Complete the Shinhotaka-Yari-Kamikochi circuit and hike up Mount Yari, dubbed the "Matterhorn of Japan" with expert local guide Shinsaku! For 3 days, explore the stunning landscapes shaped by millennia of natural forces, revealing diverse flora and fauna as the snow melts. Get ready to uncover the geographic wonders of the Japanese Alps firsthand!
Private
Japan Alps
3 Days
Jul - Oct
High
Intermediate
Come with me, to explore the remote expanse of Japan's Alps! For 3 days, we'll hike across some of the most stunning geography of Japan's wildest corners - all with the help of a local, certified mountain guide from July until November 2nd!
Mount Yari, ranked among Japan's Top 100 mountains, is famed for its formidable spear-like silhouette. Also known as the "Matterhorn of Japan," this formation dates back all the way to the Ice Age. Now, you have the unique opportunity to traverse this ancient giant.
While the glaciers have long receded, the stunning geography of the Japan Alps serves as a testament to the natural forces at work over millennia. As the snow melts, revealing precious flora and fauna, we're offered a glimpse into the intricate ecosystem of this region, reminding us of the incredible power of nature.
Let's discover together the geographic uniqueness of the Japanese Alps!
Meeting Point: 6:00 AM at Matsumoto Station
Transportation: Guide drives to Hirayu Onsen parking
7:40 AM: Bus to Shinhotaka trailhead (JPY 910 per person)
8:16 AM: Estimated arrival at Shinhotaka trailhead (Alt: 1107m / 3632ft)
8:30 AM: Departure / Entering the trail
2:00 PM: Arrival at Yaridaira Hut (Alt: 1984m / 6509ft)
5:45 PM: Dinner
8:00 PM: Lights off
Total Activity on the Trail: 5 hours 30 minutes
Distance: 8.6 km / 5.34 miles
Elevation Gain: 877m / 2877ft
Accommodation Cost: JPY 15,000 per person x number of participants (plus a guide)
Includes: 2 meals and lunch box
5:00 AM: Wake up
5:45 AM: Breakfast
6:30 AM: Departure (Alt: 1984m / 6509ft)
12:00 PM: Estimated arrival at Yarigatake Sanso Hut / Lunch break
1:00 PM: Summit climb (Helmet rental at hut: JPY 500) (Alt: 3180m / 10433ft)
2:00 PM: Pick up luggage at Yarigatake Sanso Hut
2:40 PM: Estimated arrival at Hutte Oyari (Alt: 2884m / 9462ft)
5:00 - 5:30 PM: Dinner
5:49 PM: Sunset observation (As of middle of September)
8:30 PM: Lights off
Total Activity on the Trail: 7 hours 10 minutes
Distance: 5.1 km / 3.17 miles
Elevation Gain: 1196m / 3924ft
Accommodation Cost: JPY 15,500 per person (including 2 meals and lunch box)
Payment: Payable upon check-in
4:00 AM: Wake up
4:15 - 5:00 AM: Breakfast
6:00 AM: Departure (Alt: 2884m / 9462ft)
3:00 PM: Arrival at Kamikochi Bus Terminal / Dismiss group (Alt: 1501m / 4925ft)
Total Activity on the Trail: 9 hours
Distance: 18.3 km / 11.37 miles
Elevation Loss: 1383m / 4537ft
Accommodation
We'll be staying in a comfortable mountain hut
Disclaimer
Clients are responsible for a guide's accommodation costs at the mountain hut for 2 nights.
In unexpected circumstances that require an extended stay, clients are responsible for the additional guide expenses.
If the guide determines that clients cannot complete the hike after checking the performance, the group may turn back to the nearest trailhead, even if the destination is not reached.
Clients are responsible for cancellation costs for reserved huts if the group cannot reach the planned accommodation.
The guide may decide to use evacuation routes or turn back if weather conditions worsen, affecting the safety of the traverse.
More info
- Participants must be able to hike up to 10 hours a day.
- Age limit: Under 50 years old.
- No significant medical history and not overweight.
