Mt.Yake (elevation 2455 m), also called Io-Dake, is the only active volcano in the Northern Alps. Its beautiful appearance makes it one of Japan’s 100 most famous mountains. It is popular among beginners as it can be climbed on a day trip. From the summit, you can see the fumes from the lava mouths and beautiful volcanic lakes, making it an attractive mountain. The surrounding area is also home to a number of hot spring resorts. Visitors can recover from the fatigue of climbing at Shin Hotaka Onsen and Shirakone Onsen.
Climbing Route Introduction
▼ Date of climb.
Early August 2023
▼ Climbing level
★★★★★ For beginner to intermediate climbers
The difficulty level varies depending on the climbing route, so climb according to your personal climbing level!
This time we are climbing by the Kamikochi route!
For beginners: Shinnakanoyu route (course time: about 6 hours)
For intermediate-level climbers: Nakao Kogen Route (course time: approx. 8 hours)
For intermediate-level climbers: Kamikochi route (course time: approx. 8 hours)
▼Climbing schedule and routes
Climbing time 9 hours 20 minutes
05:50 Kappa Bridge
06:30 Mt. Yaki Kamikochi side trailhead
09:20 Yaki Hut
10:30 Yaki summit
〜Lunch
11:30 Start of descent
14:00 Mt. Yaki Kamikochi trailhead
15:10 Kappa Bridge
*The Kamikochi route requires parking at the Sawando parking lot, so it is recommended to arrive at 5:00 in the morning.
*It is recommended that you bring gloves as it is quite an active climb with ladders and chains. (I didn’t bring my own gloves, and I published this article…)
Recommended Climbing Season
The climbing season for Yake-dake is from late May to late October. In the summer season, you can enjoy the lush Yake-dake with fresh greenery and blue skies, and in the fall, you can enjoy the carpet of colored leaves!
Points of Interest
Start climbing from Kappa Bridge, which commands a panoramic view of the Hotaka mountain range!
The green emerald “caldera lake” is very beautiful!
The 360-degree panoramic view of the Yari-Hotaka mountain range, the famous peaks of the Northern Alps such as Sasagatake and Norikura-dake, and the meandering Azusa River is superb!
Mountain Climbing Experience
This time we took the Kamikochi route, so we were able to enjoy a walk in Kamikochi and climb Mt.Yake! However, the climb from the Kamikochi route was steeper than I had expected, and the mountain path with ladders and chains and the jungle with thick vegetation made it tough, but the view from the summit blew it all away! From the summit of Yake-dake North Peak, we were able to enjoy the best 360-degree panoramic view of the Yari-Hotaka mountain range, famous mountains of the North Alps such as Sasagatake and Mt.Norikura, and the meandering Azusa River, which I highly recommend!
View from the trailhead to the summit
05:50 Kappa Bridge
The morning mist is very beautiful at Kappa Bridge, and the Yaruhotaka mountain range towers in front of you with a spectacular view.
It was very pleasant to walk along the Azusa River to get to the Yakidake trailhead.
06:30 Mt.Yake, Kamikochi side trailhead
It has been about 30 minutes since we left the Kappa-bashi bridge. We set off for the summit!
At first, a gentle slope continues, bathed in sunlight through the trees.
After about an hour and a half of climbing, ladders and chains start to appear and it gets progressively harder.
Looking back, you can see the Azusa River where you walked early in the morning.
Here we are! The most difficult part of the climb was the big ladder! It was more than 5 meters high!
It was a little scary…
After overcoming the difficult spots, the summit of Yake-dake finally came into view!
09:20 Yakecollege
We took a break because we could buy drinks and food, and there was also a restroom!
It takes about 10 minutes from the Yakidake Hut to reach this spot!
Yake-dake towering before your eyes is truly a sight to behold!
Looking back, you can also see Sasagatake (Mt. Sasagatake), making this a great resting spot!
It is a steep and rough climb that is very difficult to climb and takes a lot of energy….
Looking back, you can see the breathtaking Yari-Hotaka mountain range!
10:30 Summit of Mt.
It took us about 4 hours to reach the summit!
The “caldera lake” of green emerald is very beautiful.
Northern Alps Recommended Mountains
There are many other mountains in the Northern Alps that we recommend, 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
