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.
Sachi and I arrived at Seattle Sea-Tac International Airport at 11:30 am on July 30th, an hour later than expected. After smoothly picking up the rental car from the airport’s facility, we set off for Portland, OR, around 1:00 pm. Let the adventure begin!
Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon: 3-days
Portland, the largest city in Oregon, was once ranked among the most desirable places to live in the U.S. Located about 100 km east of Portland, Mount Hood National Forest is home to Timberline Lodge, a mountain lodge and year-round ski and snowboard resort.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Explore downtown Portland and stay at a hotel. Day 2: Traveto to Tollgate Campground in Mount Hood National Forest. Day 3: Climb Mt. Hood
Day 1: Enjoy a craft beer
Portland is a beer lover’s paradise, boasting over 70 breweries. Visitors can explore a wide array of innovative craft beers, many of which are unique to the city.
Day 2: Tollgate Campground and Timberline Lodge
We headed to Tollgate Campground in the National Forest and stopped by a grocery store on the way to pick up food, drinks, and other supplies for a two-day camping trip.
After setting up my tent, We visited the visitor center and Timberline Lodge in the National Forest to check the climbing route and conditions for tomorrow. I noticed several hikers there, putting on heavy backpacks with ice axes, who had likely already reached the summit of Mt.Hood.
I asked one of them about the route conditions and how long it took to reach the top. He said, “It wasn’t in bad condition up there; there were fewer falling rocks than I expected. We started at 2 AM from Timberline Lodge, and it took about 8 hours.”
Camp site
Temberline Lodge, Oregon
Visitor CenterTimberline Lodge
Timberline Lodge provides exciting, family-friendly skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and year-round recreation. They offer the best in historic lodging, fine dining, and memorable experiences.
Day 3: Challenging Top of the Mt. Hood
2:00 AM: Woke up early to prepare for the hike, ensuring We had all the necessary gear and provisions for the climb.
3:00 AM: Registered for the climb at the Mt. Hood Visitor Center. This step was crucial for safety, as it informed the authorities of my planned route and expected return time.
3:15 AM: Started the ascent from the trailhead at Timberline parking lot. The trailhead is the beginning of the official climbing route, marking the start of my journey up Mt. Hood.
4:00 AM: After reaching a mountain hut along the trail, We continued on, but the path soon became less defined, making the route unclear due to the darkness. We carefully followed the footprints left by previous climbers across the rugged snowfield, which served as my only guide. Meanwhile, Snowcats—heavy-duty vehicles designed for grooming the snow—were operating nearby, their lights casting an eerie glow across the white expanse. For the next three hours, we ascended through a mix of snow and rugged terrain. By around 6 AM, the sun began to rise behind the mountain, casting its shadow in the air—a breathtaking and almost spiritual sight.
Shadow of Mount Hood
8:00 AM: Reached the boundary of the glacier field and craggy terrain. From here, we needed to use crampons and an ice axe to continue. After hiking for 8 hours, fatigue was setting in. Sachi and I assessed our physical condition and evaluated the feasibility of reaching the summit.
Mount Rainir National Park, WA: 3-days
Camp Muir
The trek is exhilarating but is not a hike to be taken lightly. It’s tougher than it looks and the weather can change unexpectedly; it’s been said Mount Rainier makes its own weather. Conditions can change from hour to hour, from summer to winter conditions. Sudden fogs or whiteouts are not uncommon where visibility is limited or nil. This hike is only recommended for strong, experienced hikers, who are prepared with the right clothing and equipment, route-finding skills, those who know their limits and when to turn around when conditions are unfavorable.
Camp Muir is a climber’s camp with an impressive stone shelter, a couple of outbuildings and toilets. Camping inside the shelter is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Climbers usually hike to Camp Muir the day before they climb to rest and acclimate to the altitude, a little over 3000 m. If the shelter is full, climbers pitch their tents on the snow. The stone shelter is named to honor the naturalist John Muir who made an ascent of Mount Rainier in 1888.