Meeting point
Water bottle
Backpack
Poles
Sunglasses
What is the average distance and altitude gain that we will hike each day?
Please observe the itinerary shown on the website.
What experience do I need to have? How fit do I need to be? Is this program suitable for children or older people?
This trip is not designed for beginners or individuals without recent hiking experience and preparation within the three months leading up to the trip. Additionally, this program is NOT suitable for children or elderly individuals with underlying health conditions.
How can I get to the trailhead/meeting point?
From Tokyo, a train and bus ride will take you to the Shin-Hotaka Hot Spring area, which serves as the trailhead. To ensure a timely arrival, staying in Matsumoto the night before Day 1 is recommended.
How will accommodation and meals be handled during the trek?
Guide will book the accommodation and meals during the activity once booking is confirmed.
Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that I need to consider before the tour?
No permits are required to enter the trail. However, all participants must have travel insurance to cover unexpected injuries, illnesses, or fatalities. While no specific vaccines are required, it’s essential to ensure your immunizations are up-to-date, particularly Tetanus, as this activity involves the risk of injuries that may come into contact with dirt.
What is the best time of the year for this hike?
Beginning of July through the end of September
Can I join a group?
This trip is suitable for the private guiding.
What happens in the event of bad weather?
The guide may adjust the itinerary to mitigate certain risks, following discussions with the client about forecasted hazards. Regular rainfall will not significantly impact the plan, but if a typhoon affects the region, the itinerary may be canceled or postponed.
4.5
(13)
Mountain Leader
Languages
English | Japanese
Certificates
JMGA | UIMLA
Peter
First of all I want to say that our guide was experienced, well prepared, checked the weather conditions and climbing options to the mountain peak. He was very much concerned about safety as well. On the other hand he strictly followed his plan and did not show empathy and understanding for us as his clients. We didn't have a good start when checking the equipment - of course he has the experience but denying to take some more warm clothing was exaggerated. That caused already some discomfort before even starting the ascend. This discomfort built during the climb since our guide was not taking our wishes into account. He tried to control all aspects of the climb (possibly due to safety concerns) and did not seem to understand that i.e. from time to time a short stop to enjoy the view does not cause harm. It seemed that any deviation from his plan was not expected and acceptable which led to several occurences when he treated my wife disrespectfully and led to the point that he stopped comminicating with her at all and only talked to me and through me. At least we did not have an open argument but the situation became very uncomfortable to us. At that point we decided that we cannot continue and stopped the ascend after quite a short time and returned. Overall it was an unpleasant experience, I try to attribute the friction we experienced to cultural differences and lack of empathy. Nevertheless I think our guide is doing well with a group of travellers that are willing to strictly follow his instructions and his plan - but if you expect some individuality he may not be the right person for you.
TRUNG
The guide Mr.Hama is very pro and very friendly. We are very happy with this trip.
Lan
The hike along the Kumano-Kodo Nakahechi trail was a wonderful experience and more challenging than I had thought it to be. Hama was a great guide who focused on my safety throughout the hike, ensuring I had the appropriate gears and sufficient amount of food and water. He responded promptly to my questions and having a guide like Hama was very helpful as he navigated the whole way, which allowed me to truly embraced the beauty of the forest and immersed myself in nature. Overall, it was a great experience and I would recommend Hama to everyone!
Ainame
Vienna
My group of 4 successfully summited Mt. Fuji with Hama's guidance, and we had an unforgettable day. Having him there definitely made us feel much more confident and secure. He was able to adjust the itinerary dependent on our interests, ability, and time constraints. None of us spoke Japanese but this was not an issue at all as Hama is completely proficient in English, and was fun to chat to during the hike. I would definitely recommend hiking with Hama if you're thinking about trying to climb Mt. Fuji in the off season. With regards to helpful details about my hiking experience: Descending was definitely harder for me than going up, which surprised me as I usually have no issues with descents, so definitely budget more time than you think you might need for the downhill. I also drank more water than I expected – I brought 2.5L and could easily have drunk more.
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