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.
Nishihotaka-daka Doppyo 2701 m, Kamikochi, Northern Alps
2/5 – 2/6
Mt. Tengu-dake 2646 m, Northern Yatsugadake
2/12
Mt.Kurofu 2404 m, Takamine Kogen
2/23
Mt. Eboshi-dake 2066 m, Yunomaru Kogen
3/4 – 3/5
Mt.Tengu-dake 2646 m, Northern Yatsugadake
4/1 – 4/2
Nishihotaka-daka Doppyo 2701 m, Kamikochi, Northern Alps
4/23
Mt. Yoko-dake 2830 m, Southern Yatsugadake
5/2 – 5/5
Tateyama mountains Mt.Onanjiyama 3015 m Mt.Oyama 3003 m Mt.Fuji-no-Oritateyama 2999 m
6/4 – 6/5
Iwatake Camping
6/24 – 6/25
Hakuba Villege Camping
7/15 – 7/16
Mt. Yake-dake 2455 m, Kamikochi, Northern Alps
7/30 – 7/31
Mt. Hakuba 2932 m, Northern Alps
8/5 – 8/6
Shirakoma Pond Camping
8/18 – 8/19
Mt. Aka-dake 2899 m Mt.Naka-dake 2700 m Mt. Amida-dake 2805 m
10/7 – 10/9
Mt. Okuhotaka-dake 3190 m
10/29
Mt. Tanigawa-dake
11/10 – 11/11
Shibu Onsen, Jigokudani
11/25
Visiting Tokakushi Shrains
Top Three Impressive Mountain Climbs of 2023
The 3rd: Nishihotaka Doppyo 2701 m in high
The initial effort to ascend Doppyo took place on Day 1, April 1st, but strong winds forced my team to turn back on that day. On Day 2, favorable weather accompanied our climb along the snowy and rugged mountain ridge route, ultimately reaching the summit. The most challenging part was near the peak, where steep rocks required me to find a safer route, navigating cautiously with hands-first alertness at all times. Failing or slipping down posed a serious risk, potentially resulting in a fatal outcome.
The 2nd: Tateyama Mountain Ranges
This was one of my unforgettable mountain climbing challenges in 2023. We traversed the Tateyama mountain ridges, including Mt. Oyama at 3003 m, Mt. Onanji at 3015 m, Mt. Fujinooritate at 2999 m, and three other mountain tops over three days. There were a couple of snowy cliffs and ragged around the summits, so this exploring was quite tough.
The 1st: Mt.Okuhotaka-dake at 3190 m, the 3rd highest Mountain in Japan
Day 1: It took about 7 hours from Kamikochi to Karasawa Hut. Hut was quite crowded with hikers seeing autumn foliage on the day, the next day almost all hikers went down though because the day before there was unexpected snowfall, and the mountain trail was snow-covered and iced slippery treacherous conditions.
Day 2: Reaching the summit of Okuhotaka-dake involves tackling the challenging trail known as “Seitengrat”, navigating two vertical ladders, and climbing yet another rugged cliff to reach the summit of Okuhotaka-dake, the third-highest mountain in Japan.
“Seitengrat” is a German word meaning “side ridge”, Hotaka mountains side ridge. There are several tragic fall-down accidents on the ridge every year. At this time the Seitengrat was tough, snow and icy rocks made it more difficult to climb up.
My team successfully overcame all the challenging obstacles despite adverse snow and icy conditions, ultimately reaching the summit.
My team member, Sachi, scrambling up around obstacles on the Seitengrat snowy mountain route
I hadn’t caught a cold for quite a while, but last weekend, I experienced a runny nose, a froggy voice, and something off with my throat. Strangely, there was no fever or pain, which is unusual for me because usually, these symptoms come with a high fever. Now I got much better though.
In Japan, especially during winter, the flu tends to circulate. The CDC in Japan predicted in October that flu infections would spread unprecedentedly this upcoming winter. This is a concern for me, as I work at an elementary school in Ueda City, Nagano, In the previous month, some classrooms had to be shut down due to the flu. I’ve heard that several other schools in the city also faced closures.
Take care, you guys!
