Changed Hiking Itinerary Due to a Bad Weather

Original Trip Overview Table:

Detail	Information
Duration	August, 9-11,2025
Route	Kamikōchi → Tokusawa → Yokoo → Chōgadake-Hut → Mt. Chōga-dake → Tokusawa → Kamikōchi
Highest Point	2677(Mt. Chōga-dake)
Difficulty	Intermediate(★★★☆☆)
Accomodation	Day 1: Yokoo Campsite / Day 2: Chōgadake-Hut
Transportation	Bus to Kamikōchi (car-free area)

Day 1 – Kamikōchi to Yokoo-Sanso Hut

Before setting out, I checked the latest weather updates. At the time, the weather authority reported that a typhoon was approaching Japan, and a heavy rain alert had been issued for the Kyushu region in southern Japan.

Despite the distant storm, the forecast for the Northern Alps remained favorable for the next few days at the moment, so Sachi and I decided to proceed with our plan. However, originally, we intended to camp on both nights, but considering the possibility of sudden bad weather, we decided instead to stay at mountain huts for safety.

” This particular weekend was a three-day holiday, as August 11th (Monday) is Yama no Hi—Japan’s national “Mountain Day.” Because of the long weekend, both Sawando Parking and the Kamikōchi area were expected to be especially crowded, so arriving early is the best way to secure a parking spot.”

We arrived at Sawando Parking before midnight and were surprised to find more available spaces than expected. After parking, we took a short nap in the car until the first shuttle bus at 5:00 a.m.

5:00 a.m.ー the bus terminal was already crowded, with a long line of hikers waiting to buy tickets to Kamikōchi. We joined the queue and, after about 20 minutes, finally had our tickets in hand. We started off on time at 5:00 a.m.

6:00 a.m.ー we arrived in Kamikōchi and began our hike, following the crystal-clear Azusa River. The trail led us through the peaceful Myōjin Pond area and onward to Tokusawa Hut, where we took a short break before continuing toward Yokoo-Sanso.

9:30 a.m.ー we reached Yokoo-Sanso, a key junction where the trail splits toward Mt. Hotaka, Mt. Yari, and Mt. Chōga-dake. The mountain rescue station here requires all hikers to register their itinerary, group size, and equipment before entering the high mountains. Staff were warning hikers about tomorrow’s weather, saying heavy rain and strong winds could cause hypothermia. “Tomorrow, it’s one hundred percent going to rain,” they told us. “Today is the only good weather you’ll get.”

Since we still had time before checking in, we decided to take advantage of the clear skies and hike toward Karasawa.

A Bear!

12:30 p.m.ー as we crossed a bridge over the Azusa River and walked through moderate forest terrain, the pace suddenly slowed. The hikers ahead had stopped. Then we saw why—there was a bear, right on the trail ahead! Everyone froze, keeping a safe distance, as the bear strolled along the path before disappearing quietly into the forest.

A stanning Viweing

Once the bear was safely out of sight, we continued along the trail. The climb took about three hours over steep, rocky terrain with almost no breaks before we finally arrived at Karasawa Hut. There, Sachi and I enjoyed lunch while viewing the stunning peaks of the Hotaka mountain range, rising sharply against the clear blue sky.

After returning from Karasawa in the late afternoon, we finally checked into Yokoo-Sanso Hut. A relaxing bath and a warm meal were just what we needed after the day’s hike. Over dinner, we made the difficult decision to cancel our plan to stay at Mt. Chōga-dake Hut, as a storm was forecast for the next day, and get back home.

Karasawa Cirque, 2500 meters

A Chance Encounter at Yokoo-Sanso

Earlier that morning, I had received an email from Mr. Deepak Y, an avid hiker from India who now resides in Tokyo for business. By chance, he had come across our Mt. Chōga-dake hiking plan on Meetup and expressed interest in meeting us. I suggested we meet at Yokoo-Sanso. After returning from Karasawa, we spotted him at the campsite, busy setting up his tent. We exchanged greetings, and I found him to be a warm and friendly person. It was a pleasant surprise to meet someone new in such a remote and beautiful place, and we enjoyed a short but lively conversation before heading back to the hut for the night.

