Mt. Kisokoma & The Senjojiki Cirque

Overview

Mt. Kisokoma is the tallest mountain along the incredible Kiso Mountain Range, more commonly known as the Central Alps. It's a popular hiking destination due to the Komagatake Ropeway, which has the highest elevation of any ropeway in Japan, taking you up to 2600m. The area around the ropeway is known as the Senjojiki Cirque - a mountaintop basin sitting among dramatic rocky peaks, which is famous for its alpine flowers in the summer and its vibrant autumn foliage in September/October.

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The most striking peak around Mt. Kisokoma and the Senjojiki Cirque is Mt. Hoken. This jagged, prominent peak is equipped with long chains to assist with steep rock climbing, which can be quite intimidating for those who are afraid of heights or lack experience with exposed terrain. However, it's a relatively short ascent that can be completed in about 10 minutes from the main trail.

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Mt. Kisokoma is listed as one of the Hyakumeizan and is doable as a day hike from Tokyo. It only takes 4 hours as an out-and-back hike from the ropeway, however, it's highly recommended to include one of the neighbouring peaks as the unique terrain and stunning views are worth the extra time, it's also recommended to spend a night camping, staying in one of the mountain huts, or at the ropeway's hotel.

Access

Car

To control traffic, the ropeway is only accessible via the bus. But if you're using a car, you can park a bit closer to the ropeway by using this parking lot, from there the bus will only take 30 mins to get to the ropeway. It will cost ¥800 per day.

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Ropeway Bus

The ropeway bus departs from Komagane Station and stops off at a few places along the way, including the Hayatoro Onsen and main parking lot. During summer and autumn, the earliest departure on weekends and holidays is:

Bus: 5am (6am on weekdays)

Ropeway: 6am (7am on weekdays)

Here's a link for the bus and ropeway timetable.

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Kyoto and Osaka

The cheapest option from Kyoto and Osaka is the highway bus, which costs ¥5900 and takes 6 hours 40 mins (+ 1:40 from Osaka) to arrive at Okaya Station, you can make reservations here. Then you'll catch the train from Okaya to Komagane, which takes 1 hour 20 mins and costs ¥770.

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Tokyo

The best option from Tokyo is a direct bus from Shinjuku, it costs about ¥4000 and takes 3 hours to arrive at Komagane, you can make reservations here. You could also catch the train to Okaya Station which takes a little over 2 hours, and then catch the local train to Komagane Station.