Ice Climbing

Japan

Japan Alps

Ice Climbing in the Japan Alps

Iceland

Norway

Switzerland

Scotland

Slovenia

Austria

Canada

United States

New Zealand

Germany

France

Italy

Sweden

Slovakia

Finland

Nepal

Argentina

Chile

Bulgaria

##### Learn winter mountaineering skills and enjoy the beautiful climb and scenery of North Japan Alps from the summit of Mt Nishihodaka

Let’s enjoy **the winter climbing** of Nishihodaka!  
If you’re interested in starting winter mountain climbs and learning some skills necessary then this program is for you! In addition to gaining some useful winter mountaineering skills, we will also put the skills learned into use the next day by attempting a climb of Mt Nishihodaka.

I am very experienced in teaching mountaineering skills as one of my roles includes training people to become mountain guides.

The Shinhotaka ropeway takes you from an elevation of 1,117m to 2,156m, which gives us easy access to the ridge lines. I have climbed this route a lot and had a lot of great experiences, and I would love to share them with you.

**Required Technical Level:**  
Preferred to have basic skills/experiences in mountains

**Required Fitness Level:**  
Need to have good strength for 8 hours a day with carrying  
approximately 8kg backpack

We will meet at Shin-Hodaka Onsen Ropeway at 9:30 a.m. Utilising the ropeway, we’ll hike through a beautiful forest of Japanese hemlock and maries fir to Nishihodaka Hut, where I’ll go through basic winter mountaineering skills with you. We’ll stay overnight at the hut.

A hike to Nishiho Hut and a Winter Mountaineering Skills course

From Nishihodaka hut, we will climb to the peak of Nishiho Doppyo (2,701m) and then to the peak of Mt Nishihodaka (2,909m). We will take the same route back to Shin-Hodaka Onsen(Hot spring).

The peak and traverse

Learn basic winter mountaineering skills from a very experienced IFMGA guide and summit Mt Nishihodaka in the North Japan Alps mountain range.

Winter Mountaineering Course with Nishihodaka Climb. 2-day trip. JMGA guide

http://www15.wind.ne.jp/~kenny/pg24.html#西穂高岳縦走%E3%80%80２日間

Winter Mountaineering Course with Nishihodaka Climb

##### **Mount Tanigawa (1,977m) is a rocky rugged mountain in the top 100 famous mountains in Japan.**

It is not a mountain for novices. It sits in a location influenced by weather systems of both the Pacific ocean and the sea of Japan, and it often results in extreme weathers.

I have travelled and climbed mountains around the world but Tanigawadake remains the mountain I love and climb the most, and would like to share the experience with you!

For this programme, you can learn basic winter mountaineering skills as well.

*   You can access it in **about 100 minutes from central Tokyo**.
    
*   Despite it’s 2,000m height, because of its location and weather conditions, it offers a package of activities that a 3,000m+ mountains would. For example, **backcountry skiing**, **rock climbing**, **alpinism**, or **trekking**, but with much better access and approach!
    
*   Tanigawadake is buried in **deep powdery snow** a lot of the times. Tenjindaira ski resort close by can be open until beginning of May!
    
*   There are a few variation in routes, from **casual hiking trails** with gondola access, to **more technical routes** for the experienced with proper gears.
    
*   It is one of the **top 3 big wall rock climbing meccas of Japan**, along with Mt Tsurugi and Mt Hodaka in the Northern Japanese Alps.
    
*   You can enjoy an abundance of flora in the summer!
    

It takes one day to ascend it, around 5 hours, and I offer this winter climbing trip in April and May.

**Please get in touch with me if you plan to come in the area of Gunma or Niigata. It will be my pleasure to guide you up there and spend a beautiful day up in the mountains with you.**

7:30am at a lodge in Minakami where you can stay before and/or after the ascent.

Winter climbing on Mount Tanigawa. A 1-day mountaineering trip at the border of Gunma and Niigata, together with Hiroko, local JMGA certified mountain guide

Winter climbing on Mount Tanigawa. 1-day trip. JMGA guide

Winter climbing on Mount Tanigawa

**Mt Nishihodaka (2,909 m) is in the Hodaka mountain range in the North Japan Alps. Join this 2-day winter ascent by the normal route and enjoy the breathtaking views!**

The ropeway from Shinhodaka and the conveniently located Nishiho Hut make Mt Nishihodaka an accessible mountain.

