Hike and Scramble in Japan's Northern Alps
Hiking and scrambling from hut to hut in the Kamikochi and Tateyama areas offer some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in Japan. Many long and short trails with fixed steel ladders and chains will offer intense physical challenge and will reward you with incredible mountain and ridge views, accompanied by great food in the mountain huts. Carry only a daypack on multi- day journeys.
The Japanese Alps consist of three mountain ranges: the Hida mountains, the Kiso mountains and the Akashi mountains. These ranges contain some of the highest peaks, with some over 3000 m. The highest mountains are Mt. Okuhotaka (3190) in the Northern Alps and Mt. Kita (3193 m) in the Southern Alps. The Northern Alps rise near the border of Gifu, Nagano and Toyama prefectures, known as the Hida Mountains. Kamikochi and Tateyama are popular resorts in the Northern Alps and they offer the most spectacular views. From Kamikochi and Tateyama, there are many trails to the different mountains, and many huts are available along the trails and at the bottom of popular peaks. Mt. Yari and Mt.Tsurugi are the most popular destinations in the Northern Alps.
Hiking trails are maintained well, and steep hiking routes are protected by fixed chains and ladders in Japan. In U.S. we call these “scramble” routes. Some routes are more strenuous and difficult terrain than others and demand the scramble skills.
- Suitable Activities: Global Adventures, Scrambling
- Seasons: July, August, September, October
- Weather: View weather forecast
- Difficulty: Strenuous 4, Technical 5
- Land Manager: Land Manager Varies
- Parking Permit Required: see Land Manager
- Recommended Party Size: 12
- Maximum Party Size: 12
- Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
There are no resources for this route/place. Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.