Ice climbing course for beginners in the Yatsugatake Mountains, Japan (2 days)

Junichiro, a JMGA certified guide, 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!

Junichiro Aoyama

Details

Trip Duration

2 days

Mountain Range

Yatsugatake Mountain Range

People per Guide

2 people

Trip Level

Intermediate

Offer Period

Jan, Feb, Mar

Type of Trip

Private

Highlights

Discover how fun ice climbing can be

Enjoy the great facilites to safely practice ice climbing

Stay at a comfortable mountain hut

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 this occasion I want to take you to an artificial icefall called The Ice Candy. It is the perfect terrain to learn the basics of ice climbing.

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 per person

Group of 1

50000 JPY

Group of 2

28000 JPY

Price includes

Guiding fee

Cancellation Policy

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 will take advantage of the morning and practice ice climbing until noon. This will be the day to learn the more advanced techniques.

Other details

Skill level required

Beginner

Fitness level required

Occasional

Meeting point

At Chino Station.

Accommodation

Mountain hut.

About the Guide

Junichiro Aoyama

Mountain Leader

I had a crush on Mt. Hodaka when I first came to Karasawa Cirque by helicopter to work for Karasawagoya Mountain Hut.
I was struck by its amazing landscape from above.
Since then I have been working in the mountain range in a lot of different ways.
First, as a hut worker for 4 years, then as a member of the prefectural mountain rescue team for 6 years.
And last year I started my career as a professional mountain guide.

I'm deeply in love with not only the nature but also the people attracted to the mountains.

Why don't you join me to enjoy the unique beauty of the Japanese mountains which are not easily accessible to all!

I am a JMGA alpine guide, but I also hold the Nagano prefectural special interpreter licence for English, as well as am a qualified First Aid Basic Provider certified by the Japanese Society of Mountain Medicine.

Certificates

JMGA

Certificates

JMGA

Languages

English
Japanese

Languages

English
Japanese

Residence

Japan

Residence

Japan

What People are Saying about Junichiro Aoyama

My hike with Junichiro was a highlight of my entire trip to Japan and one of my favorite back country experiences I have ever had. As a solo female traveler I was unsure of how I could safely explore the back country in Japan, this trip was perfect for me. Jun is an excellent guide and shared so much knowledge about the Japanese alps, flora, fauna and Japanese culture in general with me. He spent four years working in the Hodaka range so knows these mountains very well and has many great stories and fond memories from many years spent exploring this range. It was great to experience this region of the world with someone who cherishes it so much! This was the most technical and challenging climb I have completed but I felt safe and confident the entire time. I learned new skills with Jun\'s guidance and had an awesome time. I hope I can return to Japan very soon and go on another adventure with Junichiro!

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Olivia Sisson

I had a wonderful trip to Mt Hoshianadake. Junichiro Aoyama is a very responsible, passionate and kind mountain guide who guides you with a lot of knowledge and joy! Junichiro is Japanese but speaks English fluently, this makes the communication very easy also for people that come from abroad! I enjoyed every moment of the trip and I am grateful for this beautiful experience in the stunning nature of Japan! I can fully recommand Junichiro Aoyama as guide for anyone and especially for foreigners!

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Alina Jacobs