I am looking to complete the circuit over three days from Kamikochi – Yarigotake – Oku-Hokatadake (via the Daikiretto) – Kamikochi.
I’m comfortable with the route but concerned that I’m pushing it with being late in the season and the potential for snow on the route is high.
Has anyone done it this late or with snow?
The Daikiretto looks precarious in good conditions.
The plan is to stay in Kamikochi the night prior to starting the hike to allow for an early start.
And staying in Yarigotake Sanso Hut and Hokatadake Sanso Hut during the hike.
Alternatives are doing the hike to Yarigotake and turning back to Kamikochi for day 2.
Or another 3 day hike around Kamikochi that doesn’t head up into the snowline (any recommendations?)
Thanks!
1 comment
Never done it in the snow.
I looked up some trip reports from October on a couple of the popular hiking apps and there’s definitely a solid chance of at least a dusting of snow from mid-October onward.
A less precarious option is the Omote Ginza route. You’ll still be above the tree lines for much of the way so it wont be comfortable with strong wind and snow but it isn’t technical. It should be fine as long as you’re prepared and there isn’t a significant snow cover. You’ll be looking at the Hotaka range and Yari on your left from the ridgeline.
Day 1: Spend the night before in Matsumoto and take an early bus to Kamikochi. Hike to Chogatake via Tokusawa (I prefer it over via Yokoo) and spend the night at Chogatake Sanso hut. Course time ~6.5 h.
Day 2: Chogatake to Jonen-Dake to Otensho-Dake. Spend the night at either　Daitensou or Otensho hutte. Course time ~9 h.
Day 3. Otensho-Dake to Tsubakuro-Dake to Nakafusa Onsen. Course time is ~5 h so you can either spend the night here, head back to Matsumoto or even to Tokyo.
Either way, keep an eye out on the weather reports and the mountain huts’ social media or blogs and be prepared to not go if iit looks bad.