3rd visit. In previous visits did not complete the full loop due to poor visibility.
Timing – early Oct.
Took gondola to top station @1900m and started hiking. There were facilities before the mountain gate like cafeteria, washroom, visitor info. But once inside, there were only two makeshift toilets about midway uphill. Clouds were covering the mountain tops while fall foliage was past peak. Took about 2hrs to reach the top observation deck @2100m. The deck was fully filled with many hikers. On clear days the Mt Shirouma-dake could be seen. On the return trail, spotted the Tsugaike downhill in deep blue. Took nearly 5hrs back to the mountain gate, including photo time and a break on the deck.
inside the gate @1800m+
view from the top deck – Mt Shirouma was shrouded again
Tsuga-ike !!
clouds and mists cleared up by the time I left around 2pm
2nd visit. Last visit was in Aug 2001, but the Mt Shirouma-dake was shrouded by clouds.
Took gondola and changed ski lifts to top @1800m and started hiking. It looked cloudy downhill but up there the sky cleared up due to strong wind. There were many hikers along the way. Took about 1hr+ to reach Happo-ike @2000m+. So glad that finally the 3 summits of Mt Shirouma-dake of nearly 3000m revealed themselves from fast-moving clouds across the horizon of Happo-ike. Took a break and chatted with 2 locals who were from Yokohama. Returned back downhill and visited a Jinja with 2 huge Sugi of 1000 years old.
Kamikochi @1400m is another favourite ‘koyo’ spot for us. We first visited in Nov 1999 when most foliage passed peak and were mostly brownish, with many leaves on the ground. We returned twice in different months – once in May and another trip in Oct. In 2010 we returned for the 4th time, hoping to catch fall colours at its peak. Turned out to be about 70% at eye level, where on the mountain slopes there were some patches of red and yellow.
We arrived early in the morning to start our trekking from Taisho-ike. The pond was almost still and serene. With almost perfect reflections of the Mt Hotaka range, Mt Yaki etc in the water, we were so pleased with Kamikochi as the finale of this koyo trip.
Took shuttle bus from Norikura Kogen @1400m and reached Norikura Sancho Tatami-daira 乗鞍山頂畳平 (terminal) at 2700m in about 1 hr. (private car is not allowed). Helpful visitor centre staff offered map and advice to approach the summit. The first 30 min was an easy trek, followed by a steep climb to the summit in another 60min. Rocky boulders were everywhere so mountain boots and hiking poles would be highly recommended. Was thrilled to be walking above the clouds. There were many people going up and down that morning, including kids. By the time i reached the summit many people were up there. Unfortunately, there were mist and clouds around the summit level so could not see the rest of the JP Alps. Not far down from the summit was a small pond in turquoise water – not sure if it’s from natural hotspring or rain.
Surprisingly, a Jingu was up there and a local in Jingu costume selling souvenirs. And in a mt hut at 2900m one could have fresh coffee etc. Totally amazing !
This hiking route opens from July till late Oct, when there is no snow or severe weather.
