Japanese
Alps

Japanese
HikingAlps

the Northern Alps

Yari ⁄ Hotaka ⁄ Norikura
Mountain Range

the Northern Alps

Yari ⁄ Hotaka ⁄ Norikura
Mountain Range

Yari ⁄ Hotaka ⁄ Norikura
Mountain Range

Chubusangaku
National
Park welcomes
The Northern
Alps routes
are divided
into hik- hikers

Chubusangaku National Park welcomes hikers
to a majestic alpine landscape of towering peaks,snowy slopes, clear mountain streams, and diverse
seasonal varieties of plant and animal life. The parkoﬀers a well-developed system of trails and mountain huts and challenging routes. It is home to 10
of Japanʼs 21 peaks over 3,000 meters. The tallest

Japanese
Chubusangaku
Alps
National Park
Yari ⁄ Hotaka ⁄ Norikura
Mountain Range

is Mt. Oku-Hotakadake, the third-highest mountainable is Mt. Yarigatake, whose 3,180 meter peak is

said to resemble the Matterhorn. Mt. Tsubakuro, at
2,763 meters, is popular with novice hikers. Mostof the summits are accessible, depending on oneʼslevel of expertise, the time of year, and the weather

Yari ⁄ Hotaka ⁄ Norikura
MountainRange
The following
is a guideto hiking the mountains

conditions.

Chubusangaku National Park welcomes hikersof thenationalalpine
park. Hikers
are ofurged
to checkthetoa majestic
landscapetowering
peaks,
latesttrail
andweather
conditions
thoroughly
andsnowy slopes, clear mountain streams, and diverse

sources
information,
as arethe local
visitortocentainhutsofandchallenging
routes.
It is home
10
ters.
Hikingguides,
some
of
them
multilingual,canof Japanʼs 21 peaks over 3,000 meters. The tallest

Japanese
Chubusangaku
Alps
National Park
Hiking
Guide& Map
Yari ⁄ Hotaka⁄ Norikura
Mountain Range

makethe experience moreby providing
isMt. Oku-Hotakadake,
the enjoyable
third-highest
mountainwithyou atlocal
customs,
information,
safety
in
Japan
3,190
meters,routeand themost recogniz-

snowy
slopes,clear
mountainstreams,
and diverseroutes. The
hikingroutesmarkedon themap thatseasonal
plant
and animal
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are suitablefor varieties
hikers inofthesnow-freeseasonersthrougha well-developed
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July
October) arelaid asof
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is home to 10
signpoststain
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of Japanʼs
peaks over
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The tallest
present location
and21
destination.
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Oku-Hotakadake,
theequipment
third-highest
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routes, specialsuchsaid to resemble the Matterhorn. Mt. Tsubakuro, at
2,763 meters, is popular with novice hikers. Mostof the summits are accessible, depending on oneʼslevel of expertise, the time of year, and the weather

Hiking
Guide& Map
Yari ⁄ Hotaka⁄ Norikura
MountainRange
The following
is a guideto hiking the mountains

conditions.

abletoisproceed.
Mt. Yarigatake,meternary hikers
Take carewhose
not to3,180
enter atrail peak issaidyourto resemble
the Matterhorn. Mt. Tsubakuro, atthat is overability level.

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information,
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asanimalpossible
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ting
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National
Parkoﬀers a well-developed Chubusangaku
system of trails
and
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2,763
meters,is popularwith by
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The mainhikingroutesare graded
the levelof theaccessible,
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5 ratingsare
from
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the weather
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are thesomehikingroutesYari ⁄ Hotaka ⁄ Norikura
Mountain
Range
The andfollowingis aofguide
to hikingthe mountains
rocky places,
the usehelmets
is recomconditions.
use chainsand ladders to ascend and descend steep

Chubusangaku
National
Park welcomes
The Northern
Alps routes
are divided
into hik- hikers
ofthenationalpark. Hikers
are ofurged
to checkthemendedonsuitable
routes.
toathosemajestic
landscapetowering
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ingroutesforalpine
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latesttrail
andweather
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thoroughly
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much
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asanimalpossible
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with forhikers,particularly
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plant
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ting
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oﬀ
ersthrougha well-developed
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October)arelaid asof
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ters.
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multilingual,canof Japanʼs
peaks over
3,000
meters.
The tallest
present location
and21
destination.
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Oku-Hotakadake,
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AboutAlps
TrailsHikingtheNorthern AlpsPark
National

hints
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able
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Yarigatake,meternary hikers
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proceed.
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atrail peak issaidyourto resemble
the Matterhorn. Mt. Tsubakuro, atthat is overability level.
2,763
meters,is popularwith by
novicehikers. Most
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the levelof theaccessible,
dependingof diﬃcultyin summits
5 ratingsare
from
A to E (referto theon oneʼsofThereexpertise,
timeof year,and that
the weather
attachedlevelmap).
are thesomehikingroutesHiking
Guide& Map
Yari ⁄ Hotaka⁄ Norikura
Mountain
Range
The andfollowingis aofguide
to hikingthe mountains
rocky places,
the usehelmets
is recom-

A well maintained hiking route

conditions.
use chainsand ladders to ascend and descend steep

Chubusangaku
National
Park welcomes
The Northern
Alps routes
are divided
into hik- hikers
ofthenationalpark. Hikers
are ofurged
to checkthemendedonsuitable
routes.
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landscapetowering
peaks,
ing routes
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latesttrail
andweather
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AboutAlps
TrailsHikingtheNorthern AlpsPark
National

at 3,190
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theNorthern AlpsPark
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ing routes
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theNorthern AlpsPark
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in Japan at 3,190 meters, and the most recogniz-gather asvarieties
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ting
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Japanese Alps

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TrailsHiking

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Geologysuch
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Hiking Guide& Map

Part

How
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Hike
TrailsHikinghe Northern Alps

When
About
to Hike
TrailsWhat toWhen
Bring:to Hike
Hiking Equipment

What to Bri
Hiking Equip

begin to make their appearance, presenting a colorful contrast with
begin to make their appearance, presenting a colorful contrast with
begin to make their appearance, p
the remaining snowﬁelds. For rainy-season hikes, however, it is best
the remaining snowﬁelds. For rainy-season hikes, however, it is best
the remaining snowﬁelds. For rain
to choose routes where mountain huts are already open, because theto choose routes where mountain huts are already open, because theto choose routes where mountain hweather is ﬁckle and some trails may not yet be fully restored after
weather is ﬁckle and some trails may not yet be fully restored after
weather is ﬁckle and some trails mwinter damage.
winter damage.
winter damage.
The peak summer climbing season begins after the rainy season
The peak summer climbing season begins after the rainy season
The peak summer climbing sea
sangaku
National
Park inwelcomesAlps
are divided
into hik- hikers
The Northern
Alps
are divided
ne,theroutes
mountainpeaks
FromNovember to June, the mountain peaks in
From November
to June,theroutes
mountainpeaks ininto hik- ends, usually in
mid- to late July. All the huts are open, the summits
ends, usually in mid- to late July. All the huts are open, the summits
ends, usually in mid- to late July. A
estic
alpinelandscapeof towering peaks,
le forhikersandinclimbing/scaling
ingcanroutes
suitableforandinclimbing/scalingParkarecoveredsnow̶
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climbed without
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climbedwithoutany
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ment. Naturally, this is a popular time for people to visit. The best
ment. Naturally, this is a popular
opes,
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and diversegroutesmarkedon themap thatroutes.
hikingmarkedclimbers.
on the map that ment. Naturally,hemostexpertclimbers.
inaccessible
to all but the most expert climbers.
inaccessible
to Theall but
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most expert
plan is to hike earlier in the day, as afternoon squalls are a regularplan is to hike earlier in the day, as afternoon squalls are a regularplan is to hike earlier in the day,varieties
plant
anduntil
animallife. Theoccurrence.
park The peakhikersinoflatethesnow-freeseasonarehikingsuitablefor runs
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runs
from
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until season
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well-developed
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or base layer mid-August, when temperatures range from 15 C
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with
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rangearefrom
C

