Kitadake

Kitadake (3192m) is the second highest mountain in Japan. It is
one of dozens of rugged peaks located in the relatively remote
South Alps. Climbing Kitadake was definitely one of the best
experiences I had in Japan

Besides great hiking there are also some challenging technical
alpine routes on the front face of the mountain. Be advised that
the rock is not the best. Pitons are a necessity and watch the
weather! Afternoon thunderstorms are an almost daily
occurrence during the summer season.

Proper preparation is important for any trip to the south alps.
The terrain is rough and remote. In 2004 there were about 20
rescues and 2 fatalities in the South Alps.

Definitly mid summer to late fall. Avoid spring as snow will be
melting and there will be a lot of rockfall along the route

Winter is possible but logistically challenging due to road
closures. These mountains are young and steep and the
snowfall is high so if you do go in the winter make sure you are
trained in avalanche awareness and rescue.

Kitadake if fairly easy to get to. From Tokyo, just take the train to Kofu Station
and hop a bus to the trailhead. The catch is if you want to take the first bus, and
you do, you have to take the train the night before and stay in Kofu. When I
went, I took the last train and slept in the station.

You have to take the bus from a certian point because private cars are not
allowed on the road from Kofu to the trailhead. I think there is a way around this
but I have to do some more research. I must say, the bus ride was the scariest
trip in a vehicle that I have ever experienced. The bus driver drove like a
maniac along a crumbling one lane road perched on the side of a cliff 500
meters above the steepest valley I have ever seen. I was terrified that we were
going to miss one of the constant hairpin turns and go careening into the void
or that the road would suddenly crumble or be buried in rockfall. Definitely bring
your seasickness medicine and a lucky charm.

I'll try to find some more info on the bus to post but in the meantime feel free to
contact me for help.

The road is often closed and is usually not acessible to private cars. The sfest
thing to do is call ahead or have a backup plan.

The vertical change between the trail head and the summit is
intense. You will start out at 1500m and top out at 3192
meters. The elevation change between the trail head and the
summit is over 1700 meters. Thats over a vertical mile! Bring
lots of moleskin!

The main trail climbs steeply up a stream valley passes a
mountain hut and heads into a huge ravine that holds a small
snowfield all summer. It then climbs up to a saddle and follows
the ridge line to the summit. There is another trail you can take
on the decent that connects back at the mountain hut.

This climb can barely be done in a long day by experienced
hikers in good shape but I don't recommend it. I'd give it two full
days and maybe 3 if you really want to take your time.

You can tent it or stay at the mountain huts. Make sure you
bring your earplugs so you don't have to listen to all the
ojisan (old men) snoring all night.

There is a hut at the trailhead, one halfway up the mountain
and one right near the summit.

There are also a couple of Onsen in the area.