Itinearaly:
Day 4: Stay at the Cabin, Ashford Day 5: Couger Rock Campground Day 6: hiking to Camp Muir, 3100 m
Day 4: Getting relaxed at the Cabin
Entrance gate of Paradis corridor, the natinal park
Day 5: Cheching out around the park
Day 6: Hiking to Camp Muir, over 3000 m
Camp Muir on the mountain is at the top of many hikers’ wish lists and for good reasons. It’s about as close as a hiker can get to a taste of a climbing experience.
Area: Skyline Trail, Paradise
Duration: 8-10 hrs
Difficulty Level: Strenuos
Elevation Start: 1646 m
Elevation End: 3105 m
7:00 AM: The sky was clear with a gentle breeze—perfect weather for a hike. We began our ascent from the Skyline Trailhead at Paradise.
8:00 AM: We reached our first short break point. After this, the trail became more challenging, with steeper and rockier terrain.
9:00 AM: It took about two hours to reach this point from the trailhead. From here, we put on crampons to tackle the uphill snowfield leading to our goal, Camp Muir.
12:30 AM: Sachi and I did it! At least we stepped off the snow and took the last steps to Camp Muir, 3100 meters. This was my fifth attempt and Sachi’s first. It was a long, tough hike, and there were moments when Sachi felt like she couldn’t keep going, but she pushed through and made it. Congratilations Sachi!
Many hikers agree that the last 200-300 meters of the climb are the most difficult. The Muir snowfield seemed to stretch on forever before we finally saw the buildings. When Camp Muir came into view, it looked closer than it actually was, and it felt like we were making no progress at all as we climbed. I definitely agree with this.”
4:00 PM: We arrived at the Paradise succesfully and safely.
Can’t beat the cold beer! Paradise InnParadise Inn
Drinking the beer after accompaniment hiking is the best!! Nothing beats the cold beer! Cheers Sachi, you made it.
Thank you Sachi-san
Sachi, thank you for joining those explorations. I really appreciate everything you did.
We encountered some trouble at the U.S. border security checkpoint, and I was taken to the passport control room. The officer asked me many questions about my passport background, but eventually, everything was cleared up, and we were able to proceed.
As we returned to Japan, we had to stay an extra night at a hotel near Seattle Airport due to a failed connection between Alaska Airlines and Japan Airlines via Vancouver Airport, Canada. We needed to apply for the eTA system in advance to enter Canada, even though it was just for transit.
I plan to go hiking in Mt. Rainier National Park in Washington and Mt. Hood National Forest in Oregon this summer. Here is the itinerary. I will share this challenging adventure after I return to Japan.
Itinerary
Date
Description
7/30, Tus
Tokyo to Seattle, Departure: 17:40 Terminal 2, Flight JL0068 Japan Airline
7/30, Tus
Seattle Tacoma Int’l Arrive: 10:35 Car rental: Thrifty pick-up at 13:00 Drive to Portland, OR Check-in at Studio 6, Check-out 7/31
7/31-8/1 Wed-Thu
Mt.Hood National Forest, Campsite # at 013, Area Check-in 7/31, Check-out 8/2 Activities: Hiking and Climbing Mt.Hood
Day 1: Sachi and I had my brother drive us from Azumino City, Nagano, to the Nakabusa Trailhead. There are three parking areas around the trailhead, but they were all full because of Golden Week, from May 3rd to 6th in Japan. Thanks to my brother for taking care of us.
Around the trailhead, there is an onsen facility, a clean toilet, and an ice cream booth.
The skies were clear in the morning, and we started our hike at 6:00 am. Today’s route: Trailhead (Nakabusa Onsen) ➡ Kassen Goya ➡ Kousanso Hut ➡ Top of Mt. Tsubakuro, with an overnight stay at Kousanso Hut. There are three benches on the trail, numbered #1 to #3, before reaching Kassen Goya.
The stunning scenery
We ascended the steep and snowy mountain ridge about two hours after a short break at Kassen Goya and reached Kousanso Hut, where we planned to stay for the day. The terrace of the hut was crowded with hikers. From there, we continued to the top of Mt. Tsubakuro, which was just a 30-minute hike from the hut. Around the top of Mt. Tsubakuro, there are many uniquely shaped limestone formations. The trail to the top is gravelly with small limestone fragments.