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A ﬂeece, down,
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is home to 10 to 25 C signpostssuch
as 5junctions
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ses
from
C to routes.
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to 25 C at lower altitudes and from 5 C to 15jacket
C atand warm
at lower altitudes
fromC to 15 that
C at indicate
hat andgloveswool that willquickly.
wool thatwill
quickly.
Thedrynexthigh season runs from late September through mid-OctoThe next high season runs from late September through mid-OctoThedrynexthigh season runs from laareaualso recommended for the
ʼs
peaks
over
3,000
meters.
The tallest
nd21
destination.
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locationanddestination.
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in auhigher
in springandlater inhigher
Earlierin springandlater
in au- routes ber, when theforestsaltitudes.
change fromEarlier
the lush greenof summer
to theirber, when theforestsaltitudes.
changefromthe lush greenof summer
to theirber, when the forests change fromcolder temperaturesatMiddle
layer
layer
2
2 Middle
The temperatureschange begins at thehigherand works
autumn colors.
The temperatureschangethehigherandworks
autumncolors. The change begins
u-Hotakadake,thedegrees
third-highest
mountainingmoreroutes,specialequipment
suchotherbegins
thanatthe
hikingroutes,specialequipment such autumn colors.
be
than
20
tumn,
can
be altitudes
more than
20 degrees
tumn,
can
be altitudes
more
than
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higher altitudes.
Rainwearits way
its way down as the days get cooler. Some of the most famous areas,
its way
Quick-drying
shirtdown as the days get cooler. Some of the most famous areas,
Quick-drying
shirtdown as the days get coole
at 3,190
meters,and thefor
mostrecognizntial,
and itis dangerous
ordiasropes
areessential,
and
it
is
dangerousforordilower.
lower.
suchas
Karasawa,
attract
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can
ﬁ
nd
such as Karasawa, attract large numbers of hikers, but you can ﬁnd
suchas
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attract andlargewatenu(long-sleeved recommended).
(long-sleeved recommended).
Windproof
Mt.
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isoceed.
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not to3,180
enter atrail peaknary hikers
to Theproceed.
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not to enter a trail spectacular views throughout the park. The dakekanba, or Ermanʼs
spectacular
views throughout
the park.
dakekanba,
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throughout
thejacket with a hood aing
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beechattrees, are aglowthat
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3 Backpack
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reds come fromof the Japanese
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size of backpack will
The size of backpack will
eters,is popularwith by
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Most
ng
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withbegin
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olden
Week.
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throughout
theholiday
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depend on the lengththeremaining
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elds.
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are slippery,
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mands
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higher
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thatweatherﬁckle andTemperaturessometrails may
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onendake, are all still completely
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dders
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so crampons, This
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3 rainy season
Thepeakessential.
summerclimbingseasonbegins after the rainy season
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themountainhuts begin
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peaks
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From
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ends, usually in mid- to late July. All the huts are open, the summits
ends,
in mid- to late July. A
on some diﬃcult routes.
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recommended.
also
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ationalpark.
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to check
mendedonsuitable
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Summer
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leroutes.
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popularstaying.
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er rentals.
ilandweather
conditions
thoroughlyandgheroutescangetcrowdedandPopularhikingroutescangetcrowdedandSnowfall
is
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and
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shouldSnowfall
is
heavy
in
the
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and
approaches
should
is
heavy
in
the
late
June
and
lasts
about
a
month.
The
rainy
seasonusually
starts
in
late
June
and
lasts
about
a
month.
The
rainy
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starts
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late
June
and
lasts
about
a
month.
opes,
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on the map 4thatmostexpertclimbers.
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4 Hiking pants
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earlierin the day,be attemptedbyhighlyhikers.
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1
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huts are closed.
enjoytheseotherareactivities,
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huts are closed.
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huts are closed.
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clear,However,and somevisitors
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and adding extra
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The
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sonpeople
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eraturesfrom
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hiking,at
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skiing and snowshoe
hiking,at low, and alpine
ﬂowersofall varieties
There are few
onthe
trails,and alpine
ﬂowersof laid
all varieties
There are few
peopleon thetrails, and alpinerange
ﬂowers fromof all varieties
pointsofcontact.
A
ﬂ
eece,
down,
or
synthetic
AutumnAutumnAutu
Lightsynthetic
fabric orLightsynthetic
fabric or(or
shortsover tights).
(orshortsover tights).
ofinformation,
visitorto
cenandchallenging
routes.
Itindicate
is home10 to 25 C signpostssuch
as 5junctions
thatin placesandsuch
as 5junctions
ses
from
C as
to are15 theC atlocal
at lower altitudes
fromC to 15 that
C at indicate
to
25
C
at
lower
altitudes
and
from
5
C
to
15
C
at
jacket and warm
hat andgloveswool that willquickly.
wool thatwill
quickly.
The next high season runs from late September through mid-OctoThedrynexthigh season runs from late September through mid-OctoThedrynexthigh season runs from la
4ng
guides,
some
of
them
multilingual,can higher
areaualso recommended
for the5 Boots
5 Boots
ʼs
peaks
over
3,000
meters.
The tallest
nd21
destination.
Onclimbingroutespresent
locationanddestination.
On climbingnspringandlater
inauEarlierin springandlater
in au- routes
higherin springandlater inber, when theforestsaltitudes.
changefromthe lush greenof summer
to theirber, when theforestsaltitudes.
change fromEarlier
the lush greenof summer
to theirber, when the forests change fromcolder temperatures
at
layer
layer
2 Middle
2 Middle
ebe
experiencemore
enjoyable
byprovidingautumn colors.
The temperatureschangethehigherandworks
autumncolors.
The temperatureschange begins at thehigherand works
autumncolors.boots
The change begins
boots
High-cut hiking/trekking
u-Hotakadake,thedegrees
third-highest
mountainingroutes,specialequipment
suchotherbegins
thanatthe
hikingroutes,specialequipmentHigh-cut
such hiking/trekking
more
than
20
tumn,
can
be altitudes
more
than
20 degrees
tumn,
can
be altitudes
more than
20 degrees
higher altitudes.
Rainwear
its
way
down
as
the
days
get
cooler.
Some
of
the
most
famousareas,
its
way
down
as
the
days
get
cooler.
Some
of
the
most
famousareas,
its
way
down
as
the days get coole
Quick-drying
shirt
Quick-drying
shirt
with
good
ankle
support
with
good
ankle
supportMapanduntial,local
customs,
route
information,
safety lower. as ropes are essential, and it is dangerous for ordiat
3,190
meters,and themostrecognizand
itis dangerousforordilower.
such as Karasawa, attract large numbers of hikers, but you can ﬁnd
such
as worn
Karasawa, attract large numbers of hikers, but you can ﬁnd
such
aswornKarasawa,
attract andlargewatenu(long-sleeved(long-sleeved
andtraction,
torecommended).
betraction,
torecommended).
becompass andWindproofCashdknowledge
ofwhosetheenvironment.
Mt.
Yarigatake,meter
isoceed.
Take carenotnatural
to3,180enter
atrail peaknary hikers
to Theproceed.
Take
not to enter a
trail
spectacular
views throughout
the park.
dakekanba,
or careErmanʼsviews throughout the park. The dakekanba, or Ermanʼsviews
throughout
thea
with
heavy,spectacularwarm socks.
with heavy,spectacularwarm socks.
jacketwith a hooding
SpringSpringAlways carry3a detailed
map trees,ofThe
mountainhuts
beechattrees, are aglowthat
withisvivid
yellows,
while thelevel.
most brilliant
beech trees, are aglow
beech
are
aglow
vividdBackpack
3 Backpack
2 with vivid yellows, while the most brilliant
2 with(breathable
fabricesemblethe Matterhorn. Mt. Tsubakuro,abilitylevel.
over
your ability
yourroute, as well as areds
compass.
acceptcreditof
cards,
reds come fromof the Japanese
Theofcontrastsarereds come fromof the Japanese
Theofcontrasts
arecome fromthe leaves
the J
t the end of April, usually around
Springthein leavesthe mountains
begins rowan.
at the end
April, usuallyaroundSpringthein leavesthe mountains
begins rowan.
at the end
April, usuallyaroundrecommended).
The
size
of
backpack
will
The
size
of
backpackwill
eters,is popularwith by
novicehikers. begin
Most
ng
routesare graded
The light
main
hikingroutesaregradedbythethe level begin
to maketheirappearance,
presenting
a colorful
contrastwithto maketheirappearance,
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contrast
withbegin
to maketheir cash
appearance,
5beginWhilemarked,bring
for paymeven
more
breathtaking
after
snowfalls,
which
begin
in Octoeven morebreathtaking
after lightsnowfalls,
which
in Octoeven
morebreathtaking
after
lighp
olden
Week.
Huts
throughout
thethe level
theholiday
periodknown
as Golden
Week.
Huts
throughout
theholiday
periodknown
as Golden
Week.
Huts
throughout
thethe trails are welldepend on the length
depend on the lengththeremainingelds.
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hikes,
however,
it as
is A
best
the remaining
elds.
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hikes,
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is besttheremaining
snowﬁ
elds.
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a map
useful
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need
small
chan
and becomeheavierandasautumnprogresses.
berand becomeheavierandas autumn
progresses.
berand becomeheavierandround
thataretime
as A
popularity
de- to theon berparksnowﬁ
begin
opening
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that time
popularity
de- to theparksnowﬁ
begin
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popularity
de-and compass areummitsaccessible,
dependingoneʼsratings
fromto E (refer
of
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culty
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are slippery,
alreadyThe
open,
becausetochooserouteswheremountainhuts
are slippery,
alreadyThe
open,
becausechooserouteswheremountainyou
get disoriented. toto usetoilets.
D
uring
this
period,
snow
makes
the
trailsleading
topeaks,
an the
inD
uring
this
period,
snow
makes
the
trailsleading
topeaks,
an the
inD
uring
this
period,
snow
makes
thh
ow. Summer
The higher
peaks,foliage
such as
Mt.
mands
and
the
meltingsnows
allow.
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Mt.
mands
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the
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allow.
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Mt.
:
AlpinewithAutumn:Spring:Snowremains
Winterthrough:
HotakaMountain
SummerRange:
Alpinefoliagewith
Autumn:Spring:Snowremains
Winterthrough:
HotakaMountain
SummerRange:
Alpinefoliagewith
Autumn:Winplan on carrying a
you plan on carrying aexpertise,
timeof year,and that
the weather
here are thesomehikingroutesattached
map).
There
are someafter
hiking routesyou
thatweatheris ﬁckle and sometrails may
yet
be fully restored
weather
isaccidents.
ﬁckle andTemperaturessometrails may
be fully restored
after
weather
isaccidents.
ﬁckle andTemperatures
some trails mcreasecandropdrastically,sosure
tocompletely
creaseincandropdrastically,sosure
tocompletely
creaseinonendake,are all still
completely
Yarigatake,Hotaka,andnotMt.
Jonendake,
arebeallstill
Yarigatake,
Mt.
Hotaka,andnotMt.yetJonendake,
arebeallstill
Mt. Yarigatakein thedistance.
Foliagein
inaccidents.
Karasawa
spring in Temperatures
theNortherncovered
Alps
with
deep
Mt.
snow
Yarigatakein thedistance.
FoliageinKarasawa
springintheNortherncovered
Alps
with
deep
Mt.
snow
Yarigatakeinthedistance.
FoliageinKarasawa
cove
ng
route
AMt.
well
maintained
hikingroute
Helmettent. Putting the contents
tent. Putting the contents When usedns.
winterwarm
damage.
winterwarm
damage.
winterwarm
damage.
dders
ascendand descend
steep carryuse
andladders
ascendand descend
steep carryhiking wear
toinchainsprevent
This
is
also
hiking wear toinpreventis alsocarryhiking wear to preven
pons,
iceto
axes,
and experiencearesnow-covered
spring, hypothermia.
socrampons,
iceto
axes,
andwhenexperiencearesnow-covered
spring, hypothermia.
so crampons, This
ice axes,
andwhenexperience arein plastic bags and using a
in plastic bags and using aappropriately, these3 rainy season
The
peaksummerclimbingseasonbegins
after
the
rainy
seasonThe
peaksummerclimbingseasonbegins
after
the
The
peak summer
climbingsea
Helmetsarehighly recommended
the mountainhuts begin
closingplaces,
for winter.
the mountainhuts begin closing for winter.
themountainhuts begin
closingfoessential.
essential.
llowing
is
a
guide
to
hikingthemountains
d
the
use
of
helmetsisrecomrocky
and
the
use
of
helmetsisrecomcover for the pack isFrom November to June, the mountain peaks inrain cover for the pack is can be helpful,sangaku
National
Park inwelcomesAlps
are divided
into hik- hikers
The Northern
Alps
are divided
hikne,
theroutes
mountainpeaks
From November
to June,theroutes
mountainpeaks inintorain
ends, usually in mid- to late July. All the huts are open, the summits
ends, usually in mid- to late July. All the huts are open, the summits
ends,
in mid- to late July. A
on some diﬃcult routes.
Askusuallyatparticularly foralso
recommended.
also
recommended.
ationalpark.
Hikers
are
urged
to
check
the
routes.
mendedonthoseroutes.
mer
SummerSummer
Winterestic
alpinelandscapeof towering peaks,
le forhikersandinclimbing/scaling
ingcanroutes
suitableforandinclimbing/scalingParkarecoveredsnow̶
ChubusangakuParkarehikers
coveredsnow̶
Chubusangaku
Parkany
arespecial
coveredin snow̶are snow free,
and most
be National
climbedwithoutany
specialequipare snow free,
and most can Winterbe National
climbedwithout
equipareyou
snow
be cl
the mountain hut wherearefree, and most can Win
beginners, by
ment.
this
is aNorthern
populartimeforpeopleto visit.
The only
best
ment.
Naturally,
thisis aNorthern
populartimeforpeopleto visit.
The only
best
Naturally,
thisis aNorthern
popularstaying.
Some huts oﬀment.
er rentals.
ilandweather
conditions
thoroughly
andNaturally,gheroutescangetandPopularhikingroutescangetandSnowfallisinaccessible
heavy
in theAlps,
andapproaches
shouldSnowfall
is
heavy
in
the
Alps,
and
approaches
shouldSnowfall
is
heavy
in
the
lateroutes
June
and
lasts
about
month.
The
rainy
seasonusually
startsinlateroutes
June
and
lasts
about
month.
The
rainy
seasonusually
starts
in
late
June
and
lasts
about
a
month.
opes,
clear
mountainstreams,
and diversegmarkedonacrowded
the
map
that
routes.
hikingmarkedonacrowded
the map 4thatmostexpertclimbers.
to The
all
but
the
most
expertclimbers.
inaccessible
to
all
but
the
most
expertclimbers.
Hiking pants
4 Hiking pants
distributing theplan
is to hikeearlier
inexperienced
theday, thisas afternoon
squalls
arefewa whenregularplan
is to hikeearlier
inexperienced
theday, thisas afternoon
squalls
arefewa whenregularplan
is to hikeby
earlierin the day,beattempted
byhighlyhikers.
butparticularly
veryof thebeattempted
byhighlyhikers.
butareveryof theattempted
highly
there
are5
days
when years.
the
skies
are
However,even
duringperiod,
there
are
the
skies areHowever,even
duringperiod,All
there
days
the skies are Until the berangeʼsgraniteis Allunder
5days
millionyears.
under
millionadventof impact
helicopters,on experienc
the legsev
muchinformation
asuntilpossible
beforesetkers,
particularly
duringhighseajammed
withhikers,duringhighseavarieties
oflateplantandanimallife.
Theoccurrence.
park
hikersinthesnow-freeseasonarehikingsuitableforhikersinthe Julysnow-freeseason
runs
from
July
The peakseason
runs
from
late
until
hiking season runs from late Julylarger.
until clothing
Lightweight
synthetic,The peakLightweight
synthetic,
Underwear,
Underwear,
1
1
occurrence.
occurrence.
Warmhuts are closed.
enjoytheseotherareactivities,
as for hiking.
huts are closed.
enjoytheseotherareactivities,
as for hiking.
huts are closed.
However,
visitorshese are the best times for hiking.
clear,However,and somevisitors
expertscan
believethe bestsuch
times
clear,However,and somevisitors
expertscan
believethe bestsuch
times
1
1
and
adding
extra
or
base
layer
or
base
layer
The
great,
U-shapedvalleysofthesemountains,
hapedvalleysofthesemountains,wascarried
up
by
hand,
and
anyonewhohunconstricting
long
pants
unconstricting
long
pants
The
local
touristassociationsarereliableer
andinweekends.
son
in
the
summerandinweekends.
Alps
Yarisnowshoe⁄ Hotaka⁄ few
Norikura
Mountain
Range
Chubusangaku
Park
Hiking
Guide&
Map
Part
well-developed
systemand mounough
October)
are
laid
asof
trails,with(roughlyJulythrough
October)arelaid
as trails,
witheratures
range
from
15
Ctrails
mid-August,whentemperatures
range
from
15
C
mid-August,whentemperatures
from
15 C
skiing andhiking,at
lower
altitudes.
skiing Nationaland snowshoe
hiking,at
lower
altitudes.
skiing and snowshoe
hiking,at low, and Japanesealpineﬂowersofall varieties
There
are
peopleonthetrails,and alpine
ﬂowersofthe
all varieties
There
are
few
peopleonin
thetrails,Birthplace
and alpinerange
ﬂ
owers
ofthe
all varieties
BirthplaceoftheClimbing
intheBirthplaceofClimbing
theofpoints ofcontact.
A
ﬂ
eece,
down,
or
synthetic
AutumnAutumnAutu
Lightsynthetic
fabricorLightsynthetic
fabricor(or shorts over tights).
(or shorts over tights).

to
out
Hike
TrailsHikinghe Northern Alps

When
About
to Hike
TrailsWhat toWhen
Bring:to Hike
Hiking Equipment

What to Bri
Hiking Equip

to
out
Hike
TrailsHikinghe Northern Alps

When
About
to Hike
TrailsWhat toWhen
Bring:to Hike
Hiking Equipment

What to Bri
Hiking Equip

ric
Geography
View:
and
A Historic View:
A Tradition
A HistoricofView:
A Tradition
2H
Geology
Hikersas the
onand
the
face
Mt.
were Supporting
on
the
face
Mt.
climb withSupportinga full backpack can wellofinformation,asarevisitorto
cenandchallenging
routes.
Itindicate
iswerehome
10 to 25 C such
such
as of
that
signposts
inone
places
such
as of
ses
from
5junctions
C
to Yarigatake,15 theC atlocal
at lower
altitudes
from
5junctions
C
to Yarigatake,15 that
C at indicate
to 25 C at lower altitudes and from 5 C to 15theC at

What to Bring:
Hiking Equipment

with
Hikingthe Northern Alps is far more enjoyable

best
hen
you have the right equipment. It is morethemfortable, lowers risk, and allows you to adapt
afterchanging weather conditions. For a summer hike,asonsuggest you wear or bring the following.
mits
uipbestHiking Equipment List
ular
Underwear,
1
Warm clothing
1

Hiking the Northern Alps is far more enjoyable

Hiking the Northern Alps is far more enjoyable

when you have the right equipment. It is morewhen you have the right equipment. It is more

comfortable, lowers risk, and allows you to adapt

comfortable, lowers risk, and allows you to adapt

to changing weather conditions. For a summer hike,to changing weather conditions. For a summer hike,we suggest you wear or bring the following.

we suggest you wear or bring the following.

