Tsubakurodake is a 2,763-meter-high mountain in the Northern Alps, all of which belong to Nagano Prefecture. Tsubakurodake is one of the top 100 mountains in Japan and one of the top 100 new mountains in Japan. Tsubakurodake is also the starting point of the Omotegoza route to Yarigatake. It is a very popular mountain and highly recommended because of its very easy trails and great views!
Climbing Route Introduction
▼ Date of climb
Early August 2020
▼ Climbing level
★★★☆☆☆ For intermediate hikers
The trail is easy to climb, but there are many steps, and it is quite difficult to climb while carrying luggage for overnight stay in a tent.
Beginners (if you have light clothing and the right mindset)
▼Climbing schedule
Climbing time: 8 hours 10 minutes
Ascent: 5 hours 10 minutes
05：20 Climbing begins at the Nakabusa Onsen entrance
06:10 First bench - 06:50 Second bench - 07:30 Third bench
08:10 Fujimi Bench
08:40 Gassen Hut
10:00 Tsubakurodake Villa
10:30 Summit of Tsubakurodake
Descent: 3 hours
12：50 Start descent
15:50 Descend ・It is popular as one of the introductory courses to the Northern Alps, but it is tough unless you have experience in low mountains.
・In high season, the two free parking lots 1 and 2 near Nakabusa Onsen Hot Spring can hold 120 cars, but they fill up around 6:00 AM. There is a parking lot No. 3 about 200 meters down the road near Ariake-so that is reserved for mountain climbers.
・By train, a shared-ride bus (about 55 minutes, 1,700 yen) is convenient from Hotaka Station on the JR Oito Line to Nakabusa Onsen.
The view from the summit is vast and offers a panoramic view of the Alps!
A group of rock peaks spread out at the top of the mountain! Take a picture with Dolphin Rock!
You can enjoy walking along the beautiful ridges of the Northern Alps!
Recommended Climbing Season
Tsubakurodake, the snow accumulated in winter remains for some time after summer. Therefore, the best time to climb the mountain is from around July to mid-October. In summer, alpine flora such as Chinese bellflower and Chinese milk vetch are in full bloom.
Mountain Climbing Experience
It was my long-awaited debut in the Northern Alps! The weather was really great! Tsubakurodake is a 2,763-meter mountain located at the northernmost tip of the Hida Range in the Northern Alps, and is called the “Queen of the Northern Alps” and is one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan! The contrast between the high pine trees and the granite makes for a very beautiful summit! It was really nice to walk along the ridge from Tsubakuro Sanso to Tsubakurodake! The Gosenno-one route is a bit unsuitable for beginners, but if you are a beginner with some mountaineering experience, this is a mountain you should definitely try.
View from the trailhead to the summit
05:20 Start climbing Nakabusa Onsen Exit
We arrived at the parking lot at 3:00 a.m. and took a nap before starting the climb! Everyone is making their debut in the Northern Alps!
We proceeded through the tree line! The trail was well maintained and easy to climb as there were no long steep climbs!
08:40 Gassen Hut
After 3 hours and 20 minutes of climbing, we finally arrived at the hut! At this hour, there were already this many people in the hut! Located at an altitude of about 2,350 meters, the hut is said to be visited by wild animals such as squirrels and antelopes in the early morning when there are few climbers. They sell lunch and drinks, and their specialties are watermelon and udon noodles!
Click here for more information about Kassen Hut ※No lodging is available in the Kassen Hut.
Around 9:20 a.m.
Finally, the view opens up! The sea of clouds is spreading out in the back! Last spurt to Tsubakuro Villa!
10:00 Tsubakuro Villa
After 4 hours and 40 minutes of climbing, we arrived at TsubakuroSanso (Tsubakurodake Mountain Hut)! Everyone left their packs here and headed for the summit!
Tsubakurodake is also the Omote-Ginza traversing course, and you will reach the summit of Tsubakurodake in about 30 minutes after climbing up and down through the high pine and granite zone while enjoying the view of Yarigatake!
This time we took a day trip, but I definitely want to stay at Tsubakuro Sanso next time! The European-style building, which is hard to believe it is a mountain lodge, is very popular among Japanese mountain lodges!
10:30 Summit of Tsubakuro
We finally reached the summit! The weather is great and the view is fantastic!
Tsubakurodake for your debut in the Northern Alps!
Please give it a try!
Recommended Mountains
There are many other mountains, 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
