I’m planning on doing a roadtrip around Yamagata in late October and am thinking about stopping by Tsuruoka to do the Mount Gassan climb (8th Station to summit and back). I’m aware that hiking season ends in mid September and all the shrines and facilities close around the same time.
However, considering it’s right after hiking season, I was hoping it’s still feasible to do the hike, just without facilities. I am a little concerned if the public toilets will also be closed, as a 5-6 hour return trip up the mountain without a toilet break sounds impractical (I’m apprehensive about the idea of taking a dump in the open on the side of a sacred mountain).
Has anyone else here done the hike around October-November? Is it safe? And what kind of weather did you encounter?
2 comments
The hiking trails close in mid-October. Mount Gassan is notorious for early snow and ice, and falling rocks. So no – it’s not safe without winter hiking (and in November) semi-mountaineering gear. And yes, public toilets will be closed as soon as hiking trails close.
These are all 2022 dates:
* Hiking season closure: Aug 31.
* Operation of 9th station and bus until 8th station last operation date: Sep 25.
* Operation of 8th station: Oct 10.
* Road closure (4th to 8th station): Oct 24.
* Road closure (Visitor center to 4th station): Nov 4.