Hiking Equipment List

Warm clothing
Hiking shirt〇〇
or baseHiking
layer shirt
Hikingpants
Hiking pants〇〇
A ﬂeece, down,
synthetic
A ﬂeece, down, or synthetic
Lightorsynthetic
fabric or
Socks
Socks
〇
〇
jacket and warm
hat andglovesjacket and warm hat and gloves
wool
that
will
dry
quickly.
cto〇〇
are also recommended forGloves
the
are also recommended forGloves
the
heir
〇
〇
colder temperatures
at Hatcolder temperatures at Hat
Middlelayer
2orks
Warm clothing
Warm clothinghigher altitudes.
higher altitudes.
Rainwear
Rainwear〇〇eas,
Quick-drying shirt
Hiking boots
Hiking boots〇〇
ﬁnd(long-sleeved recommended).
Windproof and waterproof
Windproof and waterproof
Gaitors
Gaitorsanʼsjacket with a hood and pants
jacket with a hood and pants
Change of clothes
Change of clothes
Emergency ﬁrst 3
aid Backpack
kit
Emergency ﬁrst aid kit
iant
2(breathable
fabric(breathable fabricRainwear
Rainwear〇〇arerecommended).
The size of backpack willrecommended).
Backpack
Backpack
with〇〇
ctoHikingthe Northern
Alps
is
far
more
enjoyable
HikingtheNorthern
Alps
is
far
more
enjoyable
depend on the length
best
Backpack cover
Backpack cover
sses.
hen
you
have
right
It
is
more
when
you
have
the
right
equipment.
It
is
more
ofthe
the hikeand equipment.
whether Trekking
poles 〇
theHeadlamp
HeadlampTrekking poles 〇inyou plan on carrying a
mfortable,
lowersrisk,
andallowsyoutoadapt
comfortable,
lowersrisk,
andallowsyou to adapt
after
Spare
batteries
Sparebatteries
e toHelmet tent. Putting the contents When used
HelmetWhen usedToiletries
Toiletries
henchanging
weather
conditions.
tochanging
weather
conditions.
Forasummerhike,Forasummerhike,appropriately,
these
appropriately,
thesein plastic bags and using a3
ason
Helmets are highly recommended
Helmets are highly recommended
Towel
Towel
〇
〇
can be helpful,rain coverfor the thepack following.
is can be helpful,suggest
you
wear
or
bring
we
suggest
you
wear
or
bring
the
following.
mits
on some diﬃcult routes. Ask
aton some diﬃcult routes. AskatSunglasses
Sunglasses
Headlamp
Headlamp〇〇
particularly forparticularly foralso recommended.
uipthe mountain hut where youarethe mountain hut where youareSunblock
Sunblock〇〇
beginners, by
beginners, by
best
staying. Some huts oﬀer rentals.
staying. Some huts oﬀer rentals.
only
Map
Map
Hiking Equipment
List〇
Hiking Equipment
List〇
4 Hiking pants
distributing the
distributing theulartheCompass impact on the legs
Compass impact on the legs
Lightweight
synthetic,
1
Warm clothing
Warm clothingh as
1 Underwear,
utensil(pen)Writing
utensil(pen)Hikingshirt
Hiking shirt
and adding extra 〇and adding extra 〇or baseWriting
layer
unconstricting
long pants
Emergency
ﬁ
rst
aid
kit
Emergency
ﬁrst ofaidcontact.
kit
pointsofcontact.
pointsHikingpants
Hikingpants〇〇
A ﬂeece, down,
orsynthetic
A
ﬂ
eece,
down,
or
synthetic
Lightsynthetic
fabric or(or shorts
over tights).
Toiletpaper
Toilet paper
〇
〇
Socks
Socks
jacket and warm
hat andglovesjacket and warm hat and gloves
wool
that
will
dry
quickly.
cto4
Camping
stove&fuelCamping
stove&fuel
GlovesGloves〇〇are also recommended
for
the
are
also
recommendedforthe
5 Boots
heir
Knife
Knife
〇
〇
colder temperatures
at Hatcolder temperatures at Hat
layer
2 Middleorks
High-cut hiking/trekking boots
Dishes&cutlery
Dishes&cutleryWarmclothing
Warmclothing
higher altitudes.
higher altitudes.
Rainwear
Rainwear
〇
〇
eas,
shirt
with good ankle
supportMap
and
Map and Quick-drying
Food/snacks
Food/snacks〇〇
Hikingboots
Hikingboots
ﬁnd(long-sleeved
recommended).
be worn Windproof
compass
compass and traction, toEmergency
and waterproof
Windproof
and waterproof
Cash
Cash
tent
Emergency
tent
Gaitors
GaitorsanʼsEmergency
Emergencywith heavy, warm socks. jacket with a hood and pants
jacket with a hood and pants
Garbagebag
Garbagebag
ChangeofTheclothes
ChangeofTheclothes
Emergency
rst 3
aid
kit
Emergency
rst aidkit
Alwaysﬁcarry
a detailed
mapof
Alwaysﬁcarry
a detailed
mapof
mountainhuts〇
do notmountain huts〇
do notiant
Backpack
tent
tent
2
(breathable
fabric(breathable fabric
Trekking poles
Trekking poles
Rainwear
Rainwear
your route, as well as a compass.
your route, as well as a compass.
accept credit cards,〇so be sure toaccept credit cards,〇so be sure toarerecommended).
recommended).
The size of backpack
will
Cash
Cash
Backpack
Backpackwith
5〇 You will
〇 You will
While
trails are wellmarked,trails are wellmarked,bring cashfor payment.
bring cashfor payment.
ctoHikingthe theNorthern
Alps
is far moreenjoyable
HikingWhile
the theNorthern
Alps
is far moreenjoyable
depend on the length
Mobile phone
Mobile phone
best〇 to pay〇 to pay
Backpack
cover
Backpackcover
a map and compass are usefula map and compass are usefulalsoneed small change
alsoneed small change
sses.
hen
you have oftheright
It ispoles
morewhen you have the right equipment.
It ispoles
more
the hikeand equipment.
whether Trekking
theHeadlampto
HeadlampTrekking
if you get disoriented.
if you get disoriented.
use toilets.
to use toilets.
〇〇inyou plan on carryinga Mandatory
Recommended Mandatory
Recommended〇〇
mfortable,
lowersrisk, andallowsyou
to adapt
comfortable,
lowers risk, andallowsyou
to adapt
after
Spare
batteries
Sparebatteries
e toHelmetHelmetWhen used
tent. Putting the contents When usedToiletries
Toiletries
henchanging
weather
conditions.
to changing weather conditions.
Foraappropriately,
a summer thesehike,
For appropriately,
a summer thesehike,in plasticbags and using
3
ason
Helmets are highly recommended
Helmetsarehighlyrecommended
Towel
Towel
〇
〇
can be helpful,rain coverfor the thepack following.
is can be helpful,suggest
you
wear
or
bring
we
suggest
you
wear
or
bring
the
following.
mits
on some diﬃcult routes. Ask
aton some diﬃcult routes. AskatSunglasses
Sunglasses
Headlamp
Headlamp〇〇
particularly forparticularly foralso recommended.
uipthe mountain hut where youarethe mountain hut where youareSunblock
Sunblock〇〇
beginners, by
beginners, by
best
staying. Some huts oﬀer rentals.
staying. Some huts oﬀer rentals.
only
Map
Map
Hiking Equipment
List〇
Hiking Equipment
List〇
4 Hiking pants
distributing the
distributing theulartheCompass
Compasslarger. Until
the adventof impact
helicopters,
larger. Until the adventof impact
helicopters,on the legseverything
on the legseverything
Lightweight
synthetic,
1
Warm clothing
Warm clothingh as
1 Underwear,
Writingshirt
utensil(pen)Writingshirt
utensil(pen)HikingHikingand adding extra 〇and adding extra 〇
or
base
layer
was
carried
up
by
hand,
and
anyone
who
has
made
was
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pants
Japanese Alps
⁄ Norikura Mountain Range
Chubusangaku National
Parkmade
Emergency
ﬁrst ofaidcontact.
kitYari ⁄ Hotaka
Emergency
ﬁrst ofaidcontact.
kit
pointspointsHikingpants
Hikingpants〇〇
A ﬂeece, down,
orsynthetic
A ﬂeece, down, or syntheticLightsynthetic
fabric or(or shorts
over tights).
the climb
witha fullbackpackcanwellimagine
the
climb
with
a
full
backpackcanwellToilet paper
Toilet paper〇〇 imagine
Socks
Socks

What to Bring:
Hiking Equipment

What to Bring:
Hiking Equipment

Hiking A
Tips
Tradition of
Supporting Hikers

Hiking Tips

Hiking Equipment List
Hiking shirt〇
Hiking pants
〇
Socks
〇
Gloves〇Hat〇
Warm clothing〇
Hiking boots〇
Gaitors
Change of clothes
Emergency ﬁrst aid kit
Rainwear〇〇
Hiking the Northern AlpsBackpack
is far more enjoyable
Backpack coverwhen you have the right equipment. It is more
Headlamp〇
comfortable, lowers risk, andallowsyou to adapt
Sparebatteries
Toiletries
to changing weather conditions.
For a summer hike,Towel〇
we suggest you wear or bring the following.
Sunglasses
Headlamp〇
Sunblock〇
Map
Hiking Equipment List〇
Compass
Writing
utensil(pen)〇Hiking shirt
Emergency
Hikingpantsﬁrst aid kit〇
Toilet paper〇
Socks
Camping stove&fuel
Gloves
〇
Knife
Hat
〇
Dishes&cutleryWarmclothing〇
Food/snacks〇
Hikingboots
Emergency tent
Gaitors
Emergency
Garbagebag〇
Changeof clothes
Emergency ﬁtent
rst aid kit
Trekking poles
Rainwear〇
Cash〇
Hiking the Northern AlpsBackpack
is far more enjoyable
Mobile phone〇
Backpack
cover
when you have the right equipment. It is more
Headlamp〇
 Mandatory
Recommended〇
comfortable, lowers risk, andallowsyou
to adapt
Sparebatteries
Toiletries
to changing weather conditions. For a summer hike,Towel〇
we suggest you wear or bring the following.
Sunglasses
Headlamp〇
Sunblock〇
Map
Hiking Equipment List〇
Compass
Writingshirt
utensil(pen)Hiking〇Hiking Guide& Map
Emergency
Hikingpantsﬁrst aid kit〇
Toilet paper〇
Socks

Hiking Tips

Part

3

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Guide&
Map
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and sedimentaryrocks,
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Geology
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https://alpinewonderland.com/

Kamikochi Visitor Center

TEL: 0263-95-2606

Kamikochi Information Center

TEL: 0263-95-2433

Norikura Visitor Center

TEL: 0263-93-2045

Sawando National Park Gate

TEL: 0263-93-3355

Shinhotaka Mountaineering Advice Center

TEL: 0578-89-3610

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Published by Chubusangaku National Park Oﬃce,Ministry of the Environ
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Information

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TEL: 0263-95-2606

Kamikochi Information Center

TEL: 0263-95-2433

Norikura Visitor Center

TEL: 0263-93-2045

Sawando National Park Gate

TEL: 0263-93-3355

Shinhotaka Mountaineering Advice Center

TEL: 0578-89-3610

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Information

Alpine Wonderland(Chubusangaku National Park Southern Region)

https://alpinewonderland.com/

Kamikochi Visitor Center

TEL: 0263-95-2606

Kamikochi Information Center

TEL: 0263-95-2433

Norikura Visitor Center

TEL: 0263-93-2045

Sawando National Park Gate

TEL: 0263-93-3355

Shinhotaka Mountaineering Advice Center

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Enjoying
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Fauna
fromthethe east,
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crust skyward

ago during the Pliocene epoch, when compression

Chubusangaku National Park

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Geography andGeology

at a considerable depth below the earthʼs surface.