Afterword

Thanks to Sachi for joining me on this adventure. Unfortunately, we had to change our original plan due to the weather, but we still enjoyed hiking Karasawa and taking in the stunning scenery. Meeting the friendly Mr. Deepak was an unexpected and pleasant highlight of the trip. Looking forward to our next adventure—see you on the trail!

📅 Duration: August 9th – 11th
📍 Destination: Chubu Sangaku National Park, Japan’s Northern Alps

🌄 Overview

This three-day hiking adventure explores the dramatic landscapes of Japan’s Northern Alps, one of the country’s most iconic mountain ranges. The route winds through the lush Kamikōchi valley, up to alpine ridgelines, and culminates with a summit of Mt. Chōga-dake (蝶ヶ岳, 2,677m)—famous for its panoramic views of the Hotaka Range and Mt. Yari.

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🗺️ Route Itinerary

Day 1 – August 9:

• Start Point: Kamikōchi Bus Terminal
• Hike along the Azusa River to Tokusawa-Sanso
• Continue to Yokoo area
• Overnight: Camp at Yokoo Campsite

Day 2 – August 10:

• Early start and steep ascent toward Chōgadake-Hut
• Optional sunset hike to the summit of Mt. Chōga-dake
• Overnight: Stay at Chōgadake-Hut

Day 3 – August 11:

• Early descent via the same trail
• Return through Tokusawa
• End at Kamikōchi Bus Terminal

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🧭 Trail Info

• Total Duration: 3 Days
• Highest Point: Mt. Chōga-dake (2,677m)
• Distance (Approx.): ~30–35 km round trip
• Difficulty: ★★★☆☆ (Intermediate)
• Trail Type: Out-and-back
• Best For: Hikers with moderate experience, comfortable with elevation gain and long hiking hours

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🎒 Packing List Essentials

• ⛺ Tent & Sleeping Gear (for Day 1 campsite)
• 🥾 Hiking boots (broken-in, waterproof)
• 🧥 Rain gear / windbreaker
• 🧢 Hat, gloves, sunblock
• 🍱 Lightweight food & snacks (for all days)
• 🍼 Water bottles or hydration system (refill at huts)
• 💡 Headlamp (especially for early starts or if sunset hiking)
• 🧻 Toilet paper & trash bag (pack in/pack out rule)
• 🆔 Cash for hut fees and emergency expenses
• 📱 Offline maps (YAMAP or Gaia recommended)

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💡 Tips & Reminders

• Reservations for Chōgadake-Hut are recommended, especially in summer season.
• Kamikōchi is car-free—take a shuttle bus or taxi from Hirayu Onsen or Sawando Parking.
• Check weather forecasts for mountain conditions; storms can form quickly.
• Start early each day to avoid afternoon clouds or storms.
• Respect nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles, and don’t feed wildlife.

We’ll hike, camp, and climb our way through one of Japan’s most iconic national parks. I’ll be documenting the trip with photos and videos, which I’ll share in a full trip report shortly after the hike. Stay tuned!

Mt. Norikura (乗鞍岳): An Accessible 3,000-Meter Peak Adventure

Mt. Norikura（乗鞍岳） is locared on the border between Nagano and Gifu Prefecturers. It’s a part of the majestic Chubu Sangaku National Park. The area is known for its dramatic alpine secenary, rich ecosystem and easy access to high elevation, making it a perfect destination for both experienced hikers and beginners looking for a mountain adventure.

Day 1 Timeline: Monday, July 28th

3:30 a.m. – Departed for Norikura Kogen Center in Nagano, which operates a shuttle bus service to Norikura Sancho Bus Terminal (Tatamidaira).

5:30 a.m. – Arrived at the Norikura Kogen Center parking lot. The drive was smooth, with little traffic, and there were plenty of parking spaces available.

