Overview

The Kamikochi, Yarigatake, and Mt. Hotaka circuit is the most revered hike in Japan. It covers both the 3rd and 5th highest mountains in Japan while also including a notorious ridgeline known as the daikiretto.

The daikiretto is a steep and technical ridgeline that requires rock climbing on a narrow section of rock with dangerous drops on each side. Most of the rock climbing is assisted with chains and bolts, but the risk is quite high in some places and people have died here before. However, as scary as it sounds, no rock climbing gear is required and it's a popular trail - people of all ages complete it without problems, including the elderly. You will need to be okay with rock climbing on exposed terrain, so prior experience with heights is recommended, and good weather conditions are absolutely essential.

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Completed over 3-4 days, the loop starts in Kamikochi (or Shinhotaka) with the first day spent hiking up to Yarigatake and sleeping at the Yarigatake mountain hut. The second day is spent hiking along the daikiretto, on the second day most people choose to stay at the large Hotaka-dake mountain hut as this gives an even distribution of hiking time across the 3 days. However, this is not the most scenic option. The views at the Kita-Hotaka mountain hut are profoundly superior, looking out over the Daikiretto and Yarigatake. The Kita-Hotaka mountain hut is also more charming, with beautiful rooms and a warm cozy atmosphere. So if you don't mind 9-10 hours of hiking for the 3rd day, then I recommend the Kita-Hotaka hut.

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If you choose the Kita-Hotaka hut, then the 3rd and final day includes a 4 hour hike across to Mt. Hotaka which also involves a lot of risky rock climbing similar to the daikiretto, and then a final 5 hour descent back to Kamikochi. You can make this hike easier by extending it to 4 days if you stay at another mountain hut, such as Dakesawa, which is a few hours below Mt. Hotaka.

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GPS map: Day 1  Day 2  Day 3

Trail Description

Day 1

Kamikochi to Yarigatake via the Nishidake ridge

GPS Hiking Map: outdooractive.com

Time: 8-9 hrs

Distance: 20km

Elevation change: ➚ 1700m gain   ➘ 140m 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 4-5 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 boring and monotonous - you will spend hours on uninteresting switchbacks with no views, and only save about 30 mins. By comparison, the ridgeline trail on the right is full of interesting features, a variety of terrain, and stunning views.

Once you reach the Yarigatake Mountain Hut, where you will spend the night, drop off your gear and hike another 20 minutes to catch the sunset from the peak.

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Note: You can also start from Shinhotaka

Day 2: Yarigatake to Kita-Hotaka