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the hiking
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Guide&Map
A well maintained
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Hiking Guide& Map

hplaceBirthplaceof TheBirthplaceofJapanesThe oJNational Park

Hiking Guide& Map

Japanese Alps

hplaceBirthplaceof TheBirthplaceofJapanes
The oJ

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Guide&
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Besides volcanic Hiking
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of the mountains here consist of granite pierced
The following is a guide to hiking the mountains
by crystalline rocks containing feldspar and quartz.
of the national park. Hikers are urged to check theGranite is created when magma cools and solidiﬁes
latest trail and weather conditions thoroughly andat a considerable depth below the earthʼs surface.
gather as much information as possible before setThe granite here is some of the newest in the world:ting out. The local tourist associations are reliable
for example, while most of Japanʼs granite wassources of information, as are the local visitor cenformed 50 to 130 million years ago, the age of thisters. Hiking guides, some of them multilingual, can
The theNorthern
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mountain”),
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ationalroutes.park. Hikers are urged to check themendedon Summer
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mer
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enjoytheseotherareactivities,
as for hiking.
huts areclosed.
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visitorshese
are the
best
times
for
hiking.
clear,However,and somevisitors
expertscan
believethe bestsuch
times
clear,
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ite
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The
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rst
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1925
The
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Banryu.
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ascetics,
mountainstotheworld.
After
climbing
severalofmountainstotheworld.
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climbing
severalofmountainstotheworld.
A
pleasurefor
tired
hikerswho
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sourceofgreatpleasurefor
tired
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soak
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foliage.
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are
often
on
t
The
great,
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hapedvalleysthesemountains,
was carried
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and anyone
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unconstricting
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erandlocalin weekends.
son
in
the
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in weekends.
hiking,at lower
altitudes.
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ofthe
all varieties
There arefew
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Climbing
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peaks,
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peaks,
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peaks
mineralwaters.
inthesteaming
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lines
when
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to
rescueoperations,such as the one on the face of Mt. Yarigatake, wereonthe face of Mt.
the climb with a full backpack can wellof information,
as Yarigatake,are the localwere
visitor censetoAlps”“Japanese Alps”“Japanese Alps”
50
130
millionyearsKaago, the age ofthis ters and hunters,
hunternamed
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onehunternamed
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and one hunter
KamijoKaand Explorationin theduring
Japanese
Mountaineeringand Explorationin theJapanese
Mountaineering
and
Exp
ing
communications
and,havein someareas,
sut
4 namedgougedout
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laciers
duringtheice Mountaineeringhow
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this
must
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ng guides,
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5 Boots
Japanʼs
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Alps
are
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There Alps,
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inguidingoperation
There
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mountaintheﬁrst
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rst years
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rst non-JapaAlps, which
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Londoninﬁ1896.
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publishadjacent clinics
that
basic
medicalthat
endedsome 10,000
ago. Further
some
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ago.
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deliveries
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enjoyable
by providing
High-cut hiking/trekking boots
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boots
hat
dividemainisland creof Honshu.
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owland,to thepeakof Mt.
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Like his nesecompatriot,
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creaciers,
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u
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Geography
View:
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and traction,
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athe
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expressed
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whom
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Europeansangaku
National
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with
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ated
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ng
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The mountainhuts
i era of
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ks
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5
While the trails are well marked,
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ee countryʼseast, pushing(1603‒1867),
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riod (1603‒1867),
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the beginning
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ed
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Alpinewasfoundedin1905,
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ral Summer
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reasactive
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WalterWestonandKamonjiKamijoWalterWestonKamonjiKamijoWalterWestonandKamonjiKamijor special
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pilgrimage
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Alpsis Mt.
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inofJapanesein the samefamilyfor
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mark:
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He
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ous
ascetic training.
priests underwent strenuous ascetic training. ancestors having laid the trails that hikersa
priests underwent
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means “burning
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at the entrance of
mountain”),
at the entrance ofs createdwhenthemagma
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1r
siastic
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Mt.
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another
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Britishclimber,atime
missionary
Kamikochi.
Theregionʼsmany
old centervolcanoesEnzanso
have conquered
regionʼs
manyold
volcanoes
havesolidiﬁ
They takeresponsibility
foraroundmaintenance,siderable
depth
earthʼsa surface.
the areawasdesignatedasa nationalpark
in was1934,
the areawasdesignatedas a natioﬁrstconservation
useof Northern
the whoterm
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to constant
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orts
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orts
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wasinbelow
1828 theby
piece
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Alps,
in 1828
by Untilpiece
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the
Alps,
was
inyears.
1828 by
named
Walterintroduced
Japanʼs
WalterWeston,named
Walterintroduced
Japanʼscontributed
a richlegacyofgeothermal
springs,a tohlegacyofgeothermal
springs,
washed-out
bridges,
restoringdamagedpunder
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rangeʼsgraniteis under5 million
larger.
the namedadventof helicopters,evric
Geography
View:
and
A
Historic
View:
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TraditionA
Historicof
View:
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Tradition
ite
here
is
some
of
the
newestintheworld:
mostoftodayʼshuts
were
alreadyinoperation.
mostoftodayʼshuts
were
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Alps”“theJapanese
Alps”
systemoftrails
and
huts,
there
are
innumerable
systemoftrails
and
huts,
there
are
innumerable
systemoftrailsandhut
Banryu.
Besides
ascetics,
a Buddhist
priestAfter
named
Banryu.several
Besidesa Buddhist
priest
named
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ascetics,
to thesource
world.
climbing
severalofthesemountainstheworld.
A
to the world.
climbing
ofascetics,
ofAftergreat
pleasurefor
tired
hikersmountains,
who soak mountains
pleasurefor
tired
hikersmountains,
who soak mountains
cutting back foliage.
They
are
often
on h
t
haped
valleystheseThegreat,
U-shapedvalleys
by
hand,
andto
anyonewho
Birthplace
ofoftheClimbing
in theBirthplace
ofoftheClimbing
in theBirthplaceof the was carriedAsup
mple,
while
most
of Japanʼs granitedestinations
wasAs thenumbersof mountains
hikers
the
huts
grew
the
numbersof hikers
increasappears
in thehis
writings.
appears
in increased,
hiswritings.
forhikers.
destinationsforhikers.
destinationsforhikers.
Geology
Supporting
HikersSupportingHthedomainofwoodcutthe
were
also
the
domainofwoodcutthemountains
were
also
the
domainofwoodcuttheNorthernAlpsʼ
peaks,
he
wrote
a
book
titledtheNorthern
Alpsʼ
peaks
the
NorthernAlpsʼ
peaks,
he
wrote
a
book
titledinsteaming
mineralwaters.
mineralwaters.
lines
when
it
comes
to
rescueoperations,on the face of Mt. Yarigatake, weresuch as the one on the face of Mt. Yarigatake, werethe climb with a full backpack can wellse Alps”“Japanese Alps”“Japanese Alps”
Portrait of Banryu,

Portrait of Banryu,

The ﬁrst Hotaka hut was build in 1925

The ﬁrst Hotaka hut was build in 1925

Portrait of Banryu,(presently Hotakadake Sanso hut)
Jo-on-ji
Taisho Pond was createdownedby the by
eruptionof Temple
Yakedake in 1915.

byJo-on-ji
Templeuro
withbeautifulformsedownedbytheitseruptionof granite
Yakedakein 1915.

(presentlySansohut) at Yarigatak
owned by Jo-on-ji Temple
Mountain clinic
opensHotakadake
during summer
season50
to 130
millionyearsKaago, the age of this ters and hunters,
hunternamed
Kamijoters and hunters,
and one hunter
KamijoKaandbyone
hunternamed
KamijoKaand Explorationin theduring
Japanese
MountaineeringandExp
and Explorationin thenamed
Japanese
ing
communications
and,havein someareas,
sutlaciers
duringthemost recent ice Mountaineering
gougedout
glaciersthemostrecent ice Mountaineeringhow
diﬃcult this
must
been.
Now,
Japanʼs Mountain Huts
Japanʼs
MountainHorthern
Alps
are
one
of
three
mountain
There
are
about
100
mountainhutsinoperation
There
are
about
100
mountainuidingtheﬁ
rst
non-Japamonji
is
now
famed
for
guidingtheﬁ
rst
non-Japamonji
is
now
famed
for
guidingtheﬁ
rst
non-JapaAlps,
which
was
publishedinLondon
in
1896.
Alps,
which
was
publish
Alps,
which
was
publishedinLondonin
1896.
adjacent clinics
that provide
basic medicalsome 10,000 years ago. Further
age that ended some 10,000 years ago. Further
helicopter
deliveries
and generators,
gu
hat
dividemainisland creof Honshu.
NationalPark,oﬀthroughout
owland,to thepeakof Mt.
climber,
Gowland,to thepeakofMt. suchclimber,to thepeakof Mt. throughout
Like his nesecompatriot,
heWilliam
was guided
bybeganKamonji,for ChubuLikeChubusangaku
hiscompatriot,
he crewa
his nesecompatriot,
heWilliam
was guided
byering
Kamonji,for Chubupan
began
inthe
the
ChubuModern
alpinism
in Gowland,Japanin andtheModernalpinism
in
Japan
began
in theaciers,rivers,andavalanches
weathering
byglaciers,
rivers,avalanches
cre- LikeChubusangaku
enjoyoﬀerings
as draftbeer, Nationice

reformedbetween2peaksto 5 sharp
million whomyears hesafetysupport,andinmeals,
accommodation,
safetyandwasatheBritishengineer
Yarigatake
inhigh1877.
Gowlandwasa British
engineer
Yarigatake
inhigh1877.
Gowlandwas
athe
Britishengineer
expressed
praisein leaving
the
book.
whom he expressedhigh swhom heexpressed
praisein thebook.
thearrivalof European
sangaku
National
Park
with
the
arrivalof European
sangaku
National
Park
with
the
arrivalof European,thleaving
mountainated
steep
slopes,mountainpeaks meals,
sharp accommodation,
ﬁlling, hotmeals.
formation.
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may
have
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small
formation.
Theiroriginsmay
andarchaeologist,
one
Mountaineering
becam
Mountaineering
becameanincreasingly
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Birds
Mammals
Birds
Mammals
i era of
(1868‒1912).
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mountaineers
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Meiji
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mountaineers in the Meiji era (1868‒1912). ButTheas huts have deep connections withhav
aces
the mountains
and ragged.
faces
the mountains
thealled shishiudo in Japan, this is a native plant with
Called shishiudo in Japan, this is a native plant withtectonic
platesresultedinathrust-fault
shelters
built by asloggersandhunters
in thealpine
Edo peshelters
built by asloggers
andemplohunteofthe many
internaof Europeans
the many
internaintroduced
alpineactivity
Europeans
intro
Europeans
introduced
techniques
climbing
in theseinotherregionsof Japan,climbing
in theseinotherregionsof Japan,climbing
in these mounks
and boulders
ofmounall shapes and activity as
leaving
manyrocks
andtechniquesbouldersofmounall shapes
and activity
locations.
The operators
and
their

Enjoying
Making the Most ofTips Making
for Lodging
the M
a
he
Flora
and
Fauna
Your
Stay
Mountain
Your
Huts
Stay
ee countryʼseast,
pushing(1603‒1867),
but asmountaineeringoﬀ atJapanese
riod (1603‒1867),
as
mountaintionalexperts
invittionalhas
experts
invitand climbing
gear
into
the
country.
The Japaneseand climbing
gear
into knthand climbing
gear
into
the
country.
The
indigenous
re- tocrust
tains
its
roots
in
the
indigenous
re- to riod
tains
has
its
roots
in
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indigenous
re- encyclopedias
landscapeand theare earthʼsusedmarkskyward
sizes
that
dot
the countryʼslandscapeand are usedmarklivingwhobutshare
theirAngelica
pubescensepoch, when compression
Angelica pubescens
ng the Pliocene
and archaeologist,
Mountaineering
became one
an increasingly
popularelicate white blossoms resembling ﬁreworks thatmerge from its tall stems in July and August.

The park is home
Bird watchers
to many creatures
will ﬁnd the park
delicate white blossoms resembling ﬁreworks that
protected
throughgreat and small,a habitat
for migratory
emerge from its tall stems in July and August.
conservation andand nonmigratory
awareness programs.
species, including:

The park is home
Bird watchers
to many creatures
will ﬁnd the parkprotected
throughgreat and small,a habitat
for migratory
conservation andand nonmigratory
awareness programs.
species, including:

The park is home to many creatures
great and small, protected throughconservation and awareness programs.

ming
this long seriesof mountains.
the totwentieth
century,huts
began
the beginningof
the wastwentieth
cen
ed
Japan
to in
help
ed to
Japan
to in
help
Alpine Clubwasfounded1905,
andphenomena,
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Club
foundedAlpineofClubwasfounded1905,
andthe ﬁrst uniral phenomena,
includingligion,
which
deiﬁ
es
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which
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es
naturalphenomena,
includingthehikingtrails.
about thenaturalenvironment,
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comeacross
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plant
UnlikemostmountainlodgesinEurope,many
Unlikemostmountainlodgesinsvolcanic
andsedimentaryrocks,
many
to
focus
on
serving
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needs
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hikers.
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to
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with
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versityalpineclub
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University
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Japanʼsmountainhuts
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in
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Beech(Faguscrenata)
Japanese
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edake(whosename
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conqueredbyenthusiastic
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another
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They
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oots
helps
prevent
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prevent
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wathe
area
was
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park
in
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natio
bed
even earlier than
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ﬁrstconservation
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ps,legacy
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by
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Japanʼs
Walterintroduced
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ite
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some
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system oftrails
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Theﬁbasicrst
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Theﬁbasic
rst
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Banryu.
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mountainsto theworld.
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autumn.soak
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autumn.

espite being a beloved bird, it is now on

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carried Japaneseout of the pa

shirakaba, is found throughout
white birch, oreven-toed bovine, a kind Theof goat-antelope.
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quire considerablee(presently
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uro
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forhikers.
destinationsfordestinations
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list.
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to 1915. granitedestinations
theendangered
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to 1915.
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mineralwaters.
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other plantWhite
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Japanese
Birch(Betula platyphylla)sapanese
spot them quite frequently.
humans,hikersspot
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humans,hikersthespotthem quite
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shika
,
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,
which
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so
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othersment
system,botholearning
inadvancehowthingsaredone.
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are
50
to
130
million
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the
age
of
this
Chubusangaku
NationalParkhunternamed
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and one hunter
Kamijo Katers and hunters,
and one hunter
Kamijo
KaMountaineeringand Explorationin thenamed
Japanese
Mountaineeringand Explorationin thenamed
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MountaineeringExpingcommunications
and, in some andareas,
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he white birch, or shirakaba, is found throughout

and altitude.
centor(Prunella
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rst non-Japa-ndbe recognized
its white,ﬂaky bark andkedcanbrown
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mountainsaltitudes
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mountainmonjiwasisinnow
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rst non-JapaAlps, which
publishedinLondon
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is considered
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innow
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basic
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atof
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its white,ﬂaky bark andWith its streaked
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Nagano and Toyama prefectures, and is therefore a
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helime-green
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Britishareas
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Yarigatake
1877.
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precognizable
its straightstems with multiple
can be foundat elevations byof over
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Asian Black
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(UrsusAsianBlackalmost everyone leaves by
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o
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alled
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Guide&Map
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The
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into thecountry.
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e foundfrom
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owland,tothetheof(iwahiMt. in autumn.
Veratrumme-greenleavesthat peakturn
goldenyellowpottedbreast,alpineaccentor

