Overnight at 2nd Tallest Mountain in Japan – Mount Kitadake

Mount Kitadake is the 2nd tallest mountain in Japan, next to Mount Fuji. It is located in the South Alps of Japan in Yamanashi prefecture. The nature of the area is highly protected, and as such, you cannot directly drive your car close to the entrance of the hiking trail. You need to park your car well before the entrance, and then take a bus.

There are a few routes to hike to the summit of Mount Kitadake. I chose the route called Kusasuberi which means slippery grass. Contrary to what the name suggests, this route is said to be the least dangerous, and recommended for the first timers.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:43 Prelude to the hiking
01:48 Hiking begins
02:45 First monologue – why Kitadake?
04:05 A break at 1st bench
05:00 Shiraneoike Lodge
05:29 Slippery Grass Route begins
07:42 View from Kotaro Ridge Junction
08:48 Arrival at Kitadake Katano Lodge
09:37 Second monologue – What did lodge owner say?
10:17 Tent set up
11:01 Third monologue – Convenience store bread and astronomy
11:43 Fourth monologue – It was cold
12:43 Hiking to the peak
15:08 Fifth monologue – Accomplishment

#kitadake #hikinginjapan #japanesealps