The Senjojiki Curl is located below Mt. Hōken in the Central Alps (Kiso Mountains). The curl was formed by glacial erosion about 20,000 years ago and is called the “Senjojiki Curl” because it is as wide as 1,000 tatami mats. In summer, the area is a flower field with many alpine plants (black lilies, cattails, thunbergia, thunbergia, etc.); in fall, the vivid mountain surface turns red; in winter, there is snow; and in spring, the Senjojiki ski resort opens. Kisokomagatake is a 2,956-meter mountain in Nagano Prefecture and the highest peak in the Kiso Mountain Range (Central Alps). Komagatake, the main peak of the Central Alps, offers a panoramic view of Mount Fuji, the Southern Alps, Mount Ontake, Mount Norikura, and the Northern Alps. Komagatake ropeway and mountain climbing are accessible to beginners!
- Climbing difficulty, route, access
- Recommended Climbing Season
- Points of Interest
- Impressions after climbing the mountain
- View from the trailhead to the summit
- Enjoy the view from the top of the mountain!
- Information on nearby hot springs
- Recommendations for climbing mountains
- Mountaineering Preparation and Equipment
Climbing difficulty, route, access
▼ Date of climb.
Early March 2023
▼Difficulty of climbing
★ ★ ★☆☆
Even beginners have no problem at all if you only want to climb Senjidashiki Curl! You can get there by ropeway!
Mt. Hogendake – Mt. Kisokomagatake is more for intermediate climbers! There are few steep parts and it is relatively easy to climb, so beginners can climb if they stay overnight in a hut!
▼Climbing route / Access
Climbing time 4 hours 00 minutes
08:05 Bus departure from Suganodai Bus Center parking lot
08:40 Shirabidaira Station *Click here for Komagane ropeway information
08:50 Senjidajiki Station
09:00 Start climbing
10:15 Houken lodge
10:45 Ascend Mt.
11:10 Ascend Mt.
11:20 Start of descent
13:00 Descend to Senjojiki Station
14:45 Arrival at parking lot
出典：YAMAP
・Because of the bus and ropeway to the trailhead, it gets extremely crowded on Saturdays and Sundays during the climbing season! It is also dangerous to make sure you have enough time to get down the mountain!
・The departure time is the night before the day before! And if you don’t stay the night before at the parking lot, you will have to wait at least 2 hours for the bus.
Recommended Climbing Season
Kisokomagatake, the snow accumulated in winter remains for some time after summer. Therefore, the best time to climb the mountain is from about July to mid-October. In addition, alpine plants are in full bloom in summer. However, December to March is also a good time to enjoy the snow-covered white world!
Points of Interest
Komagatake ropeway can be used to easily reach an elevation of 2,612 meters, making it safe for beginners in mountain climbing!
Usually, the fresh greenery and autumn leaves of Senjyoshiki Curl are covered with pure white snow in the wintertime!
The winter scenery on the highest peak of the Central Alps is truly otherworldly!
Impressions after climbing the mountain
We were the first on the mountain that day, so there was no one ahead of us. …. Yes, we were the first on the trail that day and it was Russian hell. It was quite hard on the top of the snowy mountain because we didn’t know the way and had to make our way by rustling. In addition, the Hacchozaka slope between the Senjyoshiki curls had a 45-degree incline, which was also harder than we expected. Anyway! I was impressed by the spectacular view that opened up in front of me! With Mt. Hōken blizzarding, the sky like the universe, and snow as far as the eye could see, it was an otherworldly space that one cannot normally see! It was awesome to say the least!
View from the trailhead to the summit
08:05 Bus departure
Suganodai Bus Center parking lot
We departed late at night and slept in the parking lot.
There were fewer climbers than in the summer season, so we didn’t have to work that hard.
08:40 Shirabidaira Station
Komagane ropeway information is here.
We were the first to get on the ropeway at this time!
08:50 Senjidajiki Station
Komagatake ropeway can easily take you to the altitude of 2,612m, so beginners in mountain climbing can feel at ease!
Once outside, you will find a silver world!
09:00 Start of ascent
Mt. Hōken covered in pure white snow is cool! The color of the sky is like space!
It was the first day to climb the mountain, so it was a hell of a russell climbing through the beautifully piled snow.
Don’t forget that you can’t climb Haccho slope without a ice axe! Well, that was a little tough.
Great weather! The scenery is completely different from that of summer mountains and it is hard to believe that it is the same Kisokomagatake!
11:10 Summit of Kisokomagatake
It took us about 2 hours to reach the summit after we started climbing! After climbing up to Norikura Jodo, it was basically gradual and we were able to enjoy the silver world as we headed for the summit!
Enjoy the view from the top of the mountain!
13:00 Descend from Senjidajiki Station
We descended the mountain in about 1 hour and 40 minutes! The descent down Hatchozaka was quite steep and a little scary, but when I looked back after the descent, I felt a sense of superiority because climbers were climbing the mountain path we had created (laugh).
Information on nearby hot springs
Komakusa Onsen
It is 700 yen for adults, so please visit this hot spring after descending the mountain!
There is also an open-air bath, so it is highly recommended.
Recommendations for climbing mountains
There are many other mountains we recommend for snow mountaineering, so please check them out here!
Mountaineering Preparation and Equipment
Before you begin climbing a mountain, it is important to select and prepare the proper equipment. Here is a checklist of essential items and how to choose climbing equipment such as climbing shoes and backpacks. We will also inform you about important but often forgotten items.
⛰ Clothing ⛰
Shoes
Climbing shoes
Climbing shoes with good foot support and non-slip soles are required. Proper size and fit are important for a comfortable climbing experience.
Climbing clothes
T-shirt, shorts (or long tights if you don't want to get hit by grass), outdoor jacket, heavy socks
Hat, spare T-shirt *Adjust according to the season.
Mountaineering backpack:.
You will need a backpack large enough to hold the necessary equipment, food and drink, and warm clothing. Be sure to pay attention to the comfort and adjustability of the backpack.
Protective equipment
Head and limb protection such as helmets, gloves, and sunglasses are important to ensure your safety while climbing.
Warm clothing
In mountainous areas, temperatures can change rapidly, so it is important to have warm clothing. A fleece, down jacket, windproof and waterproof shell jacket, etc. are necessary.
Trekking poles
Trekking poles are useful to support balance on slopes and unstable terrain.
Mountaineering map application "YAMAP
Download a map of the mountain you will be climbing with the mountaineering map application "YAMAP" in advance. You can check your location with GPS even when you are offline.
⛰ Recommended items⛰.
First aid kit
Headlamp
Drink (This is important! You will need a liter! You need at least 1 liter.
Food - Onigiri rice balls and waders to eat on the way
Snacks
Money (It's better to have cash since it's not electronic!)
Insect repellent (you don't have to bring any)
Towel
Sunscreen
Tissues, wet wipes
Charger
Folding umbrella or umbrella