PS: I have a scheduled climb for Mount Tengudake on January 3rd, 2024. I plan to stay in good shape and ensure I’m well-prepared for the winter mountain ascent.
At the age of 60, life often takes a significant turn, marked by the retirement milestone in life for many individuals.
Two years ago, in March 2022, I made the decision voluntarily to retire from my business in the United States. Following my retirement, I returned to my home country, Japan, and currently reside in Nagano with my cat, Tabby.
Retirement can bring a mix of emotions, from excitement and relief to potential challenges in adjusting to a new routine and lifestyle.
During my leisure time, I play tennis and hiking on weekends. Also, I enjoy brewing in homebrewing along with the government guidelines, up to 1% alcohol. Occasionally, I engage in this delightful activity, experimenting and learning through trial and error. It is not only enjoyable but also a rewarding experience.
Living in Nagano provides a calm atmosphere mentally so far for my retired life, allowing me to explore my passions and interests. I look forward to continuing my journey in this new phase of life, humbly accepting the opportunities that come my way.
Tabby, a 2-year-old male, faced a challenging health issue this summer. He developed a severe inflammation in his urinary bladder, requiring a week-long hospitalization for treatment. This incident marked a tough period, but he is OK now.
Where: Shiota Indoor Tennis Court, Ueda City, Nagano
What: Tennis Match, H Juku Team vs AGH Tennis Team
On Saturday, December 9th, our team, H Juku, engaged in a friendly tennis exchange with the AGH Tennis team at the Shiota Indoor Courts in Ueda City, Nagano.
Our team consisted of 11 mixed male and female members, while the opposing team had more players than ours. We not only enjoyed competitive matches, including men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles, but also had the opportunity to socialize with members from both teams.
As for my personal performance, I participated in one men’s doubles match and two mixed doubles matches, achieving a result of one win and two losses.”
Thank you for your hard work Ms.Hirata who is the organizer and captain. Also thank you for preparing such great coffee and refreshments Ms.Yanagisawa.
Mount Tengu-dake is part of the Northern Yatsuga-dake mountain range, in Nagano and Yamanashi.
Tengu-Dake boasts two prominent peaks: East Tengu-dake, standing at 2,646 meters, and West Tengu-dake, slightly lower at 2,645 meters. The name “Tengudake” derives from the distinctive rocky peak on the east side, strikingly resembling a “Tengu’s Nose.”
If you are seeking winter mountain climbing for the first time, this event is perfect for you who want to dip your toes into winter mountain climbing or just check your fitness and winter gear before getting into real winter mountain climbing.
Description
Date: Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024
Head to Shibu Gotenyu, where you’ll find parking lots and the trailhead. The parking fee, amounting to 1000 yen per day, can be paid at Shibu Gotenyu.
Arrive by 8:00 am, and you’ll locate the trailhead alongside the creek, right next to Shibu Gotenyu. Complete the mountain climbing entry form, then proceed across the narrow bridge towards Kuroyuri Hut (2400m), which marks the initial resting point on the trail.
Upon crossing the bridge and entering the forest, you’ll notice a steep slope leading up to the mountain ridge. It’s essential to pace yourself and manage your physical strength to avoid exhaustion.
In the middle of the trail to the hut, you’ll come across a ridge with two forks, each marked with a sign. The one on the right leads down to Karasawa Kosen Onsen and the left one goes up to Kurohimeyama Hut. So, go left at that point.
After breaking at the Hut, resume aiming for the top of Mt. Tengudake, Higashi-Tengu, and Nishi-Tengu. Climbing a pretty steep snowy and craggy rocky route around the summit. Stay alert all the time. it’s around 1.5 hours from the Hut.
After reaching the top successfully, go back to the Hut with a different route then get to the parking lots. it will be expected at around 2:30 pm and the mission completed.
The top of Higashi Tengu-dake, 2023 April 23rd
Mountain Climbing Tips and Winter Gears
Mountaineering Gear Tips:
The mountaineering gear you need for your trip depends on the season and the trail route you plan to climb. This advice focuses on winter mountaineering gear.
Winter Mountaineering Boots: Never underestimate the importance of a good pair of mountaineering boots. They provide traction and stability on rocky terrain, and the ability to attach crampons for climbing snow and glaciers. Stiff mountaineering boots offer a stable platform.