Enjoying
he Flora and Fauna

Making the Most ofYour Stay

Tips Making
for Lodging
the M
a
5
Mountain
Your
Huts
Stay

JR Oito L
25 minNakabusa

To

Kamikochi

in

in

25
m

25
m

35m
in

in

Hoon

To

JR Oito L
25 minGetting There

Toyoshina

m
35

35m
in

JR Oito Line
5min

Hotakain

45min

Shinhotaka RopewayinToyoshina

m
35

Hoon

JR Oito L
25 minTo

Nakabusa

Getting ThereTo Toyama

JR Oito Line
5min

Hotakain

45min

Shinhotaka Ropewayin

JR Takayama Line (Express Hida)m
35

Toyoshina

To Toyama

JR Oito Line
5min

Hotakain

Hoon

Nakabusa

Tips forThere
Lodging at
Getting
Mountain Huts

Hiking Tips

m
55

m
55

m
55

45min

Shinhotaka Ropeway

To Toyama

Tips Making
forThere
Lodging
the Most
at ofGetting
Mountain
Your
Huts
Stay

Recommended〇 Mandatory
about their surroundings.
● Helmets are recommended for some of the more diﬃcult sections.
● The weather can change very quickly in alpine locations. Be prepared and check forecasts often.
● Headlamps can be lifesavers when hikers are caught by nightfall
thetrail,
or for predawn
At on
diﬃ
cult
passages,
calling departures.
Paint marks like this a used to● Atohiking
registration
form shouldbe trails.
submitted at the trailhead
outeach othercanmark
or youon theis extremely important in case of emerhelp
passInternet.
in a safeThis
place
gencies.
● In the case of an accident, you may incur costs for searching and● When hikers going in opposite directions meet, those who arerescuing. It is advisable to take out mountaineering insurance orascendinghaveinsurance
priority. that covers hiking (it is possible to apply
travel accident● Rocks on the trails are sometimes marked with a circle for thefor this at a vending machine in Kamikochi)
correct
path oranisXeﬀ
fora direction
to avoid.
● A
navigationapp
ectiveto prevent
losing your way (there is a
● When a dislodged rock can endanger people below, hikers call out
free English version). It is best to install it on your smartphone in“Raku!” anabbreviationof rakusekirock”). Conveniently,
advance,anddownload map
data of(“fallingyour destination.
raku is pronounced much like the word “rock.”● The mountain slopes can be very steep, and going oﬀ-trail may
Nakabusa
Trail
not only damage the environment but also place
you in danger.
Onsen● Listen to advice from mountain-hut staﬀ, who are knowledgeable
Mt.
Mt.Tsubakuro
Taxi
about theirsurroundings.
Sugoroku● Bus
Helmets are recommended for some of the more diﬃcult sections.
Mt.
Mt.
Otensho●Train
The weather can changeYarigatake
very quickly in alpine
locations. Be prepared and check forecasts often.
Ropeway● Headlamps can be lifesavers when hikers are caught by nightfall
thetrail,
or for predawn
At on
diﬃ
cult
passages,
calling departures.
Paint marks like this a used to● Atohiking
registration
form shouldbe trails.
submitted at the trailhead
outeach othercanmarkIchino25min
or youon theis extremely important
help
passInternet.
in a safeThis
placesawa in case of emergencies.
Nishi
hotaka● In the case of an
accident, you may incur costs for searching and
guchi
Mt.
rescuing. It is advisable to take out mountaineering
insurance or
Jonentravel accident insurance
thatcovershiking(it is possible to apply
Hotakainm
Mountainfor this at a vending
machine in Kamikochi)
35
Range● A navigation app is eﬀective to prevent losing your way (there is afree English version). It is best to install it on your smartphone in
Mitsumataadvance, and download map data of yourMt. destination.
Hiking Guide& Map ChogatakeinTips forThere
Lodging at
Getting
Mountain Huts

not only damage the environment but also place you in danger.

● Listen to advice from mountain-hut staﬀ, who are knowledgeable

To Hakuba

Tips Making
forThere
Lodging
the Most
at ofGetting
Mountain
Your
Huts
Stay

To Hakuba

Hiking Tips

To Hakuba

Hiking A
Tips
Tradition of
Supporting Hikers

Hiking Tips

25m

Hiking Tips

Headlamp〇
 Mandatory〇
Sparebatteries Recommended
Toiletries● Helmets are recommended for some of the more diﬃcult secTowel〇
tions.
Sunglasses
Headlamp〇● The weather can change very quickly in alpine locations. Be pre〇pared and check forecasts often. Sunblock
Map〇● Headlamps can be lifesavers whenhikers are caught by nightfall
Compasson the trail, or for predawn departures.
Writing
utensil(pen)〇● A hiking registration form should
be submitted
at the trailhead
Emergency
aid kit〇or on the Internet. This is extremely
importantﬁrst
in caseof emerToilet paper〇
gencies.
● In the case of an accident, you may
Camping
stove&fuelincur costs
for searching and● When hikers going in opposite directions
meet, those
who areKnife
rescuing. It is advisable to take out
mountaineering
insuranceor
ascendinghaveinsurance
priority. that covers
travel accident
hiking (it is possible to apply
Dishes&cutlery● Rocks on the trails are sometimes marked with a circle for thefor this at a vending machine in Kamikochi)
Food/snacks〇
path oranisXeﬀ
fora direction
to avoid.
● correct
A navigationapp
ectiveto prevent
losing your
Emergency
tentway (there is a
Emergency● When a dislodged
rock
endanger
peoplehikers call out
free English version).
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installit onbelow,
your smartphonein〇tent of rakuseki (“falling rock”). Conveniently,“Raku!”
abbreviation
advance,ananddownload map
data Trekkingof your destination.
poles
raku is pronounced much like the word “rock.”
Cash〇● The mountain slopes can be very steep, and going oﬀ-trail may
Mobile phone〇
about their surroundings.

35m
inHiking A
Tips
Tradition of
Supporting Hikers

not only damage the environment but also place you in danger.

● Listen to advice from mountain-hut staﬀ, who are knowledgeable

JR Takayama Line (Express Hida)

sses.
not only damage thealso place
you in danger.
not only damage the environment but also place
you in danger.
ofenvironment
the hike and but
whether
Trekking
poles 〇
Trekking
poles 〇
Headlamp
if you get thedisoriented.
if you get thedisoriented.
to use toilets.
to use toilets.
innaturalenvironment,
trails, weather
naturalHeadlamp
environment,
trails, weather● Listen toabout
Listen toabout
advice frommountain-hut
staﬀ
advice from mountain-hut
staﬀ, who are knowledgeableyouplan
on carrying
a, who are knowledgeable Mandatory
Recommended Mandatory
Recommended
〇
〇
Spare
batteries
Sparebatteries
e toHelmetHelmet
When
used
When
used
bout theirsurroundings.
about
their
surroundings.
tent.
Putting
thecontents
conditions, and muchmore. Most huts have been
conditions, and muchmore. Most huts have been
Toiletries appropriately, these
Toiletries
hen
these
● Helmets are recommended for some of theappropriately,
Helmets are recommendedof thea more diﬃcult secmore diﬃcultsecin plastic forbagssome
and using3
Helmets
highlyrecommended
Helmetsarehighlyrecommended
inthe aresame
familyfor generations,theoperatorsʼ
in
the
same
familyfor
generations,the 〇operatorsʼ
Towel
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ese

Part

6

m/
ukyo

Bi
https://alpinewonderland.com/
Matsumoto
City Alps Sangakukyo

https://alps-sangakukyo.jp/
TEL: 0263-94-2221
Kamikochi Visitor Center
TEL: 0263-95-2606
AzuminoTourist Association

https://www.azumino-e-tabi.net/en/
Kamikochi Information Center TEL: 0263-82-3133
TEL: 0263-95-2433
Omachi
City Tourism Association

Bird
a hab
and

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https://alps-sangakukyo.jp/ TEL: 0263-94-2221

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http://www.kanko-omachi.gr.jp/en/
TEL: 0261-22-0190
Norikura Visitor Center
TEL: 0263-93-2045
OkuhidaOnsengo Tourism Association

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http://www.norikuradake.jp/en.html TEL: 0577-78-2345

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Matsumoto City Alps Sangakukyo

Azumino Tourist Association

https://alps-sangakukyo.jp/ TEL: 0263-94-2221

Omachi City Tourism Association

Japanese Rowan (Sorbus commista)

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Okuhida Onsengo Tourism Association

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Hida Norikura Tourism Association

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http://www.norikuradake.jp/en.html TEL: 0577-78-2345

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https://alpinewonderland.com/
Matsumoto
City Alps Sangakukyo

Hikers will come across all kinds of plant

https://alps-sangakukyo.jp/
TEL: 0263-94-2221
Kamikochi Visitor Center
TEL: 0263-95-2606
AzuminoTourist Association

https://www.azumino-e-tabi.net/en/
Kamikochi Information Center TEL: 0263-82-3133
TEL: 0263-95-2433
Omachi
City Tourism Association

http://www.kanko-omachi.gr.jp/en/
TEL: 0261-22-0190
Norikura Visitor Center
TEL: 0263-93-2045
OkuhidaOnsengo Tourism Association

https://www.okuhida.or.jp/en/
TEL: 0578-89-2614
Sawando National Park Gate

TEL:
0263-93-3355
Hida
Norikura
Tourism Association

Japanese Rowan (Sorbus commista)®

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http://www.norikuradake.jp/en.html
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the Environment
Published by Chubusangaku National Park Oﬃce,Ministry of Ministry
the Environmentof theof theLtd.
Editing: Yama-kei Publishers Co.,Ltd.
Environment
Environment
20
Printed in Japan First printing 2020

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Published by Chubusangaku National Park Oﬃce,Ministry of Ministry
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Editing: Yama-kei Publishers Co.,Ltd.
Environment
Environment
20
Printed in Japan First printing 2020

around snowy ﬁelds which symbolizes arrival of early
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https://alpinewonderland.com/
Matsumoto
City Alps Sangakukyo

Azumino Tourist Association

https://alps-sangakukyo.jp/ TEL: 0263-94-2221

Omachi City Tourism Association

https://www.azumino-e-tabi.net/en/ TEL: 0263-82-3133

Okuhida Onsengo Tourism Association

http://www.kanko-omachi.gr.jp/en/ TEL: 0261-22-0190

Hida Norikura Tourism Association

https://www.okuhida.or.jp/en/ TEL: 0578-89-2614

http://www.norikuradake.jp/en.html TEL: 0577-78-2345

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http://www.kanko-omachi.gr.jp/en/
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https://www.okuhida.or.jp/en/
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20
Printed in Japan First printing 2020

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leavesthatturngoldenyellowits
in nameautumn.
ing ininthisharshhas (iwahiearnedof
dish-brownspottedbreast,theenvironment
alpineaccentordish-brownspottedbreast,the alpine
accentor(iwahiprotected species.
protected
species.
protected
specand a reduction
surviving
numbers.
Designatedand a crucial
reductioninsurviving
numbers.
DesignatedPlease
keep
in
mind
that
another
reasonPleasekeep
in mindanoth
Water:
Thereason,
SourceofLifefor
any other
be
sure
tohit
Some
hikershit
thetrails
while
it
is
still
dark,
and
Some
hikersthewhilefreetrails
ofthatcharge,otheri“Queenof theinalpine
ﬂora.”areas
The name
Komakusa (horsebariisendangered
foundmountainwithunder
littlebari
found in mountainwithunder
littleas a ina Japanese)
nationallywildlife
species
as a ina Japanese)
nationallyisendangered
wildlifeareas
species

Enjoying
Mammals
Birds Asian Black Bear Angelica pubescens
Siberian Dwarf Pine
he
Flora
and
Fauna
utcracker
Spotted Nutcracker

