槍ヶ岳
Yarigatake
Elevation: 3180m
Prefecture
Nagano
Distance
42 km
Elevation Change
➚ 1880m ➘ 1880m
Time
2 Days
Difficulty
5/5
Accommodation
Huts & Campgrounds
Overview
Yarigatake, sometimes referred to as the Matterhorn of Japan, is the 5th highest mountain in Japan and the most recognisable peak in the Japanese Alps. It's one of the most popular hikes in the Alps and in Kamikochi. There are multiple trails leading to the peak, with the two main hikes starting from Kamikochi or the Shinhotaka Ropeway, both requiring 2 days of hiking. It features a mountain lodge just below the peak and is often included as part of a famous 3 day hike to Mt. Hotaka via the notorious Daikiretto ridgeline. There are many options for accommodation, the Yarigatake Sanso is the closest mountain hut (20 mins from the peak) and offers both beds and tent sites. Check the map to decide on where you would like to stay and make a reservation in advance if you want to sleep in one of the huts. You can make the hike easier if you plan for 3 days instead of 2.
Due to its location and popularity, it's extremely crowded on public holidays, and also best to avoid on weekends. If hiking on the weekend, starting on a Sunday will help you to avoid some of the crowds.
Access
Car
If you're using a car you'll need to catch a bus from the Sawando Parking Area (Closer to Matsumoto) or the Hirayu Parking Area, the bus will take about 30 minutes from the parking lot.
Direct Bus
There is a direct bus from Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo. You can view all the details and make reservations here. The price ranges from ¥10,000 to ¥13,000.
Cheapest Option
For Kyoto and Osaka, there is a direct bus to the Shinhotaka ropeway which can also be used to access the mountains in Kamikochi. You can make reservations here, it's only ¥7500.
Train + Bus
You can also come from Matsumoto Station or from Gifu prefecture's Takayama Station. The official Kamikochi website provides a detailed overview of all the travel times and options.
Note: Kamikochi is closed from 15th Nov to the end of April
Accommodation
Unfortunately, most mountain huts only accept reservations over the phone. But if you're camping in a tent then a reservation is usually not required, unless it's on public holidays.
Mountain Huts
There is also some etiquette to follow for mountain huts in Japan, you can read a helpful overview here.
The cost to stay at the huts will vary, but the price is usually similar:
¥9000 - ¥10,000: Bed without meals
¥11,000 - ¥14,000: Bed with 1 or 2 meals (optional bento for hiking)
¥1000 - ¥2000: Tent without meals
¥1500 - ¥2000: Additional bento or dinner (some huts don't offer dinner for tent sites)
Kamikochi Hotels
It's quite common to also book a hotel in Kamikochi or Matsumoto. It's best to book early, you can usually find the best prices on booking.com.
Maps
Japanese Online Map: Yamap.com
Weather and Seasons
Summer and autumn, from July to October, are the best times for hiking in Kamikochi. There is likely to be snow hanging around until June. The rainy season occurs from June to mid-July. The autumn leaves will be colourful from late September to mid-October. Kamikochi is closed during winter, from November to April.
Useful links
Trail Description
From Kamikochi
Day 1
Kamikochi → Higashikama Ridge → Yarigatake
GPS Hiking Map: outdooractive.com
Time: 8-10 hrs
Distance: 20 km
Elevation change: ➚ 1700m gain ➘ 136m loss
From the bus stop at Kamikochi, you will have a nice leisurely walk along the river for 3 hours before the elevation starts to increase. About 4 hours from the bus stop you'll reach an intersection, the trail straight ahead continues up the valley, the trail to your right heads up to the ridgeline. Ironically, the most popular trail up the valley is somewhat monotonous, you will spend hours on switchbacks with no views and only save about 30 mins from your hiking time. By comparison, the Higashikama (Nishidake) ridgeline trail is full of interesting terrain, stunning views, and has less people. Either way, eventually you'll reach the Yarigatake Mountain Hut where you will spend the night. Check in to the hut and drop off your gear, and if you have enough time, hike the extra 25 minutes to catch the twilight views from the peak.
From Shinhotaka
Day 1
Shinhotaka → Yarigatake
GPS Hiking Map: outdooractive.com
Time: 8-10 hrs
Distance: 13 km
Elevation change: ➚ 2000m gain ➘ 50m loss
Once you get off the bus at Shinhotaka, you will need to follow a forest road for about 25 minutes until you reach an intersection and the start of the actual hiking trail. Continue walking along the river and after 2 hours you'll reach another intersection. The easiest trail is straight ahead, but if you have good weather and enough energy, the ridgeline trail on the left will give you much nicer views. It takes you up to Mt. Oku-Maru for an extra 150m gain and +1km distance. Eventually you'll reach the Yarigatake Mountain Hut where you will spend the night. It takes about 25 minutes to climb the peak from here. If you're returning to Shinhotaka the next day, simply check the map and head back down your desired trail.
Day 2
Yarigatake → Kamikochi
GPS Hiking Map: outdooractive.com
Time: 8-11 hrs
Distance: 19-22 km
Elevation change: ➚ 180m gain ➘ 1750m loss
If you missed the sunset from Yarigatake, wake up early and try to catch the sunrise, if you have good weather then the lost sleep is totally worth it. You have two options for hiking back to Kamikochi:
1. The easy option - straight down then valley.
2. The harder option - head to Mt. Minami for extra views.
Heading back down the valley and is pretty straight forward, but if you're feeling strong and want some extra excitement then head for Minamidake. This route takes you along the ridgeline for 2 hours and then onto a steep trail that meets up with the Tengu Pond. The descent down to Tengu Pond involves ladders and chains and much fewer people than the normal valley trail. Eventually you'll meet up with the main trail which transitions into a gradual descent to get back to Kamikochi. Although the return to Kamikochi follows the same trail as day 1, those beautiful views will look different heading in the opposite direction.
The final climb to the peak
Elevation Profile
Day 1: Kamikochi to Yarigatake Mountain Hut
Day 1: Shinhotaka to Yarigatake Mountain Hut
Day 2: Yarigatake to Kamikochi via Minamidake
Cautions
Altitude
Rock climbing
Monkeys
Bears (rare)
Gallery
Difficulty: 5/5
Hiking Distance: 42km
Time: 2 days
Elev. Change: ➚ ➘ 1880m
Prefecture: Nagano
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