When searching for mountaineering boots, you have two basic choices: insulated and non-insulated. Insulated mountaineering boots are recommended for climbing in frigid temperatures or spending a significant amount of time on snow and glaciers.
Crampons for Mountaineering: Steel crampons are strong and durable, making them a common choice for general mountaineering. While aluminum crampons are much lighter than steel, they are less durable. For general use, steel crampons are recommended.
Ice Axes for Mountaineering: When selecting an ice axe, consider your size and the activities you’ll be engaging in. Compare the length, weight, and shape of the axes to find the one that best suits your needs.
Picture this: a chilly Saturday in Togakushi, Nagano, on November 25th. The snowfall in the forest was doing its thing, turning the whole place into a winter wonderland.
Every branch of the trees bore a delicate layer of snowflakes, and the trails leading to each shrine were blanketed with snow, creating a serene masterpiece.
It was one of those days where nature just showed off; you felt like you were in on some secret magic. Togakushi in the snow? Absolutely breathtaking!
Sachi joined this activity and is my hiking partner. In most cases, she gets well-prepared for my outdoor activities. Thank you for your participation and driving all the way.
Nagano is known for Soba
Soba which is made with newly harvested buckwheat is called ”shin-soba”. It is sweeter and more flavorful than regular soba. It is the season now. Sachi ordered a Togakushi Soba, a cold soba noodle (right). Kanji had a hot one(left) . The middle is a Togakushi craft beer.
My next big challenge is hiking in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand, from February 11th to 18th, 2024.
The park is renowned for its stunning alpine scenery, featuring the country’s highest mountains and largest glaciers. This rugged terrain of ice and rocks is home to 21 peaks exceeding 3000 meters in height. It promises to be an exhilarating adventure in one of New Zealand’s most awe-inspiring natural landscapes. I would post this trip after successfully completing this exploration.
Tentive trip itineraly
Date
Discription
Accomodation
Sun, 2/11
Tokyo Narita to Auckland Departs 2:30pm ➡ Arrives 5:05am
I went to Shibu Onsen from November 10th to 11th one night for two days. Shibu Onsen (渋温泉) is a historic and attractive hot spring town in Yamanouchi, Northern Nagano prefectire, which has retained an old traditional atmosphere. There is a spiritual Buthhouse, Aburaya Ryokan which has been tucked away for more than 250 years in the village. This place is believed as the model for Hayao Miyazaki’s animation movie, Sen to Chihiro, but the Stadio Jiburi deneyed it.
Shibu Onsen is spread out on a gentle slope beside the Yokoyugawa River, and hot spring streams rise from various places. Putting on Yukata and Geta, and walking alley in the village is so attractive.
There is a fork at the end of the village: left leading to the Jigokudani Monkey Park, and right to parking lots, dead end.
Wakakiya Ryokan
Staying in a traditional Japanese onsen ryokan is essential for immersing yourself explorelation of Japan. Wakatake Ryokan, runs by a delightfuly eldery couple, is simple yet incredibly comfartable. I thoroughly enjoyed both the meals and the onsen experience at Wakatake Ryokan.
Price: 12,500 yen, including two meals, Dinner and breakfast.
Indoor bath: wooden 100% natural onsen, 24 hours.
Parking: Two parking lots available.
Meals: Traditional Japanese cuisine with seasonal and local ingredients.
Enjoy 9 public Onsen-house
There are 9 public onsen houses with characteristics onsen each on the street. you could enjoy it all 9 for free if you stayed at a Ryokan or Hotel in the village.
Jigokudani Monky Park
Jigokudani Monky Park is nestled in the valley of Yokoyu River, which orignated from Shigakougen in Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, it is just about 5 km away from Shibu Onsen Vellege.
The only monky in the world to bath in hot spring
At an altitude of 850 meters, the Monkey Park area is nestled deeper in the mountains from Shibu Onsen Village. It features a valley with steep cliffs and hot spring steam rising from every corner, earning it the name ‘Jigokudani’ in Japanese, which translates to ‘Hell Valley’ in English.
While Hell Valley presents a harsh environment for humans, covered in snow for almost one-third of the year, it is a paradise for the monkeys.
