This post series details our 5-day high altitude hut-to-hut trek in the Japan Northern Alps in late September 2023. Our trek started at Murodo and ended at Shin-Hotaka in Chūbu-Sangaku National Park, covering 40 miles and loads of ascent and descent…

Japan Alps: This post provides cost, budget and logistical details for our 5-day hut-to-hut trek in the Japanese Northern Alps.

Day 1 of our five day Japan Alps Trek started at 8,000+ feet above sea level, with no acclimatization. It was up-and-down over steep, rocky terrain for the next several hours, with swirling mist, rugged ridge tops, and juniper-covered Alpine meadows…

Day 2 of the Japan Alps Trek was the longest and most strenuous section, with several rock scramble peaks, steep descents, and a final ridge-back climb to Mt. Yakushi, one of Japan’s “100 Most Famous Mountains”…

Day 3 of the Japan Alps Trek was the highlight of our trek, traversing broad highland meadows with magnificent views. A long descent into the cirque of Mt. Kurobegoro was brilliant with the first blazes of the Fall foliage. Lots of photos in this stage…

Day 4 of the Japan Alps Trek was short and wild as we hiked through gale force winds in a whiteout! Sugoroku-goya Hut offered a festive, safe shelter to weather the storm…

Day 5 of the Japan Alps Trek was a descent to Shin Hotaka hot springs resort area, with a fantastic cloud show and a peak at Yari-ga-dake…

Kamikochi in Chubu Sangaku National Park is the most iconic tourist destination in the region. We spent our last day in the Japan Alps walking a forest path, soaking in the sights, and planning our return trip…