I'll be visiting Japan for the first time end of September and really want to do some hiking while I'm there. I came across Kita-dake as it has a nice view of Fuji and I feel pretty set on doing that one. It looks like it would be possible as a day hike but I want to also experience a Japanese mountain hut and watch the sunrise.
So if I'll have 2 days in the mountains, I want to see a bit more so I was thinking to go to Narada on the way down via Notori-Dake:
Day 1 – Hirogawara to Kata-no-koya Hut
Late morning start to make it to the hut before 4pm
Day 2 – Kata-no-koya Hut to Narada via Notori-Dake
Early start to watch sunrise, then head straight to Notori-Dake and then Narada.
However, the information I found was that the last bus from Narada leaves at 3pm, which seems too tight to make it from Kita-dake to Narada in one day, if I don't want to rush. So I'm either thinking to make it 3 days and stay at Daimonsawa Goya or to do it in reverse. Ie. Start at Narada early, stay at Kata-no-koya hut, watch sunrise, return to Hirogawara.
Looking if anybody has done this hike and has some advice?
Also, I will be on my own. For the Hirogaware to Kata-no-koya, I'm not too worried as it seems like it's quite popular, but for the second leg I'm not sure how popular it is. I'm in pretty good shape, do hike quite a bit a bit as well as some experience doing mountaineering but I'm still wondering if it's wise to go hiking 3 days by myself.
What are some good things to know about the huts? Can I refill my water bottles? Charge my phone?
by squeegeelueegee