Winter Alpine Climbing in Tokachidake, Hokkaido
Experience 2-day winter alpine climbing in Tokachidake, in Hokkaido with a knowledgable local certified mountain guide, Takao.
Not specified
2 Days
Mar, Apr
Description
Join me for a winter mountaineering trip in Tokachidake, in Hokkaido!
Hokkaido has abundant snowy mountains in the winter, thanks to the cold Siberian wind and the moisture the wind picks up from the sea of Okhotsk in the north. This spoils skiers and snowboarders with the famous powder snow but it also provides an ideal playground to mountaineers.
Why not you come with me to explore the less known activity in Hokkaido, perhaps as a refreshing break from backcountry skiing for a few days?
I have selected a relatively climber friendly route for this itinerary, which is the Kamihoro North West Ridge. The ridge stands at 2,000 m but it offers easy access with a short approach path starting at 1,300 m. In particular, from Mt. Kamihorokamettoku (a.k.a. Kamihoro), you can enjoy the magnificent view of the snowy peaks of Tokachi, Furano, and the mountain ranges of the distant Daisetsuzan. This area is a major backcountry skiing destination in earlier winter periods but turns into an accessible alpine climbing area.
Depending on the weather, conditions and your abilities, I can also guide you to another itinerary. Please contact me for more information!
As an alternative, there are also 2-days ice climbing programes that I offer. Have a look if you're interested!
I also offer a 2-day Winter Mountaineering Course in Hokkaido, which is oriented to beginners.
Please also be aware that in case I am busy I will ask my fellow guides to guide you.
Accommodation options in TOKACHI:
– Ryounkaku: Half-board with onsen. JPY 10,000.
– Hakuginso: Self catering. Guide can arrange booking. Amazing onsen outside! JPY 3,000.
Price includes
- Guiding fee
Price details
Please note that accommodation is not included and client will have to pay for guide's accommodation as well.
Itinerary
Day 1: Tokachidake Onsen
From Sapporo, we will drive to town of Tokachidake Onsen (100 km, 2.5 hrs). We will spend 2 hrs training at a frozen dam of height around 10 m, to practice ice climbing techniques and check your abilities on using ice climbing gears. Overnight stay at a traditional onsen ryokan.
Day 2: Kamihoro North West Ridge / Sapporo
Start with a snowshoe approach for 1.5 hrs, before the climb of the Kamihoro North West Ridge (500 m vertical, grade III*, 7 pitches, ascent 3 hrs, descent 2 hrs). A relaxing dip in an onsen before driving back to Sapporo. Estimated time of return is around 6 pm.
*Scottish Winter Grades:
III – Mixed ascents of moderate rock routes; icy gullies; sustained buttresses.
Details
Accommodation Accommodation options in NISEKO:
- Hotel Kanronomori: Japanese style onsen hotel (half-board). JPY 12000～20,000 (pp per night)
- Goshiki Onsen: An Onsen accommodation in the mountains, far from ski resorts. Self catering JPY 4,000. Half board JPY 10,000.
- The Woodpeckers: mountain hut-like accommodation, just below Niseko Moiwa ski resort. Half-board included. JPY 7,500.
Accommodation options in TOKACHI:
- Ryounkaku: Half-board with onsen. JPY 10,000.
- Hakuginso: Self catering. Guide can arrange booking. Amazing onsen outside! JPY 3,000
Accommodation options in ASAHIDAKE:
- Shirakabaso: For youth. Half board, JPY 8,000
Accommodation options in SOUNKYO:
- Mount View Hotel: Onsen, lots of Asian tourists. Half board. JPY 10,000
- Choyo-tei: Japanese style onsen hotel (half board). Great food! JPY 15,000-20,000
Accommodation options in SAPPORO:
- Route Inn Sapporo and Sapporo Aspen Hotel: Food not included. JPY 8,000-9,000
- Sapporo Grand Hotel: JPY 10,000-20,000
Accommodation options in OTARU:
- Kourakuen: Japanese style onsen hotel (half board). JPY 20,000
- Musashitei: Japanese style onsen hotel (half board). JPY 20,000 |
More info Equipment: - Crampon compatible Mountaineering boots (e.g. Nepal Evos) - Technical ice axes - Harness - Helmet - Crampons - Items such as ice axes, harness, helmet, and crampons can be rented at JPY 2,000 each. - Other ice climbing gears such as ice screws, quick draws etc. will be provided. Climate: I offer this trip for the months of March and April. During this period, the temperatures ranges from -10c to -15c, and at time there could be blizzards with wind speed of around 20m/s (72 km/h). Required Levels: Intermediate / Advanced. Previous experience of intermediate winter mountaineering necessary. You need to be fairly proficient in rope works and crampons. |
About the guide
I am an experienced IFMGA mountain guide, born and raised in Hokkaido, Japan. I started skiing when I was 3 and started climbing when I was 6. My high school years were spent in ski competitions and I joined mountaineering club at University, where I developed my ski mountaineering skills. I have been a ski instructor for Miura Dolphins founded by Yuichiro Miura (first ski descent of the Everest “The Man Who Skied Down Everest” and the oldest Everest summiting record holder at 80 years old) and also supported Yuichiro's Aconcagua ascent and ski descent in 1984 as a part of his 7 summits ski descent challenge.
I was inspired by the works of mountain guides in Chamonix when I visited there in 1983, and decided to start guiding as a mountain guide in Japan in 1989 to share my passion and experiences in outdoors sports with other people, as well as to offer instruction to people enjoying the mountains to be better climbers / skiers. I have also contributed to the proper training of JMGA (Japan Mountain Guides Association) guides and the affiliation of it to IFMGA. I am responsible for the pioneering of the climbing and backcountry skiing scenes in Japan.
My main guiding arena is alpinism, whether it be mountaineering or ski mountaineering, mainly in Hokkaido. I usually take a small group of people (2-5) for Sawanobori (canyoning up waterfalls), alpine climbing, ice climbing, and ski touring in the more remote areas of Japan.
I enjoy finding the best experience for each client accordingly to their physical abilities, preferences, and weather/conditions. I guide because I like watching and feeling that people are enjoying and having fun, and see how this buzz infects other people through skiing and climbing. I find this invaluable as a mountain guide.
There is more to Hokkaido than skiing lift accessible powder in January and February. Please reach out to me to find your own customised way to enjoy Hokkaido’s mountains, natures and culture!
What people are saying about -Takao Miyashita
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