Ice climbing course for beginners in the Yatsugatake Mountains, Japan (2 days)
5.0
(5)
Japan Mountain Guides, offers a 2-day ice climbing course in the beautiful Yatsugatake mountains, climbing The Ice Candy and sleeping at the Akadake Kousen hut. A great Japanese experience for ice climbing beginners!
Private
Yatsugatake Mountain Range
2 Days
Jan - Mar
Intermediate
Beginner
Highlights
- Discover how fun ice climbing can be
- Enjoy the great facilites to safely practice ice climbing
- Stay at a comfortable mountain hut
Description
Join me for 2 days in Japan to make the most of this ice climbing course for beginners. We will be in the Yatsugatake mountains.
Located in the Nagano prefecture, only 150 kilometers from Tokyo, this mountain range is a popular climbing destination year-round. But ice climbing is not something we can do at any point: we have to wait until the winter steps in and freezes the waterfalls! The cold weather and easy access render Yatsugatake a prime ice climbing destination in the country.
In the area we can find many options, both natural and artificial, and for different levels. In our first day we will visit an artificial icefall called The Ice Candy. It is the perfect terrain to learn the basics of ice climbing. On the second day, we’ll put our acquired skills to the test on naturally formed ice near the hut.
During this 2-day course we will spend the night at the cozy Akadake Kousen mountain hut. This hut has many private rooms and it is famous for its high quality, delicious meals. Besides, we will enjoy the wonderful natural setting of the Japanese winter.
This course is designed for beginners and first timers are welcome! You do need to be in good shape but no special ability is needed.
Tempted to try ice climbing, or to improve your skills? Then request to book this trip and let’s enjoy these 2 days together! I will be thrilled to teach you ice climbing techniques in this beautiful setting.
I also enjoy guiding my clients in mountaineering programs, such as this ascent of Mt Kitahodaka, check it out!
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Transport during the trip
- Rope
- Harness
- Helmet
- Belay and rappel devices
- Quickdraws
- Crampons
- Ice axe
- Trekking poles
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and ice climbing
We will meet at Chino Station at 9:30AM. We will start hiking from Minotoguchi Trail Head until we reach the Akadake Kousen mountain hut. We will practice ice climbing at the artificial icefall called The Ice Candy from 1PM to 4PM. We will spend the night at the mountain hut.
Day 2: More ice climbing!
We’ll put our newly acquired skills to the test on naturally formed ice near the hut. Taking advantage of the morning, we’ll practice ice climbing until noon, focusing on learning and refining more advanced techniques.
FAQs
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Japan
4.1
(6)
Our team of experienced local guides is dedicated to providing unforgettable ski touring, rock climbing, and hiking adventures across Japan, including some of the country’s most stunning regions like Hokkaido, Sapporo, Yatsugatake, and beyond. With in-depth knowledge of Japan’s diverse landscapes, our guides offer an authentic, expert-led experience in the country’s most iconic alpine areas
What people are saying about Japan
Jun is a responsible and reliable guide. He is also knowledgeable on the local flora and fauna and managed to show us quite a few interesting alpine flowers, birds and animals. He is kind and helpful and converses well in English. I will not hesitate to recommend him to any anyone needing an English speaking guide in Japan.
As for Kikuo-san, we both really liked her. She is very pleasant. A bit quiet spoken in a good way. She obviously knows the Akan region very well, as she lives inside the national park. She has very responsible and well organised. I would have her guide us again, when we go back to the area.
Vincent
Fantastic region, perfect guide !
Heleen
Arnaud
Just back from Hakuba –Japan and I’m so pleased to confirm we got such a great experience with Iwao who has provided a service above all expectations. Indeed assisting a family confronted to a new environment requires a certain level of patience and attention and all the family appreciated his sense of responsibilities and seriousness which allowed us to really enjoy this region by experiencing touring, hicking and of course skiing in immaculate powder. Iwao was very discreet but always acted to ensure we could take the best of all Hakuba mountains could offer to us during these 5 days.This experience will for sure remain in all our minds for long and this will be mainly thanks to Iwao ! Best, Arnaud
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