7:00 a.m. – The first shuttle bus of the day departed. The ride to Tatamidaira, the trailhead, took about an hour. As the bus climbed higher into the mountains, the scenery gradually changed, with misty forests and mountain views welcoming us along the way.

8:00 a.m. – We began our hike with a walk through a field of wildflowers. Many different kinds were in full bloom, painting the landscape with vibrant colors. The scene reminded Sachi and me of Mount Cook National Park in New Zealand, bringing back fond memories of our time there.

During the hike, we conquered several peaks around Mt. Norikura, including Mt. Fujimi (2,817 meters), Mt. Daikoku (2,772 meters), and Mt. Mao.

We were especially lucky to encounter a family of Raicho (rock ptarmigan)—a rare and special moment in the Japanese Alps. Many photographers come hoping for a glimpse of these elusive birds, but sightings are rare and truly feel like a gift from nature.

12:30 p.m. – We arrived at Katano-Sanso (肩の小屋) mountain hut, where we checked in, had a quick lunch break, and took a short nap to rest up before heading to the summit of Kengamine, the true peak of Mt. Norikura at 3,015 meters.

1:10 p.m. – We reached the summit of Kengamine! Standing at the highest point of Mt. Norikura, we were rewarded with stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. It was a short but exhilarating climb from the hut.

This photo captures several of the main peaks in the Norikura mountain range.

Day 2 Timeline: Tuesday, July 29th

3:30 a.m. – We woke up early and set out toward the summit to watch the sunrise.

The sky was filled with countless stars, and the weather was perfect for sunrise viewing.

We were lucky to witness truly stunning moments—the first light breaking over the horizon, the sky slowly changing color, and the surrounding peaks glowing in the morning sun. It was an unforgettable experience.

7:00 a.m. – We had breakfast at the hut, then packed up and began our journey back down the mountain.

On the way home, we made a stop at Shirahone Onsen (白骨温泉)—a famous hot spring known for its milky-white water and healing properties.

Soaking in the warm spring water was incredibly relaxing and the perfect way to relieve our tired muscles after the hike. It was a peaceful and refreshing end to our mountain trip.

Afterward

A big thank you to Sachi for sharing this two-day adventure with me.

We had so many memorable moments—including laughing at an elderly man, probably around 80 years old, who piled an enormous amount of rice into his bowl, then went back for two more rounds! It was unbelievable, and we couldn’t stop laughing.

July 21st-Marine Day

This morning, I’m enjoying a quiet and peaceful time on my outdoor deck. The sky is completely clear-no clouds, no wind-just the soft warmth of the sun shining down. It’s a calm and beautiful start to the day, perfect for Marine Day, a national holiday here in Japan.

As always, Tabby, my cat, woke me up early. After a refreshing shower and a hot cop of coffee, I stepped outside to soak in the atmosphere. The air is still, the trees are lush and green, and the only sounds I hear are birds singing and cicadas buzzing. Summer is alive all around me.

Tabby is wandering freely on the wooden deck, curious and content, blending perfectly with the peacefull rhythm of the morning. I’m listening to the redio quietly in the background, with the parasol gently casting shade over the outdoor chairs. Everything feels still, grounded, and full of simple joy.

It’s small mornings like this that remind me how lucky I am to be surrounded by nature and quiet moments.

Kamikochi is a pristine highland valley situated in the heart of Chubu Sangaku National Park. Known as the gateway to Japan’s Northern Alps, it is famous for its stunning mountain scenery, crystal-clear Azusa River, and diverse alpine flora and fauna. Konashidaira, a scenic area within Kamikochi, serves as the perfect base for climbers heading into the Northern Alps, offering easy access to trails and tent sites.

🗓 Dates: August 9th (Sat) – August 11th (Mon), 2025
📍 Destination: Chubusangaku National Park, Nagano, Japan
⛺ Meeting Point & Time: Kamikochi Visitor Center, 8:00 AM, August 9th

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✊ Route Overview:
Day 1: Kamikochi Bus Terminal ➡ Tokusawa Lodge (Tent Camp)
Day 2: Tokusawa ➡ Mt. Nagakabe ➡ Mt. Chogatake ➡ Yokoosanso Campsite (Tent Camp)
Day 3: Yokoosanso ➡ Kamikochi Bus Terminal

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🎗 Lodging & Camping:
We’ll be camping with our own tents both nights. Please bring your own gear.

