Day 1: Sunday, 3/24 – A day of Adventur
Sachi and I set off at 5:30 am, driving to the Shinhotaka Ropeway in Takayama, Gifu. After taking two ropeways, we reached the upper station at around 9:30 am. From there, a trailhead led us to the Nishiho Mountain Hut and Mount Nishihotaka-dake in the Northern Alps.
At 10 am, we were geared up with crampons and ready to make our way to the Nishiho Mountain Hut. The upper station, sitting at an altitude of 2000 meters, offered mild weather conditions that day. The snow-covered trails, well-trodden by many hikers, made the ascent quite manageable. It took us about an hour to reach the Hut at 2385 meters.
After a brief break, around 11:30 am, we left a backpack at the Hut and continued our adventure towards our mission for the day, Nishiho Maruyama. Ascending the steeper, well-trodden snowy trail for about 10 to 15 minutes, we then followed along a moderate ridgeline for another 15 minutes to reach our destination, all the while being captivated by the stunning scenery surrounding us. We got back to the Hut and enjoyed lunch and dinner that day.
Nishiho Ramen noodle is the most favorite food among hikers. We enjoyed it with a beer!
For dinner, we had a set meal : fried fish, hamburger steak, pasta, and veggies, accompanied by miso soup. We also enjoyed some sake that I had brought along in a small bottle.
Day 2:Monday, 3/25 – 2nd day of Aventure
At 6:00 am, it was a slightly rainy morning as we departed from the Hut to ascend to the summit of Mt. Nishihotaka, which stands at 2909 meters. We reached Hodaka Maruyama in about 30 minutes, encountering only a few gusts of wind along the mountain ridgeline. From there, our plan was to ascend to the summit of Mt. Nishihodaka via Doppyo.
We spent the next hour climbing a steep, snowy, and rugged ridgeline, eventually arriving at Doppyo. Doppyo is a rock wall covered with snow and ice, presenting the most hazardous, tricky section of the route. We barely made it to the top of Doppyo, facing obstacles such as rock, ice, and snow walls. We carefully navigated this treacherous terrain, using crampons and ice axes to find secure footholds and progress step by step.
Upon reaching Doppyo, we deliberated whether to continue our mountaineering expedition. The challenge tested both our physical and mental endurance, as well as our technical skills, especially considering the worsening weather conditions.
Ultimately, I made the decision to descend.
Heals with Onsen Spa
Another pleasure of mountaineering is indulging in onsen spas and enjoying delicious local dishes. In the Northern Alps area of Chubu Sangaku National Park, Japan, there are numerous onsen spas to choose from.
The best photo of the days from the Hut
