Yari-gatake

槍ヶ岳

Yari-gatake Mountain [槍ヶ岳] is listed among the 100 famous mountains in Japan, and is the 5th highest mountain in Japan. It is often called the "Matterhorn of Japan" for its distinctive shape, is one of the most popular peaks for climbers in the Japanese Alps.

ℹ️ Trail Details & Essentials

📝 Climbing plan and data

Day 1: Kamikochi to Dakesawa

Day 2: Dakesawa to Hotakadake

Day 3: Hotakadake to Minamidake

Day 4: Minamidake to Yarigatake

Day 5: Yarigatake to Kamikochi

🧗 Daikiretto Route

🎒 Packing List (camping)

ℹ️ Trail Details & Essentials

🌐 Trail information: The Japan Alps

🧗 Yarigatake detailed route guide: The Japan Alps

🧗 Oku-hotaka dake (from Hotakadake Sanso) detailed route guide: The Japan Alps

🗺️ Map: Yamap

🌦️ Weather check: Mountain forecast | Tenkura

🪪 Permits & Regulations: Fill in intentions form in Kamikochi

🟢 Trailhead (Start Point): Kamikochi

🔴 Trail End (Finish Point): Kamikochi

📍 Access: Refer to Kamikochi

Fill in intentions form here

📝 Climbing plan and data

Total distance: 33.7km

Total duration: 26 hours

Total ascent: 3,343 m

Total descent: 3,343 m

Day 1: Kamikochi to Dakesawa

Ascent is exhausting but easy terrain.

Distance: 4.0 km

Duration: 2:30 - 3:00

Ascent: 674 m

Accommodation: Dakesawa Hut

Day 2: Dakesawa to Hotakadake

Steep ascent (keep your hiking poles) till Maehotaka. Leave heavy backpack at the junction before heading up to Maehotaka. Bring summit bag with lunch/snacks, no poles required. Better not proceed in adverse weather.

Distance: 3.8 km

Duration: 7:00 - 8:00

Ascent: 1266 m

Descent: 442 m

Lunch break: Maehotaka peak (excellent views with Fujisan)

Accommodation: Hotakadake Sanso Hut

🚨 Emergency route: Turn eastwards towards Karasawa Hut to descend.

Day 3: Hotakadake to Minamidake

Daikiretto route day, do not proceed in adverse weather. Go slow, take lots of photos and videos, and enjoy the climb!

Distance: 3.1 km

Duration: 6:00 - 7:00

Ascent: 653 m

Descent: 669 m

Lunch break: Kita-hotaka Hut

Accommodation: Minamidakegoya 南岳小屋

Day 4: Minamidake to Yarigatake

Easy and short day after experiencing Maehotaka and Daikiretto route. You have the choice to descend a little on this day to cut short the descend tomorrow. I chose to stay because I climbed Yari (about 15-20 mins) again for sunrise the next day.

Distance: 3.1 km

Duration: 2:30 - 3:00

Ascent: 372 m

Descent: 265 m

Accommodation: Yarigatake Sanso Hut or 殺生ヒュッテ

Day 5: Yarigatake to Kamikochi

Relentless descent, be sure to use hiking poles, your knees and back will thank you. Visit this cave 坊主岩小屋（播隆窟）on the way down. You will pass a few huts (with food and vending machines) along the way to take short breaks.

Distance: 19.4 km

Duration: 8:00

Ascent: 376 m

Descent: 1954 m