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The Yatsugatake Mountains are a stunning volcanic mountain range straddling the border between Nagano and Yamanashi prefectures in Central Japan. Geographically divided into two distinct regions, the Northern Yatsugatake area is characterized by gentle slopes, ancient moss-covered forests, and serene alpine ponds, while the Southern Yatsugatake peaks, such as the highest point Mount Aka at 2,899 meters, are rugged, steep, and rocky. This dual nature makes the range a year-round haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering everything from leisurely highland strolls and "forest bathing" to challenging technical climbs and world-class ice climbing in the winter months.
Saturday:
The journey begins with a steady, invigorating climb up the West Ridge of Tengu-dake, where the crisp late-September air often carries the first scent of autumn. As you ascend, the dense forest begins to thin, revealing the sprawling landscape below and potentially the first splashes of crimson and gold foliage clinging to the high ridges. Your goal is to reach the twin summits of Tengu-dake just in time for a well-earned lunch, offering a 360-degree vantage point of the Northern Alps in the distance. Post-lunch, the trail becomes a rhythmic "rollercoaster" over undulating sub-peaks, eventually leading you to the broad, dramatic plateau of Io-dake. Known for its massive, crumbling crater wall that drops precipitously into the valley, Io-dake provides a stark, lunar contrast to the morning’s greenery. As the afternoon sun begins to dip, you will make a short descent to a mountain hut perched directly on the high ridge, where you’ll rest under a vast, unpolluted starry sky.
We will be staying at the Io-dake Mountain Lodge.
The journey begins with a steady, invigorating climb up the West Ridge of Tengu-dake, where the crisp late-September air often carries the first scent of autumn. As you ascend, the dense forest begins to thin, revealing the sprawling landscape below and potentially the first splashes of crimson and gold foliage clinging to the high ridges. Your goal is to reach the twin summits of Tengu-dake just in time for a well-earned lunch, offering a 360-degree vantage point of the Northern Alps in the distance. Post-lunch, the trail becomes a rhythmic "rollercoaster" over undulating sub-peaks, eventually leading you to the broad, dramatic plateau of Io-dake. Known for its massive, crumbling crater wall that drops precipitously into the valley, Io-dake provides a stark, lunar contrast to the morning’s greenery. As the afternoon sun begins to dip, you will make a short descent to a mountain hut perched directly on the high ridge, where you’ll rest under a vast, unpolluted starry sky.
We will be staying at the Io-dake Mountain Lodge.
Sunday:
Day two kicks off with a surge of adrenaline as you navigate the rugged spine of Yoko-dake. This section features a few beginner friendly chained sections; while exciting and tactile, they are technically approachable for hikers with a steady foot and a sense of adventure. This traverse is arguably the most scenic part of the range, offering glimpses of rare alpine flora and the jagged teeth of the southern Yatsugatake skyline. The climax of the trek is the final push to the summit of Aka-dake, which stands as the highest point in the entire range. From ithe 2,899m peak, you can look back at the entire ridge you conquered the day before. The trek concludes with a long, satisfying descent through changing vegetation zones, eventually bringing you back to the trailhead at Minoto-guchi to celebrate the completion of this classic Japanese traverse.
Day two kicks off with a surge of adrenaline as you navigate the rugged spine of Yoko-dake. This section features a few beginner friendly chained sections; while exciting and tactile, they are technically approachable for hikers with a steady foot and a sense of adventure. This traverse is arguably the most scenic part of the range, offering glimpses of rare alpine flora and the jagged teeth of the southern Yatsugatake skyline. The climax of the trek is the final push to the summit of Aka-dake, which stands as the highest point in the entire range. From ithe 2,899m peak, you can look back at the entire ridge you conquered the day before. The trek concludes with a long, satisfying descent through changing vegetation zones, eventually bringing you back to the trailhead at Minoto-guchi to celebrate the completion of this classic Japanese traverse.
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This trip includes
-Round trip transportation from Tokyo -An experienced and certified guide -Onsen entry after the hike Hiking Level: 2C Participation Fee: 27,900 yen +tax *Mountain hut fees will be paid directly to the hut (14,000 yen with 2 meals) |
・Pick up Locations:
Fuchu Station-6:30 a.m. Fuchu Honmachi Station - 6:35 a.m. ・Required Equipment: Trekking Boots, water, lunch, sunscreen, warm clothing layers, rain wear
・Maximum Participants: 9
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