Climbing Mt. Akadake in winter is a great winter adventure, with a fantastic view of snow and ice! We will share with you the excitement of the winter mountain climbing and its charm!
In this article, we will introduce the charm of Akadake in winter. We will introduce courses that even beginners can enjoy, as well as detailed explanations of preparation points and safety measures. After reading this article, you will feel at ease, so please enjoy until the end!
About Mt.Akadake
Akadake is located in the south of the Yatsugatake mountain range and boasts an elevation of 2,899 meters. It is the highest peak in the Yatsugatake mountain range, and its summit offers a spectacular view of the Northern and Southern Alps, as well as Mt. Fuji. In winter, the landscape is covered in snow and ice, adding to its mystical beauty. Another attraction is that there are a variety of climbing routes, making it enjoyable for beginners and advanced climbers alike. The route from Minotoguchi is relatively easy to access, and the course that goes up the Bunzaburo Ridge via Akadake Onsen offers a variety of varied experiences. Akadake also offers fun in every season. In spring and summer, alpine flowers bloom, and in autumn, the mountain is colored with autumn leaves. In winter, Akadake is a popular spot for snow trekking and ice climbing, as mentioned above.
Climbing route introduction
▼Climbing date
New Year’s Eve climbing
▼Climbing level
★★★☆☆
Even beginners can climb up to Akadake Onsen and Gyogyo hut without any problems, but the path to the summit requires climbing ladders and rocks, so it is difficult for those without experience.
▼Climbing schedule
‐DAY 1‐
・Total time: 3 hours 20 minutes
・Distance: 6.8 km (ascent / descent * 909 / 55 m)
09:45 Minoto trailhead / Yatsugatake mountain lodge
10:45 Minoto trailhead / Akadake mountain lodge
13:10 Gyoja hut
‐DAY 2‐
・Total time: 8 hours 5 minutes (rest time: 1 hour 55 minutes)
・Distance: 9.8 km (ascent / descent: 608 / 1466 m)
05:00 Gyoja hut
06:20 Akadake summit
~Sunrise~
07:20 Start descending
08:00 Akadake Tenboso
08:10 Jizo-no-to
08:50 Gyoja hut
10:30 Start descending
12:00 Minoto trailhead/Yatsugatake mountain lodge
★YAMAP account
Please visit →Hiking Bear
出典：YAMAP
・There is parking available for approximately 30 cars in front of Yatsugatake Sanso Lodge and approximately 120 cars in the Tateshina Tourist Parking Lot.
*If you are not coming by car, it is about a 30-minute taxi ride from Chino Station, and the travel fare is approximately 5,100 yen.
・Please make sure to check the round-trip distance, areas you should be careful of, and equipment for snowy mountains.
Recommended season for climbing
The recommended seasons for climbing Mt. Akadake are mainly summer (July to September) and winter (December to February). Each season has its own charm.
■Summer (July to September)
- The beauty of alpine plants: At this time of year, alpine plants bloom all over the mountain. The sight of the colorful flowers spreading across the mountain is particularly spectacular, allowing you to enjoy mountain climbing while immersing yourself in nature.
- Comfortable climate: Akadake is at a high altitude, so the heat is milder in summer, making it comfortable to climb. Also, the long daylight hours make it easy to plan your climb and safe.
- Plenty of routes for beginners: There is no snow at this time of year and the general trails are well maintained, making it an easy environment for beginners to try.
■Winter (December to February)
- Spectacular silvery white scenery: In winter, Akadake is covered with snow and ice, creating a silvery white landscape that seems like another world. This shows the beautiful Akadake in a different light from the summer.
- Snow trekking and ice climbing: In winter, the area is popular for snow trekking and ice climbing. Dynamic climbing of snowy mountains is a challenging yet rewarding experience for experienced climbers.
- Silence and clear air: There are fewer people in the mountains in winter, and the appeal is being able to come face to face with nature in the clear, cool air and silence. The conditions on the mountain trails are tough, but the sense of accomplishment is all the more impressive.
どのシーズンでも、赤岳は自然の豊かさを感じられる特別な場所です。それぞれの季節に合わせた計画や装備を整え、安全に楽しんでください！
Highlights
You can get a panoramic view of the Yatsugatake mountain range from the highest peak in the Yatsugatake Mountains!
You can hike Mt. Fuji on New Year’s Eve! The first sunrise of the year will paint Mt. Fuji red!
A spectacular spot where you can see the entire Southern Alps to the Northern Alps!
