Kaikoma & The Kuroto Ridge

Overview

Mt. Kaikoma is a magnificent granite peak located in the Southern Alps with a prominent pyramid structure. Its shape and appearance is often considered the most impressive of the Southern Alps and looks particularly beautiful while hiking up Kitadake​. The two main trails leading up to the peak include a variety of chains and ladders for assisted rock climbing. The route recommended here, climbing up the Kuroto ridge, is considered one of the steepest in Japan. It's an incredible hike that features over 20 ladders perfectly placed along the ridgeline, it also includes chains, ropes, and a beautiful forest complete with beech and chestnut trees.

The Trail from Kitazawa Pass is the most crowded because it can be done as a day hike if you have a car, and is used to access another mountain, Mt. Senjo, which is also part of the Hyakumeizan. It can be accessed via public transport, however, it's a fair bit of effort with 2 busses required from Chino station, and over 2 hours of travel time. 

The Kuroto Ridge trail is recommended for Kaikoma because it's less crowded, has incredible terrain features, and requires no backtracking. It's also easier to get to without a car, simply requiring a taxi from a nearby train station. It's an overnight hike, with the closest campsite and mountain hut located 3 hours from the peak.

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On a clear day the view from the peak is quite spectacular, you'll be able to see Mt. Fuji, Yatsugatake, the Central Alps, the Northern Alps, and Kitadake. The mountain also features some interesting shrines as it was the subject of Shinto worship during the 18th and 19th century.

Access

Car 

If you're driving and want to hike the Kuroto Ridge route, simply park at the free Ojira-gawa Canyon parking lot. However, you'll need to hike back the same way if you're parking here. Alternatively, you could park overnight at the Kobuchizawa train station and catch a taxi to Ojiragawa Canyon.

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If you would prefer the day-hike option or also include Mt. Senjo, you'll need to park at Senryuso and catch the mountain bus to Kitazawa Pass.

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Public Transport

Kofu Station → Kobuchizawa Station → Taxi to Ojira-gawa Canyon

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From Kyoto & Osaka

The cheapest option is an overnight bus to Kofu Station. You can view all the details and make reservations here. It takes over 7 hours and the price ranges from ¥6,000 to ¥9,000. Alternatively, you could take the Shinkansen.

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From Tokyo

There is a train that runs all the way to Kofu from Shinjuku Station. It takes about 90 mins and costs around ¥2,500 for a non-reserved seat.

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The Taxi

Once you arrive at Kofu you will need to take another train to Kobuchizawa Station, and then catch a taxi to Ojira​-gawa Canyon. Although not the closest station, Kobuchizawa is the best option because the station is big enough that the taxis often wait for customers there - so you won't need to pay the extra fee for making a reservation. The taxi will cost about ¥2,500.

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Getting home

Your finish line for this hike is the popular Kitazawa pass, despite its popularity, the busses can be quite difficult. If you arrive late, you can stay at the mountain lodge there. The only option here is catching a bus to either Ina station or Chino station.

Getting to Chino station takes a combination of 2 buses with over 2 hours of travel time, the good news is the stopover at Senryuso has an onsen. 

Kitazawa pass → Senryuso → Chino station

There is only one bus service between Senryuso and Chino station, I couldn't find timetable info online, however, as of 2022, the times for the Chino station bus were:

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10:15am Chino Station - 11:30am Senryuso (仙流荘)

4:45pm Senryuso (仙流荘) - 6:15pm Chino Station

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The people at Kitazawa Pass are very helpful, so you can double-check with them once you arrive. The Kitazawa Pass bus to Senryuso runs more frequently, and you can find timetable info online here.

Trail Description