Makingthe Most of
Mammals
Birds
Your Stay

Tips Making
for
Lodgingthe M
aMammals
Mountain
Your
Huts
Stay

to thecontribute¥100pforofearly
check-inleaves
is the byimportanceofdaylight
foratbeelevations
for early
check-inleaves
isimportan
the resemblance
to a facea everyone
vegetation.
Itplant)
canthibetanus)
beisfoundelevationsof over 2,000
vegetation.
Ita.m.
canthibetanus)
beSincefoundof over 2,000(UrsusAsian
Black(UrsusAsianBlack
threat of extinction,itderived
will atbefromprecious
experience
ifthreatof extinction,
it will
precious experience
if
almost5:30
orBear
6:00
almosteveryoneby
5:30
oof andguestswithreservations
resourceathighaltitudes. The
horse.
Parsley-likethinleavessend
water
directlytoitsmetersbutusually
wintersatlower
altitudes,
andismetersbutusually
wintersatlower
altitudes,
is
you
spot
it.
you
spot
it.
kuma
, is medium-sized, thisis medium-sized
The Asian black bear, or
The Asian blackbear,
or kuma
The Asian bla
any
rescue need
operations.
suchasaltitudeanyrescue need
operations.
breakfasts
to be Conditions
preparedandserved,breakfasts
toA certain
be Conditions
preparedCalledshishiudo
in Japan,(Pinus
this ispumila)a native plantwithbedroomraisesabout possible
and quantity
at theownrootswillby feedchanging
moistureinight.
the air into water
known for itsthough
beautifulsong,warbledwhile in ﬂ
known for itsthough
beautifulsong,warbledwhile inavailability
ﬂight. concerns
Close
forheCandlargely
herbivorous,
on smallandlargely
herbivorous,
it willfeed
on smallandlargely
The park is home
Bird watchers
to many
creatures
will
ﬁnd the
park
The
park
is homeBird watchers
to many
creatures
will
ﬁnd the
park
The
park
is home toToo
manycreatures
elicatewhite
resemblingﬁreworks) thatdelicateﬁitelds
white
resemblingﬁreworks
thatsicknessandhypothermia
requireaquick
response.
sicknessandhypothermia
requireaccidentsonthetrail.
ata
mountainhutthecan a tree.
)canense ﬁelds
ofblossoms
Siberiandwarf
pine(haimatsu
Dense
ofblossoms
Siberian dwarf
pine (haimatsu
roplets.
Althoughlooking
likea grass,
it is actually
droplets.
huts
depend
on
how
close
they
means
an
even
earlier
start
for
the
hutʼs
staﬀ
.
Evemeansanevenearlierstart
formammals,
birds,
andinsects.
It
sportsadistinctive
mammals,
birds,
andinsects.
It
sportsadistinctive
mammals,birhuts throughcan get ver
protected
throughprotected
throughprotected
great and small,a habitat
for migratory
great and small,a habitat
for migratory
great and small, The
merge
from
its
tall
stems
in
July
and
August.
emerge
from
its
tall
stems
in
July
and
August.
e found at highaltitudescaryocatactes)
near the tree line throughbe found at high altitudescaryocatactes)
near the tree line through(Nucifraga
SpottedNutcracker
are to a water source, but all of
white
patch
in including:the shape of a crescent(Nucifraga
moon on its
white
patch
in including:the shapeof a crescent(Nucifraga
moon on caryocatactes)
its
white
patch inconservation andand nonmigratory
awareness
programs.
conservationand nonmigratory
awareness
programs.
conservation
andduringawareness
programs.
species,andspecies,
ning
meals
are
servedearly
too,usuallyataround
ning
meals
are
served
early
too,
u
peak
seasonut the park,orcreating
a safe havenfor the Japaneseout
the park,orcreating
a safe haven for the Japanese
strive to conserve water.
nutcracker,
hoshi-garasu,
is a memspotted
nutcracker,
hoshi-garasu,
spottednutcracker,
orofhoshi-garasu,
a memchest. AdultsThe
have
an average
weight of
135 kilo- is a memchest. AdultsThe
have
an average
weight135 kilo- is themchest. Adults
weekends. They nev
Japanese Rowan (Sorbus commista)ock
ptarmigan.
rock family
ptarmigan.
5:00
p.m.
In
order
to
preparethecorrect
number
5:00
p.m.
In
order
to
preparetheow family
and feeds on insects, nuts,
ber
of
the
crow
and
feeds
on
insects,
nuts,
ber
of
the
crow
familyandfeedsoninsects,
nuts,
grams but can reach 200 kilograms.
but can reach 200 kilograms.
but canmay evencharge mostfor its mountain grams
ill come
acrossall kindsof plant
Unlike most mountain grams
lodgesinEurope,many
ofitatsi) (Lagopus Some
UnlikelodgesRock
Ptarmigan(Lagopusmuta)JapaneseandJapanese
Least
WeaselRock(Mustela
Ptarmigan
itatsi) (Lagopus muta)
JapaneseJapanese
Least
WeaselRock(Mustela
Ptarmiganmuta)Lanyone Japaneseinneed ofin
sh
TheinJapaneserowanʼsname, nanakamado, is madeWaste
No
Out/Lights
On
es. It is foundconiferous
mountainpine cones. It is found in coniferous mountainand pine cones. It is found in coniferous mountainuse,Lights
dependingon the collecof
meals
and
make
room
assignments,
most
huts
of
meals
and
make
room
assignmsharing
a
futon
matt
of
two
words
meaning“seven”
and“oven,”
from
the
rock
ptarmigan(itsJapanesenameraicTheJapaneserock
ptarmigan(itsJapanesenameraicTheJapaneserock
ptarmigan(itsJapanesenameraicmal
life,
some
of
which
is indigenous toCalledokojoforests
in Japanese,this
one of thesmall- rememberokojoclosein Japanese,this
one of thesmall- rememberokojoiJapanʼs mountain huts areCalled
locatedto thehighestJapanʼsmountainhuts
areCalled
locatedcM
as anexcellentmemory,rememberand Japanesehasanisexcellent
memory,forestsandhasanisexcellent
memory,Japanese
Macaque(Macaca
fuscata)
Japanese
Macaque(Macaca
fuscata)
Japanese
Dependingon the hut,theEveryoneis askedtoapanese
Beech(Fagus crenata)
Beech(Fagus crenata)tion
method.
thatis suchagroundslow-burning
ﬁrewood it can beunderbird”)belief
iswherea heavy-bodiedhomeans“thunderbird”)Whileiswherea heavy-bodied
groundhomeans“thunderbird”)
iswherea heavy-bodied
groundpossibility.
If
you feerofmacaquethe genus
itcan
er
ofmacaquethe Arriving
genus
While
itcan
er
of locations
it ithasburiedfood.
inghundreds
locations
itlooks
has
food.
ing
hundreds
locations
itlooks
has
food.
expect Operating
hikers to accommodations
arrive by
3:00
p.m.
late
expecthikersarriveby
3:00
po
Themembers
Japanese
orofMustela.
“snowmonkey”
beburied
Themembers
Japanese
orofMustela.
“snowmonkey”
beburied
Themembers
Japaneselightswill beturned Operatingoﬀ
at 8:00to accommodations
any garbage
they genonlyinJapan.
peaks.
insuch
extremepeaks.
buna,isadeciduoustree
nativebuna,
isadeciduoustree
nativehe
Japanese
beech,
or
The
Japanese
beech,
orapaneseLarch(Larixkaempferi)Japanese
Larch(Larixkaempferi)inchicken
an ovenseven
times.
he size of aused
small
is foundfeederabout white-spotted
theitssizeof alegs,
small
chickenis foundfeederabout white-spotted
theitssizeof alegs,
small
chickenis foundadorablewhen
standing
on
hind
this
furry
adorablewhen
standing
on
hind
this
adorablewhenwhite-spotted
pattern
is thatelegant
and Also known as mountainItsdistinct
pattern
is thatelegantandIts
distinct
pattern
is thatelegant
anding claustrophobic,afound in manyareasof thepark,
particularlyin
Kafoundproblems
in many
areasof thepark,
particularly
infurry
Kafoundin manyor 9:00 p.m.createsand backadditionalon at 4:00
rules vary
from
hut t
creates
additional work and
for
the
staﬀ
.
work
and
probleoshe
Japanand Siberiancangrow
at altitudes
of up
to
1,400
to
Japan
and
canlarch,
growpine.
at altitudes
of up
to the1,400
meters.
ash,
it bears
small
owers
inmeters.
spring,ofJapanese
dwarf
pine.
It iswhite
noted
for
in alpine areas
ofhuntsdwarf
Siberian
It is notedforin alpine
areas
ofhuntsdwarf
Siberianpine. It is noted for
karamatsu
,ﬂis
the
only
de- followed bykaramatsu, is
only
de- requires a lot of hardlarch,
or
The
Japaneseorcreatureis carnivorous
and
small
creatureis andcarnivorous
and
small
creature
is anca
eye-catching.
eye-catching.
localeswork
thecooperation
locales requiresa lotof hard
work
ends
and
the
peak
se
mikochi andat other highaltitudes
inthemammals
Northern
mikochiandat otherhighaltitudesin themammals
Northern
mikochiandaReservations
or
5:00
a.m.
Many
hikersareinrequireused
toiletpsabilitytoabsorbandstore
rainwater
in
its
trunk
and
Its
abilitytoabsorbandstore
rainwater
in
its
trunk
and
brilliantberriescoloring
duringtheredwinter.
Its andsurvival
itsthepure-whitecoloring
during thetree
winter.
Its survival
itsthepure-whitecoloring
during the winter. Its survival
iduousconiferous
treenativeto leaves
Japan.inItautumn.
comes
ciduousconiferous
nativeto Japan. It comesandlikerock ptarmigan.
andbirds,
likerock ptarmigan.
andbirds,
liked
Observing
theJapanesecustomaryarrival
time
may
seem
the customaryarrivaAlps.birds,
Theirdiet includes
leaves,bambooerosion,shoots,and the evaporation
Alps.
Their
diet
includesleaves,bambooshoots,Alps.
Theirofbright
guests.
Most
hikersarealreadyaware
ofObserving
guests.
Most
hikersoots
helps
prevent
erosion,anditstheneedles
evaporation
warootshelps
prevent
waWherepossible,
reservations
bed evenearlierthan
8:00
p.m., Japaneseplaced ina wasteare
ba
des
made
it a
symbolofand
themountain
at high altitudes
made
it a
symboltheitsmountain
at high
altitudes
made
itof
a
symbol of the mountaingleleaf(Aquilachrysaetos)
GoldenEagle(Aquilachrysaetos)
GoldenEagle(Aquilachrysaetos)
nto
early
in
spring,turn ofbrightinto leaf
earlyinspring,ofandneedles turn ofinsects,
andnuts.
Visitorsfromabroadareoften
surinsects,
and
nuts.
Visitorsfromabroadareoften
surinsects,
and
nu
er
leavesasin
a natural
coolerand climateterthroughleavesasin
a natural
coolerclimateunnecessary
to hikers
who
are renting
alodges,tent
space
unnecessary
to hikers
who
are
ren
shouldin toadvance.
Not
Cash
so
everyonetends
quietenthe toilet.
Toiletwas
Chinguruma(Geumpentapetalum;
avens)
r through
most
ofits
Japanese
historyraichowere
deities,
andbird
for
most
ofits
Japanese
historyraichowere anddeities,
and
for
most
of
Japanese history
werebe madeellow
beforebeingacts
shedautumn.
yellow
beforebeingacts
shedautumn.
thebasiccustomsandschedules
the
and
the
basic
customsandschedulesodis blackish-brown
all overwith goldA monkeys,
maturedis blackish-brown
all overwith goldAof
maturedbird
is blackish-brown
all overraichowith goldprised
to
ﬁ
nd
which
are
more
commonlyprisedtoﬁndmonkeys,
which
are
more
commonlyprised
to
ﬁ
nd
modiﬁ
er.
The treeʼsleavesturnityellow
inon
autumn.
modiﬁer.
The treeʼsleavesturnityellow
inon
autumn.
allmountainhuts
acceptreserJapanese
Serow(Capricornis
crispus)Japanese
Serow(Capricornis
crispus)JapaneseS
espitebeing
abeloved
bird,
is
now
not
hunted.
Despitebeingabeloved
bird,
is
now
not
hunted.
Despitebeingabeloved
bird,
it
is
now
on
down
by
then.
It
is
also
cuscarried
out
of
the
pa
Themeals,mountainhuts
An head.
alpinethat canfrequently colonizes areas
he back of the
Theplant
wingspanen brown
at areas,
the backof thea head.
wingspan canen brown
at areas,thewillbackof thea head.
wingspan canand making
theirown meals,
but latecomers
and making
their
own
but
lat
associated withtropicalin suchcold, The
harsh
associatedwithtropicalin verysuch
cold, The
harsh
associatedwitd
hikersfromoverseascanensureasmoothstaybyhikersfromoverseascanensureadimpressive
list. Sincearound
the
birds
are
accustomed
totheendangered
list.
Since
the
birds
are
accustomed
totheendangered
list.
Since
the
birds
are
accustomed
tovations,
however,so carefully
tomarypack early
the night
downcredit
through
aits
was
snowy
ﬁmajestics
elds whichassymbolizes arrival of earlykamoshika
includeskamoshika
includesThough its reachJapaneseThough its reachJapaneseThough
2m.
They
look
up toname,an impressive
2m. ,Theylook majestics as
up toname,an impressive
2m. ,Theylook majestics
as to
cept
cards,
soJ
habitat.
habitat.
habitat.
other plantWhite
speciesthat
populateapanese
Birch(Betula platyphylla)
Japanese
White
Birch
(Betula platyphylla)
likely ﬁnd
most good
tent
spots
alreadyoccupied.
likelyﬁnd
most good
tent
spots
a
spot
quite frequently.
humans,hikers
spot
them
quite
frequently.
humans,hikers
spot
them
quite
frequently.
researchingyouroptionsinItow.
bloomsinmounone place after another as the
shika
,
which
means
deer,
the
Japanese
serow
is
an
shika
,
which
means
deer,
the
Japanese
serow
is
an
shika
,
which
dsChubusangaku
ﬂy onthem
thesummer.
rising
airﬂ
Steep
they
circle
and
ﬂ
y
on
the
rising
airﬂ
ow.
Steep
mountheycircle
and
ﬂ
y
on
the
rising
airﬂ
ow.
Steep
mounbefore
so
as
not
to
wake
othersment
system,botholearning
inadvancehowthingsaredone.
learning
inadvancehowthingsarebring cash for paymm
National Park
Komakusa(Dicentra
peregrina)
Komakusa(Dicentra
peregrina)
shirakaba, isgroundfound
throughout
shirakaba, is foundthroughout
hewhitebirch,
orThe
whitebirch,
or
snow
melts
and
the
is
exposed, and since iteven-toedbovine,akindofgoat-antelope.
While
not
even-toedbovine,akindofgoat-antelope.
While
not
even-toed
bov
are
its
naturalhabitat,building
nests
tainous
areas
are
its
naturalhabitat,building
nests
tainous
areas
are
its
naturalhabitat,building
nests
advance
is
a
must.
If
you
have
a
The weather often deteriorates later in the day, andThe weather often quire
deteriorates
latewith noisy preparations.
considerableeand altitude.
centorcollaris)
Accentorcollaris)
Accentorcollaris)hemountainsataltitudesofaroundmetersmountainsaltitudesof aroundmeterss pinkowers
bloom
in gravely
granitewhere
otherItsispinkowerstrees.
bloom
in of
gravely
granitewhere
otherbloomsinThe
shortperiodof time, about
1 to 2 weeks, its
in danger of Alpine
extinction,itthe
consideredaat
symbolin danger of Alpine
extinction,
it is orconsidereda symbolin danger of eesorinﬂ(Prunella
large
trees.
declineof
its1,500
onrock ledgesorinﬂ(Prunella
large
The
declineof its1,500
onrock ledgesin (Prunella
large trees.
Theofdecline of its

recognizablebyits straight
stems
with
multiplelant)beisfoundgo)ʼswindmills(kazaguruma),
the resemblance
to aand
face
so of
the
a nameChincanatelevationsof over
2,000
nction,itderived
will
befromprecious
experience
ifAngelica
pubescens
white
blossoms.
It is
found
areas
ofits
damp
and
orse.
gurumathin
wasleavesgiven.
send
The
water
leavesdirectly
also turntocolorsoil
vividlyuallyParsley-likewinters
at lower
altitudes,
and
isin
alled
shishiudo
in PineJapan,
thisyears
ispumila)a nativeplant withiberian
Dwarf(Pinusbloomsevery
few
in airmidsummer.
in
the
fall,
so
it
can
be
enjoyedin 3
diﬀerent forms.
wnroots song,bychanging
moisture
in
the
into
water
beautifulwarbled
while
in ﬂ
ight.

