Japan Alps Trek from Omote Ginza to Yarigatake
Join our 3-day traverse to Mount Yarigatake, standing at 3,180 m and experience the classic Omote Ginza route — one of the Northern Japan Alps’ most spectacular ridgelines!
Private
Japan Alps
5 Days
Jul - Oct
Very high
Advanced
Highlights
- Classic Japan Alps ridge traverse along the famous Omote Ginza route with spectacular alpine scenery.
- Authentic Japanese mountain hut experience in some of the best huts in the Northern Japan Alps.
- A dramatic approach to Mount Yarigatake, gradually hiking closer to one of Japan’s most iconic peaks.
Description
Join 3-day Japan Alps traverse to Mount Yarigatake (3,180 m / 10,433 ft) via the classic Omote Ginza route, one of the most scenic ridge hikes in Japan!
Led by Shinsaku Hama, a UIMLA-certified mountain leader, this trek follows dramatic alpine ridgelines from Mount Tsubakuro to the iconic summit of Yarigatake, featuring ladders, chains, and breathtaking panoramic views across the Northern Japan Alps.
This adventure is ideal for experienced hikers with strong fitness who enjoy multi-day trekking or trail running in high alpine environments.
Ready for a high-alpine challenge? Book your spot now and take on one of Japan’s most epic ridge hikes
Price includes
Price details
- What is included
- • Guide fee
- • Consultation via online meeting and/or phone prior to the trip
- What is NOT included
- • Accommodation (includes dinner and breakfast)
- • Meals (lunch and snacks)
- • Transportation to/from the trailhead (transport by the guide’s vehicle may be possible depending on the itinerary)
- • Guide’s accommodation during the trip (covered by the clients)
- • Personal equipment and travel insurance
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival in Matsumoto
Meet in the Matsumoto area for a gear check, briefing, and introductions. Final equipment preparation and optional gear rental or purchase if needed. Transfer to the trailhead area (Nakabusa Onsen) for the start of the trek.
Day 1: Nakabusa Onsen to Mt. Tsubakuro – Alpine Ascent
Start from Nakabusa Onsen trailhead and ascend to Mt. Tsubakuro. Enjoy panoramic views of the Northern Japan Alps. Overnight at Daitenso Hut.
Distance: ~7 km (4.3 mi) | Elevation gain: +1,400 m (+4,593 ft) | Duration: 6–7 hours
Day 3: Omote Ginza Ridge Traverse to Yarigatake
Traverse the classic Omote Ginza ridge via Mt. Otensho and continue along the scenic ridgeline toward Mt. Yarigatake. Overnight at Hutte Oyari.
Distance: ~15 km (9.3 mi) | Elevation gain: +1,200 m (+3,937 ft) | Elevation loss: -900 m (-2,953 ft) | Duration: 8–9 hours
Day 3: Mt. Yarigatake Summit & Descent to Kamikochi
Alpine traverse toward Mt. Yarigatake with steeper terrain including ladders and chains. Summit Mt. Yarigatake (3,180 m / 10,433 ft) and descend via the Yarisawa valley route, continuing down to the Kamikochi area. End of the trip.
Distance: ~18 km (11.2 mi) | Elevation gain: +300 m (+984 ft) | Elevation loss: -1,800 m (-5,906 ft) | Duration: 9–10 hours
Day 4: Weather Contingency Day
An additional day is reserved in case of weather delays or itinerary adjustments during the traverse.
Details
Disclaimer
Participants should have strong physical fitness and recent mountain hiking experience. You should be comfortable hiking for up to 10 + hours per day and able to ascend around 1,500 m (4,900 ft) of elevation gain in a day at a standard pace. The route includes exposed ladders, chains, narrow ridge trails, and rocky terrain, so good balance and confidence on uneven mountain trails are required.
Current fitness and recent training are more important than past hiking history. Hiking or climbing experience from many years ago will not be considered if it is not supported by current physical activity.
This route is considered a demanding alpine traverse in Japan, and even many Japanese hikers typically prepare with several training hikes before attempting it. As the guide and participants usually meet for the first time before the trip, close communication and proper preparation in your home country are very important.
Participants must be able to hike safely on loose and rocky trails while carrying their own hiking gear. Required equipment should be prepared according to the guide’s instructions. Sharing recent training or activity records (for example through platforms such as Strava) and providing updates on your fitness is very helpful for planning and safety. The guide can be flexible with some items, but safety-related gear may need to be purchased locally if it is not adequate.
Participants should have prior experience with multi-day mountain trekking and be comfortable hiking on alpine terrain. The route includes exposed sections with ladders, chains, narrow ridgelines, and steep ascents and descents. Participants should have good balance and confidence moving on rocky and uneven mountain trails.
Previous experience on alpine hikes or ridge traverses is strongly recommended. Basic mountain skills such as pacing, safe movement on exposed terrain, and proper use of hiking equipment are expected.
Equipment you will need to bring
Harness
Water bottle
Backpack
Helmet
Sunglasses
Helmet, Sunglasses, Harness, Backpack, Water bottle
About the guide
Hama & Guides’ Team
4.5
(38)
Guide Agency
Languages
English | Japanese
Certificates
JMGA | UIMLA
What people are saying about Hama & Guides’ Team
Audrey
My husband (87!), two daughters (35 and 37) and I (68) had the experience of a lifetime climbing Mt. Fuji with Hama in early August. He made it easy for our American family – giving us all the help we needed in the pre-mountain stages and how to physically prepare for the challenge. He picked us up at our hotel, and off we went on a three-day trip. Most people take 2 days to do the roundtrip, but Hama was flexible with us: We wanted a slower trip because of our advanced ages. By taking three days, we had time for a leisurely walk around the caldera and a chance to make friends with the hut staff. He selected an excellent route for the ascent based on the condition of the trails and a different trail on the way down that had some of the most amazing scenery of all. Throughout, Hama was an engaging companion, telling tales and listening to ours. A real bonus: when he learned I am interested in tea, he arranged for us to visit a tea-producing farm after we got back to the trailhead. That was above and beyond–just an example of the kind of service Hama offers. There is no one we would have rather climbed with than Hama!
Claude
Natalie
Hama doesn’t just show you Japan’s trails — he brings them to life. An incredible guide with genuine warmth, deep local knowledge, and an eye for the moments that make a trip memorable
Bethany
We had such an incredible experience hiking the Japanese Alps on our honeymoon and we are so thankful to Hama for making it extra special for us. Hama changed the route based on our experience, which opened up new challenges and beautiful scenery for us which we are grateful for. He is a very warm, kind and interesting person and we enjoyed sharing stories and cultural exchanges. He helped us hire equipment, booked mountain huts, and also stopped by an onsen after the hike. He went out of his way to make it as smooth as possible. It was invaluable to have his expertise and we felt very safe despite the snowy conditions. He has given us the confidence to go on more hiking trips. We absolutely loved his company. His love for Japan's incredible landscape shines through, and we cannot recommend him more highly as a guide.
Hayley
Hama was a wonderful guide for our 2-day Kumano Kodo trip. He was attentive to our needs and desires, and flexible to what we wanted from the trip. Hama speaks English well and was very knowledgeable about many topics, which made the experience much richer. The cultural exchange was great as we stayed at an onsen. The scenery and area are really spectacular and worth the long trip to get there.
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