Mt. Yarigadake from the top of Mt.Tsubakuro
Day 2: At 6:00 am, we descended the same way to the Nakabusa Onsen trailhead safely and successfully. Then we enjoyed the onsen to relax and rejuvenate.
Thank you, Sachi, for signing up for this meetup. See you at the next event.
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 Maruyama, 2462 m
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 second time, Sachi, my meetup co-organizer and I attempted to hike for Mount Karamats-dake on the day, but the weather had not permitted us, and we were hampered by the strong winds again.
7:30 am ticket Call was open at the Happo Gondola Station but there was an announcement for hikers, “It is hesitant about servicing the two lifts uphill of Happo- Ike due to strong winds.”
Given the weather forecast for the day, we couldn’t hope for the weather to recover based on the weather forecast, so we moved to plan B, which is Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort.
Karamatsu-dake is nestled on the boundary between Toyama and Nagano, Japan. Climbing along Happo Ridge to Karamatsu-dake offers stunning views of the majestic Mount Hakuba range. It’s an undeniably breathtaking landscape that draws hikers and nature enthusiasts from all over Japan.
Hakuba Village
Hakuba Village is home to the largest alpine resort area at the foot of the northern Japan Alps. It is nestled in three municipalities of Nagano Prefecture in Japan: Omachi City, Hakuba Village, and Otari Village.
Getting there
Taking the Happo Gondola ‘Adam’, along with the two lifts, Alpen Quad and Grat Quad, it’ll take you about 20 minutes to reach the trailhead of Happo One with ease. Once you hop off the second lift, you’ll spot the Happo Ike Hut right in front of you. It’s also where you can stay or register your climbing itinerary.
Climbing along Happo Ridge to Karamatsu-dake offers stunning views of the majestic Mount Hakuba range. It’s an undeniably breathtaking landscape that draws hikers and nature enthusiasts from all over Japan.
Happo O’ne Route Happo Sation, Gondola “Adam” ➡ Alpen Quad ➡ Grat Quad ➡ Happo Ike Hut ➡ Karamats Sanso Hut ➡ Mt.Karamatsu-Dake ➡ Happo Ike Hut ➡ Happo Station （Dismissed), 6 hours.
On January 5th, 2024
On January 5th, 2024, I attempted to hike up Mt. Karamatsu-dake, but the strong gust winds threw a wrench in my plans. I really didn’t want to give up, but with the winds being so relentless, I had no choice but to call it quits. So, here I am, giving it another shot on my second attempt, on March 17th,2024. Wish me luck!
Mount Cook National Park is undeniably captivating, offering a spectacular landscape that attracts adventurers and nature enthusiasts from around the world. New Zealand was one of the countries I had always wanted to visit. Finally, my dream of visiting the park became a reality this time. So, I would like to share the highlights of my journey in Mount Cook National Park, including a memorable mountain climbing experience.
Day 1 Monday, Feb.12th, Sunny day
After renting a car at the Christchurch Airpot, I headed up to Mount Cook National Park, after driving for a good 3 hours, a turquoise-blue lake spread in front of me. It was such a beautiful color with the backdrop of snow-capped mountain ranges in the park. It took about 5 hours to arrive at Mount Cook Village in the park, a base camp for mountain climbing.
Day 2: Hooker Lake, Mt.Footstool 2764 m, Stay Hooker Hut, Sunny day
Headed to Hooker Lake with Hooker Valley Track. Crossing three swingbridges, walking along with Hooker River. It took just one hour and a half to Hooker Lake, the glacier lake.
Challenging at Mt.Footstool and Staying at the hut
After resting at Hooker Lake, I headed to Hooker Hut, but I struggled to find it for quite a long time because there were no signs.
I had planned to reach Selton Biv Hut and trek up the glacier terrain in the afternoon. Unfortunately, I had to halt my journey on the way to the hut as I wasn’t feeling well.
Day 3: Stay and relax at Haka Aoraki Mt.Cook, Sunny day
Tough hike, but totally worth it. This overnight mountain climb ranks up there as one of the best I’ve ever done. It was seriously challenging, battling rain and strong winds all day with heavy packs, but I managed to push through and conquer the obstacles.