informisthe
The nonarrival
Water
anhut.
extremely
precious

and Other Plantsndcanbe recognizedbyitswhite,
ﬂaky
and
lants
cannotﬂlive.
owering
sight
tells
of
of
its
the
ﬂprogress
owers
nobly
ofbarksnow
bloommelting . After
brown
back,
gray
head
and
redtkedanda fallintheThebreeding
success
rate
Veratrumme-greenleavesthatturngoldenyellowthein nameautumn.
ng
harsh
environment
has
earneditsof spikes ﬂy
the
owers
stop
blooming,
pale pinkpottedbreast,theﬂalpineaccentor(iwahionininthis
surviving
numbers.
DesignatedVeratrum,orwind.
kobaikeiso, is resembles
a toxic
ﬂowering
plant
Queen
of theaway
inﬂthe
ora.”
The
name
Theundersight
Komakusa(horsechildren(chise)foundinalpine
mountainareas
withlittlellyisendangered
wildlife
species
recognizablebyits straight
stems
with
multiplelant)beisfound
the resemblance
to aandface
a namego)ʼswindmills(kazaguruma),
so of
the
Chincanatelevationsof over
2,000
nction,itderived
will
befromprecious
experience
if
white
blossoms.
It is
found
areas
ofits
damp
and
orse.
thin
leavessend
water
directly
togurumawasgiven.
The
leavesalso turncolorsoil
vividlyuallyParsley-likewinters
at lower
altitudes,
andisin
iberian
Dwarf
Pine(Pinuspumila)bloomsevery
few
in airmidsummer.
wnroots song,byinchangingthefall,moisture
so
it
can
in
be
the
enjoyed
into
in 3
water
diﬀerent forms.
beautifulwarbledwhile
inyears
ﬂight.

) can a tree.
ense ﬁeldsAlthoughof Siberian
dwarflikepine(haimatsu
roplets.
lookinga grass,
it is actually

e found at highaltitudescaryocatactes)
near the tree line throughutcracker(Nucifraga

ut the park,orcreating
a safe havenfor the Japanese
nutcracker,
hoshi-garasu,
is a memJapanese Rowan (Sorbus commista)ock
ptarmigan.
ow family
and feeds on insects, nuts,
TheinJapaneserowanʼsname, nanakamado, is madees. It is foundconiferous
mountainof twomemory,words meaning“seven” and “oven,” from theas an excellent
remember-beliefthatis sucha slow-burning
ﬁrewood it can beof locations
where
it ithasburiedfood.
apaneseused
Larch(Larixkaempferi)
in an
oven
seven times.
white-spotted
pattern
is elegant
and Also known as mountainash,
it bears
small white ,ﬂisowers
in spring,the onlyde- followed byhe Japaneselarch,or karamatsu
brilliant red
iduous coniferous
treeberries
nativeandto leaves
Japan.inItautumn.
comesgleleaf(Aquilanto
earlychrysaetos)in spring, and its needles turn bright
Chinguruma(Geumpentapetalum; avens)
ellow
beforebeing shedin autumn.
d is blackish-brown
all overwith gold-

An head.
alpinethat canfrequently colonizes areas
he back of the
Theplant
wingspansnowy
elds whichassymbolizes arrival of early
impressivearound
2m. They
lookﬁmajestics
Itow.
bloomsone place after another as thed ﬂy on thesummer.
rising airﬂ
SteepinmounKomakusa(Dicentrasnowmeltsperegrina)
andthe groundare its natural
habitat,building
nests is exposed, and since its pinkowers
blooms
bloom
inThe
short
in gravely
periodgraniteof time, aboutother1 to 2 weeks, its
esor inﬂlarge
trees.
declineofits where
lants
sight
its
owers
bloomﬂlive.
oweringtells ofoftheﬂprogressof snow
melting . Aftert andcannot
a fall intheThebreeding
success
ratenoblyngharsh
environment
has
earned theits nameof spikes ﬂy
the ﬂ
owers
stopDesignatedblooming,
pale pinkonininthis
surviving
numbers.
Queenof theaway
alpineinﬂtheora.”wind.
The name
Theundersight
Komakusa
resembles(horsechildren(chilly endangered
wildlife
specieslant) is itderivedgo)ʼswindmills(kazaguruma),
the resemblance
to aandface
so ofthea name Chinnction,
will
befromprecious
experience if
orse. Parsley-likegurumathin
wasleavesgiven.
send
The
water
leavesdirectly
also turnto itscolor vividly
wn roots byinchanging
the fall, moisture
so it can inbe theenjoyedair into
in 3
water
diﬀerent forms.

roplets.

Although looking like a grass, it is actually a tree.

Japanese Alps

The Early Bird

reservation but decide to cancel

guestsstayingBird
at the
The
Early

thick
occur
frequently.
thick clouds and sudden rainstorms
and
can
be
by
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plantscannot
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sight
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head
and
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andrecognizedisthe
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naturalanda fallin
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lime-green
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in nameautumn.
ing ininthisharshhas (iwahiearnedof
dish-brownspottedbreast,theenvironment
alpineaccentordish-brownspottedbreast,the alpine
accentor(iwahiprotected species.
protected
species.
protected
specand a reduction
surviving
numbers.
Designatedand a crucial
reductioninsurviving
numbers.
DesignatedPleasekeep in mind that
another
reasonPlease keep in mind that
anoth
Some hikers hit the trails while it is still dark, andWater:
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any otherbesuretohit theSomehikerswhile
freetrailsof charge,otheri“Queenof theinalpine
ﬂora.”areas
The name
Komakusa (horsebariisendangered
foundmountainwithunder
littlebari
found in mountainwithunder
littleas a ina Japanese)
nationallywildlife
species
as a ina Japanese)
nationallyisendangered
wildlifeareas
species
informisthehut.
Thenonarrival
Water
anfor
extremely
preciousto thecontribute
¥100
p
for
early
check-inleaves
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foratbeelevations
early
check-inleaves
isimportan
the resemblance
to a faceofa everyone
vegetation.
Itplant)
canthibetanus)
beisfoundelevationsof over 2,000
vegetation.
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Asian Black
Bear(UrsusAsian
Black(UrsusAsianBlack
threatof extinction,itderived
will atbefromprecious
experience
ifthreatof extinction,
it will
precious experience
if
almost5:30
orBear
6:00
almosteveryone
by
5:30
o
of
guestswithreservations
resourceathighaltitudes. The
horse.
Parsley-likethinleavessend
water
directlytoitsmetersbutusually
wintersatlower
altitudes,
andismetersbutusually
wintersatlower
altitudes,
and
is
you
spot
it.
you
spot
it.
, thisis medium-sized
The Asian black bear, or kuma, is medium-sized
The Asian blackbear,
or kuma
The Asian bla
any rescue need
operations.
suchasaltitude
any rescue need
operations.
breakfasts
to be Conditions
preparedandserved,breakfasts
toA certain
be Conditions
preparedSiberian
Dwarf
Pine(Pinuspumila)bedroomraisesabout possible
and quantity
at theownrootsbychanging
moisture
inthe air into water
known for itsthough
beautifulsong,warbled
while
in ﬂ
ight.
known for itsthough
beautifulsong,warbledwhile inavailability
ﬂight. concerns
Too andClose
forheCand largely herbivorous,
it willfeed
on smalland largely herbivorous,
it willfeed
on smalllargelysicknessandhypothermia
requireaquick
response.
sicknessandhypothermia
requireaccidentsonthetrail.
ata
mountainhutthe)canDense
ﬁelds of Siberian dwarf pine (haimatsu
droplets.
huts
depend
on
how
close
they
means an even earlier start
for thestaﬀIt. Evemeans an even earlier
start
for
mammals, birds, and insects. It sports a distinctive
mammals,
birds,hutʼsand insects.
sports a distinctive
mammals,bir
The huts
can get ver
be found at highaltitudescaryocatactes)
near the tree line throughSpotted
Nutcracker(Nucifraga
SpottedNutcracker(Nucifraga
caryocatactes)
are to a water source, but all ofwhite patch in the shape of a crescent moon on its
white patch in the shape of a crescent moon on its
white patch inning meals are served early
too, usually at aroundning meals are served
too, uduringearlypeak season
out
the
park,
creating
a
safe
haven
for
the
Japanesestrive to conserve water.
spottednutcracker,
orofhoshi-garasu,
a memspotted
nutcracker,
orofhoshi-garasu,
chest. AdultsThe
have
an average
weight135 kilo- is a memchest. AdultsThe
have
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ptarmigan.
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number
5:00charge
p.m.forInitsorder weekends.
to prepare
berreachof thefamily and feeds on insects,
nuts,
berreachof thegrams but can
200crow
kilograms. and feeds on insects, nuts,
grams butthecan200crow
kilograms.
grams butthecanSome
may evenanyone in need of shand pine cones. It is found in coniferous mountainand pine cones. It is found in coniferous mountainuse, depending on the collecand (Macaca
has an excellent
Japaneseforests
Macaquefuscata) memory, remember-of meals and make room assignments,
most huts
forests and has an excellent memory, rememberJapanese Macaque(Macaca fuscata)of meals and makeroom
assignmsharinga futonmatttion method.

Japanese M

inghundreds
locationswherecanit hasingmacaquehundredsorof“snowlocationswherecanit hasexpect hikers to arrive byp.m.
Arriving
late
expect hikers to arrive byp
The Japanesemonkey”
beburied food.
The 3:00
Japanese
The 3:00
Japanese
macaqueorof“snowmonkey”
beburied food.
Japanese
Larch(Larix kaempferi)
Its areas
distinct
white-spotted
pattern
is elegant andIts areas
distinct
white-spotted
pattern
is elegant anding claustrophobic,afound in manyof thepark, particularly
in Kafoundproble
in many
foundproblems
in manyof thepark,
particularly
in Kacreates
additional
work
and
for
the
staﬀ
.
creates
additional
work
and
The Japanese larch, or karamatsu, is the only deends andthe peakmikochi andeye-catching.
at other high altitudes in the Northern
mikochiand seamikochi andeye-catching.
at other high altitudes in the Northern
Reservations
ciduous coniferous tree native to Japan. It comes
Observing the customarymay
seem
Observing the customary
Alps. Their diet includes leaves, bamboo shoots,
Alps. arriva
Their dAlps. arrival
Their diettime
includesleaves,bamboo shoots,
Where possible, reservations
Golden Eagle(AquilaGolden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
into leaf
earlychrysaetos)in spring, and its needles turn brightinsects, and nuts. Visitors from abroad are often surinsects, and nu
insects, and nuts. Visitors from abroad are often surunnecessary to hikers who are renting a tent space
unnecessary
to hikers whoarerenshould be madein advance. Not
Cashyellow
before
being
shed
in
autumn.
A monkeys,
matured bird
is blackish-brown
all over with goldA monkeys,
matured bird
is blackish-brown
all over with goldprised to ﬁnd
which
are more commonlyprised to ﬁnd
prised to ﬁnd
which
are more commonly
all mountainhutsmaking
accept reserThemeals,
mountainhuts
en brown
at areas,thewillbackof thea head.
wingspancanen brown
at areas,
the backof thea head.
wingspan canand making their own meals,
but latecomers
andtheir ownbutlatassociated withtropicalin suchcold, The
harsh
associatedwitd
associatedwithtropicalin verysuch
cold, The
harsh
habitat.

possibility. If you fe

vations,reach up to an impressive 2m. They look majestics
as however, so carefully
cept credit
cards, so
habitat.
habitat.
likely ﬁnd most good tent
spotsthey
alreadyoccupied.
likelyﬁnd inmost good tent
spots aresearching
your options
circle and ﬂy on the rising airﬂow. Steep
mounthey circle and ﬂy on the rising airﬂow. Steep mounbring cash for paym
Komakusa(Dicentra
peregrina)
tainousits natural
nests is atainous areas are its natural habitat, building nests
advancemust.weather
If you havea
The weather often deteriorates later
inareasthe areday,
and habitat, building
The
often
deteriorates late
Its pink
owerstrees.
bloomThein gravely
on rock ledges or in large trees. The decline
of itson rock ledges
or inﬂlarge
declinegraniteof its where otherreservation
but decide to cancel
thick clouds and sudden rainstorms
occur frequently.
thickclouds and sudden rainstorms
plantslive.
sight ofsuccessits ﬂowers
natural habitat and a fall in the breeding successnatural habitat
andcannot
a fall intheThebreeding
ratenobly bloomyourrate
stay due to bad weather oring ininthis
harsh environment
has earned its nameofandareductioninsurviving
numbers.
Designatedand a reduction
surviving
numbers. DesignatedPlease keep in mind that another crucial reason
Please keep in mind that anoth
reach up to an impressive 2m. They look majestics as

for any other reason, be sure to“Queenof the alpine
ﬂora.” species
The name
Komakusa (horse
as a a nationally endangered wildlife species under
as a a nationallyendangered
wildlife
under
inform the forhut. The
nonarrival
forofearly
check-in is the importance
daylight
forbe precious experience
early
check-in is the importan
plant) is itderived
the resemblance
to a faceathreatofof extinction,
it willifthreat of extinction,
will befrom
precious
experience ifof guests with reservations
to itsyousuchspot it. as altitude
you spot it. horse. Parsley-like thin leaves send water directlyanyrescue operations. Conditions
any rescue operations.
Conditions
A certain bedroom
raises concerns about possible
own roots by changing moisture in the air into water
droplets.