It’s a very popular destination through the seasons for climbers wanting to challenge the Hodaka mountain range. However, during winter, the mountain shows a different facet. **It is covered in snow and rocks, and becomes a more technical route.**

I recommend this climb as the best way to get into winter mountaineering in the North Japan Alps. I can coach you through the climb. However, it’s important to have some previous mountaineering experience and be in a good physical condition, as we’ll be walking for 8 hours a day.

**Are you looking to gain a new experience and get a good feel of the Japan Alps? Then send me a request to join this climb!**

In case you’re looking for a less-demanding winter trip, you should consider this [2-day alpine climb on Mt Akadake’s normal route.](https://www.explore-share.com/trip/winter-climb-mt-akadake/)

I will pick you up from your hotel. Take a ropeway from Shinhodaka Onsen and then a 2 hour walk to Nishiho Hut at 2,385 m.

Nishiho Hut

Climb up to the summit of Mt Nishihodaka at 2,909 m. Then descend all the way to Shinhodaka Onsen via the ropeway. I will drop you off at your hotel.

Summit day!

We'll meet at JR Chuo line, Matsumoto station. Then, I'll drive you to the trailhead to start the approach.

Mount Nishihodaka, in the North Japan Alps, is perfect for a technical winter ascent through snow and rocks. Join Tsutomu in this 2-day climbing trip!

Winter Ascent of Mt Nishihodaka, Japan Alps. 2-day trip. Certified guide

Winter Ascent of Mt Nishihodaka, Japan Alps

##### **Tsurugi-dake is always very fascinating mountain for the climbers.**

**Hayatsuki Ridge** route is the fastest route going from north-west side. However, in part of climbing route, it has 2,000m difference of elevation. Also, that area is the most snowy area in Japan.  So, it will be great challenging mountaineer tour in the winter time.

If you are interested in real winter mountaineering, this 4-day tour is great opportunity to challenge Hayatsuki Ridge with an experienced guide. Please join me to go to beautiful winter mountain of Hayatsuki Ridge.

Best tour period:  
beginning of December – end of March (the best period is year end to new year)

Tour duration:  
4 days – plus 2 more days for extra days  
We will stay overnight at mountain hut.

Required technical level:  
The tour route is mainly go walking on flat course, but sometimes we will go steep slope with snow or rocky area. During walking those area, we need to use rope for secure.

Required fitness level:  
For those who can walk more than 10 hours a day or more than 1,000m difference of elevation. There might be large up-down during walking. Also, during the tour, we might stay overnight at tent.

Previous experience:  
Previous experience on the winter mountaineering is not required. This tour is good for training to use winter mountaineering gear, and practicing roping technique.

\*For the extra day, it would cost JPN15,000 per person.

4-day mountaineering tour in Hayatsuki Ridge to Tsurugidake, North Japan Alps, with a certified mountain guide, in winter season.

4-day Guided Mountaineering Tour in Hayatsuki Ridge, North Japan Alps. 4-day trip. Certified guide

http://www.explore-share.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=45356&action=edit

4-day Guided Mountaineering Tour in Hayatsuki Ridge, North Japan Alps

Aerial Sports

Backcountry Skiing

Cross-country skiing

Heliskiing and Catskiing

Hiking

Horseback Riding

Mountain Biking

Mountain Climbing

Nature Discovery

Rock Climbing

Snowshoeing

Splitboarding

Trail Running

Via Ferrata

Water Sports

Ecuador

Georgia

Mexico

Peru

Spain

Our experienced outdoor adventure team is ready to help you boost your experience and will assist you throughout the whole process, from the moment you choose a program until you return from your trip.

Our knowledgeable team is here to assist you at any moment throughout your adventure.

Need Assistance?

Name

Contact the guide


        Unfortunately {{firstName}} does not operate as a guide anymore on
        Explore-Share, but rest assured we have many others adventures and trips that are
        waiting for you!
      

We recommend similar trips available in

Guide's FAQ

We understand that finding the perfect place to stay is an essential part of your adventure experience. To help you with this, we’ve curated a list of three highly recommended hotels that offer comfort, convenience, and a touch of local charm. These accommodations are well-suited for adventurers looking to relax and rejuvenate after an exciting day of exploration

What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?

I would like to receive the Explore-Share newsletter.

Stay up to date with the best programs. No spam, we promise.

Get your monthly dose of adventure inspiration in your mailbox!

Availability and Price

Required Level

Stay up-to-date on the best adventures.

Join our newsletter!

Sorry, we couldn't find any {{ activities }} trips in {{ location }} with those specifications

Ice Climbing in the Japan Alps: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You

Top ice climbing trips | Japan

Need Assistance?

What people are saying about Ice Climbing |

Find more ice climbing trips in Japan

Need Assistance?

Join our newsletter!