Yakedake
焼岳
Elevation: 2565m
Prefecture
Nagano
Distance
12.5 km
Elevation Change
➚ 950m ➘ 1150m
Time
7-8 Hours
Difficulty
3/5
Accommodation
Huts, Tents, & Hotels
Overview
Mt Yake, or Yakedake, is an active volcano found in Kamikochi. It's the only mountain peak in Kamikochi that can be feasibly completed as a day hike from the Kamikochi valley area. It's a thoroughly enjoyable day hike that takes you along the river, through the forest, up a couple of large ladders, and then along a ridgeline that leads to the peak of the caldera. The trail is not technical or particularly steep, so it's a good option when there's lingering snow in spring or early snow in autumn. It can be hiked as an out-and-back trail from Kamikochi, a point-to-point trail from Kamikochi to the Nakanoyu Onsen, or as a multiday hike that includes Nishi-Hotaka. We'll focus on the point-to-point day hike option in this article.
The volcano is active and constantly venting geothermal gas, although it rarely poses any risk to hikers so long a you stick to the designated trail. It does, however, occasionally experience mild earthquakes and is monitored carefully to gauge the risk of an eruption. If an increase in volcanic activity occurs, warnings will be issued and the trail will be closed. It's important to take note that our understanding of geology and our ability to predict volcanic eruptions is quite underdeveloped, so there is always a chance of eruption even if the risk is deemed low. The most recent eruption was in 1962.
Access
Car
If using a car, you can park at the Nakanoyu Onsen. However, the trail from Kamikochi is more enjoyable, so I would recommend catching the bus from Nakanoyu to Kamikochi which only take about 15 mins.
Direct Bus
There is a direct bus from Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo, to Kamikochi. 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 as a multi-day hike to Yakedake. 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
Maps
Accommodation
You can either camp in Kamikochi, stay at the Nishi-Hotaka mountain hut for the multi-day hike, or stay at the lovely Nakanoyu Onsen ryokan. If you're camping in Kamikochi, no reservation is required. However, if you would like to stay in the hut, advanced reservations are required by phone. If you're unable to call the hut, contact us to make a booking.
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.
Useful links
Weather and Seasons
Summer and autumn, from June to October, are the best times for hiking Yakedake. There is likely to be snow hanging around until June, and the rainy season occurs from June to July. The autumn leaves will be colourful from mid-September to mid-October. Kamikochi is closed during winter, from November to April.
Trail Description
Kamikochi → Yakedake → Kamikochi
Time: 7 hrs
Distance: 13 km
Elev. change: ➚ ➘ 950m
If you don't care about the onsen, then returning the same way you came is the best option for hiking Yakedake. The views look nicer in the opposite direction and the trail is more interesting than heading down to Nakabusa Onsen. Plus, you avoid having to hike down the road and catching the bus back to Kamikochi.
Kamikochi → Yakedake → Nakabusa
Time: 7 hrs
Distance: 13 km
Elev. change: ➚ 950m gain ➘ 1150m loss
If you don't mind finishing the hike with 25 mins of road walking, and catching a 10 min bus back to Kamikochi, then this is the ideal itinerary. Finishing the hike at Nakabusa Onsen is a lovely way to end the day, the outdoor baths offer a peaceful and relaxing experience that feels unique and memorable, especially after a few days of camping. Just remember to bring a change of clothes for after the bath. The bus runs every 30 mins, and you can see the times on Google Maps, but it's wise to double-check with the staff at the onsen.
Nishi-Hotaka Sanso → Yakedake
Time: 4 hrs
Distance: 6km
Elev. change: ➚ 550m gain ➘ 500m loss
You could hike Yakedake from the Nisho-Hotaka Sanso as an out-and-back day hike returning to Nishi-Hotaka, or as a point-to-point hike heading down to Kamikochi. It's a nice ridgeline trail with good views and non-technical terrain.
Elevation Profile
Cautions
Altitude & Weather
Volcanic Activity
Bears (rare)
Gallery
These beautiful images have been generously provided by Raita, check out their work on Flickr
Difficulty: 3/5
Time: 7-8 hours
Elev. change: ➚ ➘ 1150m
Prefecture: Nagano
Hiking Distance: 12km
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