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ultralight @lemmy.world col @lemmy.ml

where should I go hiking in the Japanese Alps?

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ml/post/1702084

I can take a hike for 4 or maybe 5 days this summer in the Japanese Alps. The Northern Alps around tsurugidake seem like the place to be. But I was also considering central Alps for a shorter hike and then divert to Mt. Fuji which I've never seen before.

Thoughts? Experiences? Ideas?

5
5 comments

  • @[email protected] re: Japanese Alps what's your level of fitness and experience? here's some examples but we can tailor it better if we know more:

    • @[email protected] recommend 5 hikes in the Japanese Alps lasting 4-5 days, requiring about 8 hours of hiking and 2,500-4,000 ft ascent/descent per day. include total mileage, brief description, highlights, best time of year, challenges, itinerary, daily mileages, and elevation change. classify each trip as beginner, intermediate or experienced

      • Sure! Here are five hiking routes in the Japanese Alps that meet your criteria:

        1. Kamikochi to Mt. Yari: Beginner/Intermediate

          • Total Mileage: Approximately 30 miles round trip
          • Description: This popular route starts at the scenic Kamikochi valley and takes you through alpine forests and breathtaking landscapes up to the iconic Mt. Yari. You'll encounter stunning views of the Hotaka mountain range and crystal-clear lakes along the way.
          • Highlights: Hotaka mountain views, Taisho Pond, Yarigatake Hut
          • Best Time of Year: July to September (when the trails are free from snow)
          • Challenges: Steep ascents and descents, potential for altitude sickness
          • Itinerary: Day 1: Kamikochi to Yokoo; Day 2: Yokoo to Yarigatake Hut; Day 3: Summit Mt. Yari and return to Yarigatake Hut; Day 4: Yarigatake Hut to Kamikochi
          • Daily Mileages: Day 1: 5 miles, Day 2: 8 miles, Day 3: 7 miles, Day 4: 10 miles
          • Elevation Change: 2,500-3,500 ft ascent/descent per day

        2. Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: Beginner/Intermediate

          • Total Mileage: Approximately 35 miles
          • Description: This well-known route includes a combination of hiking and scenic transportation options (like cable cars and buses). It takes you through the stunning Northern Japan Alps and offers breathtaking views, including the majestic Tateyama mountain range and the famous Kurobe Dam.
          • Highlights: Tateyama mountain views, Kurobe Dam, high alpine scenery
          • Best Time of Year: Mid-April to November (depending on snow conditions)
          • Challenges: Crowds during peak season, weather fluctuations
          • Itinerary: Day 1: Start at Tateyama and hike to Murodo; Day 2: Explore Murodo and hike to Daikanbo; Day 3: Daikanbo to Kurobedaira; Day 4: Kurobedaira to Kurobe Dam; Day 5: Return to Toyama
          • Daily Mileages: Variable depending on chosen hikes and transportation options
          • Elevation Change: 2,000-3,500 ft ascent/descent per day

        3. Mt. Hotaka Circuit: Intermediate/Experienced

          • Total Mileage: Approximately 40 miles
          • Description: This challenging circuit takes you around the magnificent peaks of the Hotaka mountain range, offering stunning views and close encounters with nature. The trek includes sections with steep ascents, rock scrambling, and some exposure, requiring a good level of fitness and experience.
          • Highlights: Hotaka mountain range, mountain huts, alpine meadows
          • Best Time of Year: July to September
          • Challenges: Difficult terrain, potentially dangerous weather, steep sections
          • Itinerary: Day 1: Start at Kamikochi and hike to Karasawa; Day 2: Karasawa to Roppyaku; Day 3: Roppyaku to Dakesawa; Day 4: Dakesawa to Tokusawa; Day 5: Tokusawa to Kamikochi
          • Daily Mileages: Variable depending on chosen routes
          • Elevation Change: 3,000-4,000 ft ascent/descent per day

        4. Mt. Shirouma Circuit: Intermediate/Experienced

          • Total Mileage: Approximately 25 miles
          • Description: This challenging circuit takes you around the impressive Mt. Shirouma, reaching several high-altitude peaks along the way. The trek offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and the stunning Shirouma Sanzan mountain range.
          • Highlights: Mt. Shirouma, snowfields, alpine lakes
          • Best Time of Year: July to September
          • Challenges: Steep climbs, potentially dangerous weather, remote areas
          • Itinerary: Day 1: Start at Hakuba and hike to Tengu-yama; Day 2: Tengu-yama to Shirouma Hut; Day 3: Shirouma Hut to Yashigatake Hut via Mt. Shirouma; Day 4: Yashigatake Hut to Hakuba
          • Daily Mileages: Variable depending on chosen routes
          • Elevation Change: 3,000-4,000 ft ascent/descent per day

        5. Mt. Ontake Circuit: Intermediate

          • Total Mileage: Approximately 28 miles
          • Description: This intermediate-level circuit takes you around the sacred Mt. Ontake, Japan's second-highest volcano. The route offers mesmerizing mountain views and the chance to explore the impressive volcanic terrain, including hot springs and stunning crater lakes.
          • Highlights: Mt. Ontake, Ontake Shrine, crater lakes
          • Best Time of Year: June to October
          • Challenges: Volcanic terrain, potential gas emissions near the crater, altitude
          • Itinerary: Day 1: Start at Kaida-kogen and hike to Kurosawa; Day 2: Kurosawa to Ontake Shrine; Day 3: Ontake Shrine to Hijiri Kogen; Day 4: Hijiri Kogen to Kaida-kogen
          • Daily Mileages: Variable depending on chosen routes
          • Elevation Change: 2,500-3,500 ft ascent/descent per day

        Please note that the difficulty levels mentioned are subjective and can vary based on individual fitness and experience. It's always recommended to check weather conditions, trail conditions, and consult local authorities or experienced hikers before embarking on any hiking adventure.

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