Important Tent Site Information:

• Tent sites cannot be reserved in advance.
• They operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Each site has a limited capacity.
• We will plan to arrive early enough to secure a spot.

Essential Camping Gear:

• Tent (lightweight recommended)
• Sleeping bag and sleeping mat
• Cooking gear (portable stove, fuel, utensils)
• Camp meals and trail snacks
• Headlamp or flashlight

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📺 Gear Checklist:

• Hiking boots and appropriate outdoor clothing (layered)
• Rain gear (jacket and pants)
• Backpack (30L or more)
• Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
• Reusable water bottles (1L+), filter or tablets
• Basic first-aid kit, insurance card
• Trekking poles (optional)
• Map or GPS device
• Trash bags (leave no trace)

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🚨 Notes & Reminders:

• This is a moderate to challenging alpine route; good physical condition and experience are recommended.
• Be prepared for rapid weather changes and cold night temperatures.
• No mountain hut stays — full camping experience.

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✨ Let’s explore the Japanese Alps together!
Breathe in fresh mountain air, challenge yourself, and enjoy peaceful nights under the stars.

On Friday, April 4th, the ground is snow-covered in the morning as well. Snowflakes blanket the trees, creating a beautiful scene. Still, I can’t help but wonder when spring will finally arrive here. Hey, Tabby, what are you thinking about?

Saturday, March 31st, 2025

I didn’t reach the summit of Mount Karamatsu-Dake again. Over the past two years, I’ve attempted the climb four times in winter, but each time, I had to turn back midway due to bad weather.

The hike started off well—my body felt good, and the snowy trail, packed down by many hikers, provided a steady path. The weather was unstable, but now and then, patches of blue sky would break through.

As I climbed, discomfort crept into my leg and back. Pain spread through my left thigh joint and lower back, and with each step, my leg grew heavier. I barely made it to Maruyama Cairn at 2,434 meters, but the summit was still over 200 meters of elevation away. I decided to push on a bit farther to see how my leg and back would hold up.

In the end, this was my fifth attempt to reach the top, but once again, I had to turn back—not because of the weather this time, but because of my own physical condition.

Afterword

Mt. Karamatsu-Dake continues to challenge us, but we embrace and enjoy the journey. Although we didn’t reach the summit this time, we still had a great adventure and look forward to our next exploration!

March 1st, Saturday

5:00 a.m. – Departed for Nakanoyu Onsen Ryokan, Nagano.
7:30 a.m. – After checking in at the ryokan, we took a shuttle minivan to the trailhead at Kama Tunnel. There was a small stall at the trailhead where hikers could grab a coffee, beer, or a quick bite.
7:45 a.m. – Started our hike toward Kappa Bridge and Konashidaira.
We passed through two tunnels: Kama Tunnel (1,200 meters) and Kamikochi Tunnel (600 meters). Both tunnels had a moderate incline, making for a steady uphill walk.

9:30 a.m. – Reached Kamikochi Bus Terminal and continued for another 15 minutes to arrive at Kappa Bridge.

From the bridge, we enjoyed stunning panoramic views of the Northern Alps mountain range and the crystal-clear Azusa River winding through the valley. At the Konashidaira campsite, two groups had pitched their tents on the snow-covered ground, clearing some snow and piling it around for insulation. Sachi and I took a short lunch break there.

2:30 p.m. – Returned to the ryokan. The spacious, modern lobby had large windows offering a clear, panoramic view of the mountains. The ryokan featured both indoor and open-air onsen baths, available 24 hours a day for guests to enjoy anytime.

We enjoyed a Japanese ryokan-style dinner featuring seafood, meats, and all local specialties.

Afterword

Thank you, Sachi-san, for everything you did—booking the ryokan and driving all the way there. Our next adventure will take us to Mount Karamatsu on March 28th.