Difficulty: 5/5
Hiking Distance: 42km
Time: 2 days
Elevation change: ➚1880m ➘1880m
Prefecture: Nagano
Yarigatake
槍ヶ岳
Elevation: 3180m
Prefecture
Nagano
Distance
42 km
Elevation Change
➚ 1880m ➘ 1880m
Time
2 Days
Difficulty
5/5
Accomodation
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 accomodation, 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 it's location and popularity, it's extremely crowded on public holidays, and also best to avoid on weekends. If hiking on the weekend, starting on the 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
Maps
Trail Description
Day 1
From Kamikochi
Kamikochi to Yarigatake Mountain Hut via the Nishidake ridge
GPS Hiking Map: outdooractive.com
Time: 8-10 hrs
Distance: 20km
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 ridgline. Ironically, the most popular trail up the valley is very boring and monotonous, you will spend hours on uninteresting switchbacks with no views and only save about 30 mins. By comparison, the ridgeline trail 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.
Day 1
From Shinhotaka
Shinhotaka to Yarigatake Mountain Hut
GPS Hiking Map: outdooractive.com
Time: 8-10 hrs
Distance: 13km
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. 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. If you're returning to Shinhotaka the next day, simply check the map and head back down your desired trail.
Day 2
Yarigatake Mountain Hut to Kamikochi
GPS Hiking Map: outdooractive.com
Time: 9-11 hrs
Distance: 22km
Elevation change: ➚ 180m gain ➘ 1750m loss
If you missed the sunset from Yarigatake, wake up early and try to catch the sunrise, then make your way across the ridgeline to Minamidake. Once you reach Minamidake, head down into the valley and reconnect with the trail you were hiking yesterday. From here it's a gradual decent to get back to Kamikochi, although it's the same trail, 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
Weather and Seasons
Summer and autumn, from June to October, are the best times for this hike. There is likely to be snow hanging around until June. The autumn leaves will be colourful from mid-September to mid-October. Kamikochi is closed during winter, from November to April.
Useful links
Cautions
Altitude
Rock climbing
Monkeys
Bears (rare)