Yari ⁄ Hotaka ⁄ Norikura Mountain Range

sickness and hypothermia require a quick response.

Chubusangaku National Park

sicknessrequireaccidents on
the trail. and hypothermia
at a mountainhut

Hiking Guide& Map

Part

8

25

35m
in

in

in

25
m

35m
in
m
35

in

Kamikochi

10min
10min

Kamikochi
Line
30min

10min

45min

Nakanoyu

NagoyaNorikuratatamidaira
50min

Mt.Norikura(Mt.Kengamine)

Norikurakogen ⁄Norikura Tourist
Center

Shinshima
shima

Chuo Line (Express Azusa)
2 hr30 min

15min

SawandoMatsumoto Tokyo

43min

13min

Hirayu1hr (To Kamikochi)

JR Oito Line
25 minHoonoki-dairaMatsumoto City in Nagano Prefecture and Takayama City in Gifu
Prefecture are starting points for accessing Chubusangaku
Mitsumata National
Mt. trailheads using railPark Southern Region. You can get to various
Chogatakeroad, bus and taxi.

in

in

25
m

47
m

Nishi
Norikurahotaka
kogen ⁄
guchi
Norikura TouristMt.
Mt.Norikura
Center Jonen
Hotaka(Mt.Kengamine)
Mountain
Range

47
m

25

35m
in

in

47
m

35m
in

50min

25min

45min

in

in

25
m

Shinshima
shima
Ichinosawa

Norikuratatamidaira

in

35m
in

10min

Nakanoyum
35

Shinhotaka Ropeway

47
m

25

35m
in

in

47
m

10min

Chuo LineJR(Express
Oito Line
Azusa)
2 hr30
5min

15min
45min

Ropeway

Takayama

Chuo Line (Express Azusa)
2 hr30 mininin

Train 43min

To Toyama

JR Oito Line
25 minMatsumoto Tokyo

47m

Kamikochi
Line

Mt. Sawando Mt. 30minmin
10Yarigatake
Otensho

to
ress
Line
Azusa)

1hr (To Kamikochi)

Matsumoto
Hotaka TokyoToyoshina

Hirayum
55

Bus

Mt.Tsubakuro
13min

Mt.
Sugoroku

Taxi

Nakabusa
Onsen

JR Oito Line
25 minKamikochi

To Hakuba

Trail

Getting There

min

in

in

Toyoshina

Tokyo

m
35

45min

m
35

Matsumoto City in Nagano Prefecture and Takayama City in Gifu
Prefecture are starting points for accessing Chubusangaku
Mitsumata National
Mt. trailheads using railPark Southern Region. You can get to various
Chogatakeroad, bus and taxi.

NagoyaJR Takayama Line (Express Hida)

in

45min

NagoyaChubusangaku National Park

25min

sawa
Nishi
Norikurahotaka
kogen ⁄
guchi
Norikura TouristMt.
Mt.Norikura
Center Jonen
Hotaka(Mt.Kengamine)
Mountain
Range

Takayama

Chuo LineJR(Express
Oito Line
Azusa)
2 hr30
5min

m
35

13min

Hoonoki-daira

Takayama

Chuo Line (Express Azusa)
2 hr30 min

Yari ⁄ Hotaka ⁄ Norikura Mountain Rangeminhelp you pass in a safe 50
place

Hoonoki-daira

JR Oito Line
25 minin

45min

Shinhotaka Ropeway

Matsumoto
Hotaka TokyoToyoshina

To Hakuba

m
55

13min

45min

To Toyama

JR Oito Line
25 minMatsumoto Tokyo

45min

Where possible, reservations
ShinNorikurashima
should be madein advance. Not
Cashtatamidaira
shima
all mountain huts accept reserThe mountain huts do not ac50min
vations, however, so carefully
cept credit cards, so be sure toresearching your options
in
Norikurabring cash for payment.
kogen
advance is a must. If you
have⁄ aNorikura Tourist
reservation but decide Centerto cancel
Mt.Norikura
your stay due to bad weather or(Mt.Kengamine)for any other reason, be sure to
Matsumotoinform
City inthe
NaganoPrefecture
and Takayama City in Gifu
hut. The
nonarrival
Prefecture of
areguests
starting
pointsfor accessing Chubusangaku National
withreservations
A certain
bedroom
Park Southern
Region.
You can
getpossible
to various trailheads
using
railraises
concerns
aboutroad, bus andtaxi. on the trail.
accidents
at a mountain hut

Shinhotaka Ropeway

45min

Tips forThere
Lodging at
Getting
Mountain Huts

Toyama

in

m

shima
mark trails.
Ichino-out to each other canNagoyaJR Takayama Line (Express Hida)

to
ress
Line
Azusa)

min

Toyoshina

Tokyo

m
35

campsitesin can use the toilets

5
free of 3charge,others are asked
MatsumotoWater
City in
NaganoPrefecture
and Takayama
City in Gifu
informThe
nonarrival
isthe
anhut.
extremely
precious
to contribute¥100 per use.
Prefecture resource
areguests
starting
pointsfor accessingofwithreservations
athighaltitudes.
The Chubusangaku
Mitsumata National
Mt. trailheads
A certain
bedroom
Park Southern
Region.
Youcangetpossible
toatvarious
usingrailraises
concerns
about
availability
and quantity
theChogatake Too Close for Comfort
road, bus andtaxi.
accidents
on on
thehow
trail.close they
at a mountain hut
huts
dependKamikochi
The huts can get very crowded
Nakabusa
are to a water source, but all ofTrailduringOnsenpeak season and onthem strive to conserve water.
weekends. They never refuse
Mt.
Mt.Tsubakuro
Taxi
Some may even charge for its
anyone inWaste
need ofNot
shelter, so
Sugoroku
Out/Lights
On 1hr (To Kamikochi)
use,Lights
dependingon the collecKamikochi
sharinga futon mattress is aBus
Dependingonthe hut, theEveryone
HirayuLine is asked to carry outtion method.
possibility.
you fear becomMt. garbage
30min Ifthey
lights will be turnedMt.
oﬀ atSawando
8:00
any
generate. Toilet
min
15min
10Yarigatake
OtenshoTrain 43min
ing claustrophobic, avoid weekor 9:00 p.m. andon10atmin4:00
rules vary from hut to hut. Somemin
10backends and the peak seasons.
Reservations
Nakanoyu
or 5:00 a.m.
Manyhikers are in
require used toilet paper to be
RopewayWherepossible,
reservations
bed even earlier than 8:00 p.m.,placedShin- in a waste basket next toNorikurashima
shouldbe madein toadvance.
Cashsoeveryonetends
quietenNot
thetoilet. Toilet
waste is either
tatamidaira
shima
all mountainhuts
reser- Ichinodown
by then.
It isaccept
also cuscarriedout of thepark
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do or
notbroken
ac25minmin
50
sawavations,tohowever,so carefully
tomarypack early
the night
downcredit
througha waste-treatcept
cards,
so be sure to
Nishi
researching
optionsinbeforeso as yournot towakeothersment system,of which reNorikurabringcash forboth
payment.
hotakakogen
advanceis preparations.
a must. If you
have⁄ awith noisy
quire considerable eﬀort. While
guchi
Mt.
Norikura Tourist
reservation but decide Centerto cancel Jonenguests staying at the huts and
Mt.Norikura
your stayHotaka
due to bad weather or(Mt.Kengamine)
campsitesin can use the toilets
Mountain
5m
Water:
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SourceLifefor
any other
beof
sure
to
free of 3charge,others are asked
Range
MatsumotoWater
City in
NaganoPrefecture
and Takayama
City in Gifu
informThe
nonarrival
isthe
anhut.
extremely
precious
to contribute¥100 per use.
Prefecture resource
areguests
starting
pointsfor accessingofwithreservations
athighaltitudes.
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Mitsumata National
Mt. trailheads
A certain
bedroom
Park Southern
Region.
Youcangetpossible
toatvarious
usingrailraises
concerns
about
availability
and quantity
theChogatake Too Close for Comfort
road, bus andtaxi.
accidents
on on
thehow
trail.close they
at a mountain hut
huts
dependKamikochi
The huts can get very crowded
are to a water source, but all ofduring peak season and onthem strive to conserve water.
weekends. They never refuse
Some may even charge for its
1hr (To Kamikochi)
anyone in need of shelter, souse, depending on the collecKamikochi
sharinga futon mattress is aLinetion method.Hirayu
Sawando possibility.
30min If you fear becom43min
15min
10min
ing claustrophobic, avoid week10min
10min
ends and the peak seasons.
Reservations
Nakanoyu

NagoyaJR Takayama Line (Express Hida)

in

13min

Hoonoki-dairaJapanese Alps

your stayHotaka
due to bad weather or(Mt.Kengamine)
Mountain
Water:
Thereason,
SourceLifefor
any other
beof
sure
to
Range

Takayama

Chuo LineJR(Express
Oito Line
Azusa)
2 hr30
5min

m
35

45min

Shinhotaka Ropeway

Shin-

Norikurashima
unnecessary
to hikers
who arerenting a tent spaceshould be madein advance. Not
Cashtatamidaira
only
shima
all mountainhuts
acceptreserThe mountain huts do not acandarsh
50minmaking their own meals, but latecomers will very
vations, however, so carefully
cept credit cards, so be sure toﬁNorikurand inmost good tent spots already occupied.
researchinglikely
your options
bring cash for payment.
kogen⁄aadvance is aThemust.weather
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often
deteriorates later in the day, andNorikura Tourist
reservation but decide Centerto cancel
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thick clouds and sudden rainstorms occur frequently.
your stay due to bad weather or(Mt.Kengamine)
Pleasebekeep
for any other reason,
sure toin mind that another crucial reason
tsumotoinform
City inthe
NaganoPrefecture
and Takayama
in Gifuhut. The
nonarrival
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early
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importanceof daylight for
fecture of
areguests
starting
pointsfor accessing Chubusangaku National
withreservations
any rescue operations.
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such
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Region.
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to various trailheads
using
railraises
concerns
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at a mountainhut a quick response.

hotakakogen
advanceis preparations.
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guchi
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reservationbut
decidetocancel Jonenguests staying at the huts and
Mt.Norikura
CenterHoonoki-daira

JR Oito Line
25 minin

45min

To Toyama

Matsumoto
Hotaka TokyoToyoshina

To Hakuba

m
55

13min

Hoonoki-daira

oots,
sur-

Observing the customary arrival time may seem
Where possible, reservations

Shinhotaka Ropeway

45min

Tips Making
forThere
Lodging
the Most
at ofGetting
Mountain
Your
Huts
Stay

tsumotoWater
City in
NaganoPrefecture
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fecture resource
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athighaltitudes.
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sized
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breakfasts
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oﬀ
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peaks.
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require used toilet paper to be
eway
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of guests.
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the correct number
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anyone in need of shelter, souse, dependingon the collecof meals
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min Ifexpect hikers to arrive30by
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ing claustrophobic, avoid weekKa10min additional
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ends and the peak seasons.
hern
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and sudden
rainstorms
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stay
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in
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reasonWater:
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shima
out to eachallothercanthen.
mark
trails.
mountainhuts
reserdownby
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also cuscarriedout of thepark
IchinoThemountainhuts
do or
notbroken
ac25minmin
50
Mountainclinicopens
duringseasonat Yarigatake
Sanso Hut.
help you passin a to
safe
place
sawa
vations,
however,so carefully
tomary
pack
early
the
nightsummer
downthrougha waste-treatceptcreditcards,
so be sure to
Nishinot toresearching
optionsinbeforeso as yourwakeothersment system,of which reNorikurabringcash forboth
payment.

NagoyaJR Takayama Line (Express Hida)

to
ress
Line
Azusa)

min

Toyoshina

Tokyo

m
35

Shinhotaka Ropeway

Toyamashima
to eachallothercanthen.
mark
trails.
mountainhuts
reserdownby
It makingisacceptalso cuscarriedout ofthepark
IchinoThemountainhuts
do or
notbroken
ac- will very
their
own
meals,
but
latecomers
arsh
25min andmin50
hikersfromoverseascanensurea smoothstaybyMountainclinicopens
duringseasonat
Yarigatake
Sanso
p you passin a to
safe
place
As
the
numbersofhikersincreased,
theHut.
huts
grew
sawa
vations,
however,socarefully
tomary
pack
early
the
nightsummer
downthrougha waste-treatudes
cept
creditcards,
so be sure to
likelyﬁNorikurandmost good
tent
spots
alreadyoccupied.
Nishi
researchingyouroptionsins an
beforeso aslearning
not towakeothersment
system,
both
of
which
rein
advancehowthingsaredone.
bring cash for payment.
hotaka
kogen
⁄a
e not
advanceis preparations.
aThemust.weather
If youhave
often
deteriorates
later
inWhilethe day, and
with
noisy
quire
considerable
eﬀort.
guchi

Matsumoto City in Nagano Prefecture and Takayama City in Gifu
Prefecture are starting points for accessing Chubusangaku National
Park Southern Region. You can get to various trailheads using railroad, bus and taxi.

Hiking Guide& Map

Part9