Safety and Risk Management
■Risks and precautions
Careful preparation and planning are essential to ensure safety when climbing snowy mountains. First, you should always check the weather information and make the decision to refrain from climbing if bad weather is expected. In addition, proper equipment is the key to safety, and cold weather clothing, crampons, ice axes, and other equipment are essential. By accompanying an experienced climber or a guide, you can calmly respond to any trouble that may occur. In addition, submitting a climbing notification and informing family and friends of your climbing plans are also important safety measures.
■Emergency response
Snowy mountains have their own unique risks. For example, avalanches, poor visibility, and hypothermia due to low temperatures. Risk management requires sufficient knowledge and skill acquisition before climbing. Considering the weather and snow conditions and choosing a route according to your experience also helps reduce risk. In addition, it is important to avoid unreasonable itineraries and take sufficient rest while acting in order to maintain your physical strength and be able to respond to emergencies.
Mountain climbing experience
Finally, my long-cherished dream of climbing Mt. Akagi in winter came true! It was my first time climbing a snow-covered mountain, so I was a little nervous, but thanks to careful preparation, I was able to reach the summit safely. The view I saw there was something I will never forget. The surrounding mountains spread out as a blanket of silver, and the beauty was breathtaking. I was particularly moved by the moment of sunrise. The sight of the slowly spreading morning sun painting the mountain ridges orange was truly magnificent, and I couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration…! In that moment, the cold and fatigue disappeared somewhere, and I was filled with a true sense of accomplishment. By the time I descended, my heart had been warmed by the sight of Mt. Akagi in winter, and I was so moved that I wanted to try again next year! This experience became a special memory for me!
09:45 Minoto Trailhead/Yatsugatake Sanso
There is parking available in front of the Yatsugatake Sanso for about 30 cars, and at the Tateshina Tourist Parking Lot for about 120 cars.
*If you are not driving, it is about a 30-minute taxi ride from Chino Station, and the transportation fee is about 5,100 yen.
・We arrived around 9am, and since it was New Year’s Eve, the parking lot was pretty empty.
You can use the toilets and have food and drink at Yatsugatake Sanso, so you can get ready here.
https://mt-yatsugatake.jp/yamagoya/yamagoya-641/
There wasn’t much snow and there were no slippery spots, so we climbed without crampons.
10:45 Minoto Trailhead/Akadake Sanso
We start climbing towards the contractor’s hut!
There were many paths with exposed rocks, so it was easier to walk without crampons.
We walk through a snow tunnel – it’s easy and there’s no steep climb!
13:10 Gyoja Hut
We arrived at the contractor’s hut 3 hours and 20 minutes after we started climbing.
It seems some people are staying in tents, but we’re staying in the hut today.
This is the contractor’s hut. It was spacious, clean, and comfortable!
https://www.akadakekousen.jp/
For lunch, I had ramen and curry. They were both really delicious!
17:30 Dinner
Hamburg steak! After that, we had New Year’s Eve soba noodles, which gave us a feeling of the end of the year, and we went to bed before the New Year. 17:30 Dinner
Hamburg steak! After that, we had New Year’s Eve soba noodles, which gave us a feeling of the end of the year, and we went to bed before the New Year.
5:00 Contractor’s Hut
Good morning! We’re setting off for the summit of Akadake and the first sunrise of the year!
The wind speed on this day was 25m/s, which was quite strong. It would have been difficult without an ice axe.
06:20 – Summit of Akadake
One hour and 20 minutes after we started climbing, we reached the summit of Akadake! I’m glad we made it in time for the first sunrise!
The view from the top of the mountain!!
I was able to see the first sunrise of the year! And I could see Mt. Fuji!
You can see Mt. Yokodake, Mt. Io, Mt. Tengu, Mt. Kitayokodake, and even Mt. Tateshina!
The view from the Southern Alps to the Northern Alps is amazing! However, it is a very steep slope so be careful when descending!
08:10 Jizo-no-Atama
We start descending!
This is the mountain path from Jizo-no-toge to the contractor’s hut! It’s fun to walk through a snow tunnel!
08:50 Gyoja Hut
We had breakfast and rested until 10:30, then started our descent.
08:50 Gyoja Hut
We had breakfast and rested until 10:30, then started our descent.
12:00 Minoto Trailhead/Yatsugatake Mountain Lodge
We were able to get there in about an hour and a half!
近くの温泉情報
Katakurakan Senninburo
A large natural hot spring bath built in the early Showa period that exudes romance.
The marble bath is large enough for 100 people to bathe at once.
Indoor bath: 10:00-20:00 (reception until 19:30)
Bath fee: 850 yen for adults, 550 yen for children (ages 3 and up to elementary school age)
http://www.katakurakan.or.jp/natural_hot_spring/
Lake Suwa is nearby, where you can relax after a bath.
Recommended snowy mountains:
There are many other recommended snowy mountains, so please feel free to 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