Mountain hiking and camping in Japan have seen a boom among all age groups since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there has also been a rise in mountain accidents, such as slips, falls, and missing persons, especially among middle-aged hikers. I was wondering if I could share some tips or alerts on mountaineering safety with you.

Just a few days ago, a hiker near the peak of North Hotaka-Dake slipped and fell about 10 meters, sustaining seriouse injuries. He magaged to emergency service call to rescue and was later airlifted to safety by helicopter.

September 30th, on Mount Yari, Nagano

A man slipped and was injured at around 2600 meters in hight on Mount Yari, North Alps, Nagano. He was safely rescued by hericopter and taken to a local hospital in Matsumoto. He sustained a minor injury, twisting his left ankle.

The man is 71 -year old. Hoping he will get better back to regular daily life.

Mount Yari-gatake, with its distinctive sharp peak and towering height of 3,180 meters, is often called the “Matterhorn of Japan” due to its iconic shape. As the fifth-highest mountain in the country, it’s a sought-after destination for many avid hikers. Its challenging ascent and breathtaking views make it a prized goal for climbers, with many aspiring to reach its summit at least once. The Yari-gatake area also offers diverse hiking routes, stunning alpine scenery, and rich natural beauty, attracting nature enthusiasts from all over.