The first couple of hours were a bit tough – non-stop stairs, steep and slippery. It was even tougher than I had anticipated. Plus, with the rainy weather, there wasn’t much to see scenery along the trail. I was kind of bummed out, but also a bit concerned about the weather’s turn.
After navigating those steep stairs, I hit a fork where the left path led to a hut. The scenery shifted dramatically from green forest to rocky terrain, almost like hitting a tree line. Everywhere I looked, there were these huge jagged mountains, and the weather was only getting worse.
Rain was pelting down, and the wind was howling, turning the rocky ground into a makeshift stream. Making progress became a real challenge, especially with those fierce gusts knocking me around. At one point, I was nearly blown off my feet by a sudden gust – definitely gave me a scare!
After about five hours of tackling and struggling with the severe weather, I finally reached the top of this steep, rugged trail, and when I saw the Muller Hut in the distance, I was very happy.
Day 5: Impressive Scenery Morning
The sky was clear, and a gentle breeze swept through, turning everything into perfection. It was a challenging hike, but definitely worth it.
Day 6: Last day in Mount Cook Village
I enjoyed chatting and cooking with other guests at Haka Aoraki Youth Hostel, it was quite relaxing.
I had a meaningful experience on Day 4. Despite the challenging hike, it was entirely worth it. As they say, the greater the difficulty, the sweeter the reward. My next mountaineering challenge will be in Chamonix, Mont Blanc, Switzerland.
On January 5th, 2024, Ms. Sachi and I climbed Mount Karamatsu-dake, which stands at 2,696 meters in height.
Climbing up Hakuba-Happo Ridge
Plan for the Trip
On Thursday, January 5th, I plan to drive to Hakuba Village in Nagano. It will take around an hour and a half from my place.
From there, I will ride the Gondola Adam, Alpen Quad, and the Great Quad to reach Happo-Ike Hut, which should take about 20 minutes.
The climb will begin with the goal of reaching the summit of Mt. Karamatsu-dake, which is 2,696 meters high. The climb is expected to take approximately 5 hours.
Climbing Route:
Happo-Ike Hut ➡ Mount Happo Cairn ➡ The 2nd Cairn ➡ Happo Cairn ➡ The 3rd Cairn ➡ Maruyama Cairn ➡ Karamatsu-Sancho Hut ➡ Mount Karamatsu-dake
What actually happened on that day:
It was a beautiful day for climbing, with a clear winter sky of deep blue – perfect conditions for ascending the mountain. I felt confident about reaching the mountain’s summit, at least until I reached Happo Ike Hut at 1,860 meters. However, as I ascended further, the wind on the upper terrain of the mountain was blowing quite hard.
As we ascended further the 2nd to 3rd cairn on the ridge of Happo, The wind with snow was blowing harder and harder. We had to stop moving upward and wait for the gust to weaken sometimes.
A stronger gust of wind swirled around Maruyama Cairn, the further upper ridge from the 3rd cairn, almost pushing us off balance. Climbing became challenging on the mountain ridge due to the powerful winds. Ultimately, I decided to descend, unfortunately, choosing to turn back at Maruyama Cairn.
Successfully climbed the top of Mount Tengu-dake, 2646 m, Jan. 3rd, 2024
Happy New Year! I successfully climbed Mt. Tengu in Nagano with my hiking partner, Sachi, on January 3rd. It was a cloudy day, but not bothersome.
The mountain trail from the Shibu Onsen trailhead to Kuroyuri Hut had less snow cover compared to last year, and the craggy rocks on the trail were exposed. It’s advisable to wear crampons and be careful not to catch the crampon spikes on the rocks. It took us about 90 minutes to reach Kuroyuri Hut.
Sachi, Entry form box
Snowy trail
After taking a short break at the hut, we headed towards the summit of Mount Tengu. The first 30 minutes involved navigating through moderate terrain in the forest until we reached the treeline. From this point onward to the top, the trail became steep and narrow with craggy features. The wind picked up significantly, especially as we approached the summit, but we successfully made it. The entire hike took 4.5 hours to complete.
