Yarigatake
AlpineChubu(Nagano)
DifficultDistance
22 km
Elevation Gain
1800m
Max Elevation
3180m
Duration
14h
Chubu(Nagano)
DifficultDistance
22 km
Elevation Gain
1800m
Max Elevation
3180m
Duration
14h
Plan your Kumano Kodo pilgrimage walk through the mountains of the Kii Peninsula. This guide covers the four main routes, multi-day itineraries, accommodation, and the dual pilgrim stamp system.
Discover Japan in its quietest, most dramatic season. This guide covers winter hiking from gentle snowshoe walks to serious mountaineering, including the best cold-weather trails and essential gear.
Japan has wonderful hiking trails for families. This guide covers the best kid-friendly trails near major cities, what to pack, safety tips, and how to keep children engaged on the trail.

Remote Southern Alps peak with sweeping views of Mt. Fuji and the Southern Alps.

Japan's most famous knife-edge ridge connecting Minami-dake and Kitahotaka.

Third highest peak in Japan with technical scrambling in the Northern Alps.
The Matterhorn of Japan with a distinctive spear-shaped summit requiring scrambling.
Yarigatake (3,180m) is the fifth highest peak in Japan and arguably the most iconic in the Northern Alps, its distinctive spear-shaped summit visible from mountains across central Honshu. The approach is long and demanding, typically requiring two to three days, but rewards climbers with some of Japan's finest alpine scenery. The final pitch to the summit involves ladder and chain climbing up the exposed rocky pinnacle.
July to September
Iconic spear-shaped summit pinnacle; Ladder and chain summit climb; Vast Northern Alps panorama; Yari-sawa snowfield and cirque; Sunrise views from mountain huts
Most common approach: bus from Matsumoto or Takayama to Kamikochi, then hike via Yokoo to Yari-sawa (full day). Alternative routes from Shin-Hotaka Ropeway or Nakabusa Onsen. Mountain hut reservations are essential.
This is a serious alpine climb requiring multi-day planning and mountain hut reservations. The summit pitch involves exposed ladders and chains—not suitable for those with vertigo. Weather can deteriorate rapidly with lightning risk. Snow remains into July on approach routes. Full alpine equipment required. Helicopter rescue is the only evacuation option.
Yarigatake is rated as difficult difficulty.
Yarigatake is 22 km long.
The elevation gain on Yarigatake is 1800 meters.
Hiking Yarigatake typically takes about 14 hours.
The best season to hike Yarigatake is July to September.
Yarigatake is located in Nagano, Chubu region of Japan.
Yarigatake is a alpine trail.
Warnings for Yarigatake: This is a serious alpine climb requiring multi-day planning and mountain hut reservations. The summit pitch involves exposed ladders and chains—not suitable for those with vertigo. Weather can deteriorate rapidly with lightning risk. Snow remains into July on approach routes. Full alpine equipment required. Helicopter rescue is the only evacuation option..
Access information for Yarigatake: Most common approach: bus from Matsumoto or Takayama to Kamikochi, then hike via Yokoo to Yari-sawa (full day). Alternative routes from Shin-Hotaka Ropeway or Nakabusa Onsen. Mountain hut reservations are essential..
The maximum elevation on Yarigatake is 3180 meters.
Yarigatake is rated difficult, making it accessible for hikers of that level.
For Yarigatake, proper hiking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Check warnings: This is a serious alpine climb requiring multi-day planning and mountain hut reservations. The summit pitch involves exposed ladders and chains—not suitable for those with vertigo. Weather can deteriorate rapidly with lightning risk. Snow remains into July on approach routes. Full alpine equipment required. Helicopter rescue is the only evacuation option..
Highlights of Yarigatake include: Iconic spear-shaped summit pinnacle; Ladder and chain summit climb; Vast Northern Alps panorama; Yari-sawa snowfield and cirque; Sunrise views from mountain huts.
Access to Yarigatake: Most common approach: bus from Matsumoto or Takayama to Kamikochi, then hike via Yokoo to Yari-sawa (full day). Alternative routes from Shin-Hotaka Ropeway or Nakabusa Onsen. Mountain hut reservations are essential..
The best season for Yarigatake is July to September. Check conditions before hiking in winter.