work around the weather to give us the best shot at summiting both, but the plan is to set up a base camp at Tsurugi-sawa. <Friday night departure> 38,500円 +tax (Transportation, Alpen Route tickets, and rescue insurance included) Hiking Level: 3C |
October Adventures
|
10/7~9 (Sat~Mon) North Alps Traverse - Mae-Hotaka Oku Hotaka - Daikiretto - Yarigatake
Due to the difficulty in securing space and crowds in huts and tent sites on the holiday weekends, we are running this 3 day trip on a non-holiday weekend. The first day is a big day covering 20km but half of that will be super easy walking along the river path from Kamikochi in under 3 hours, and then making the climb up to Yarigatake where we will spend the first night. Sunday will be the main event doing the traverse from Yari through the Daikiretto and up to Kita-Hotaka. Then comes an even more difficult section making our way to Hotaka-sanso through Karasawa which is very airy and exciting. Hut or camping fees are in addition to the trip fee. 34,500円 +tax (Transportation, and 2 meals per day included) ・ Hiking Level: 3C |