The Mountains of Minami-Alps
The Minami-Alps mountain range is nestled between the Fuji River and Tenryu River. Over countless millennia, these mountains have risen to heights exceeding 3,000 meters. They are filled with a charm that stirs the hearts of mountaineers – including delicate alpine flora, extensive ridgelines, and expansive panoramic views.
Mt. Kita-dake (3193m)
Mt. Kita-dake is a mountain located in Minami Alps City, Yamanashi Prefecture, with an elevation of 3,193 meters. It is Japan’s second highest peak after Mt. Fuji and is renowned as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains and Yamanashi’s 100 Famous Mountains. Near the summit, a native species of rare alpine plant, Kitadakesou, grows naturally. The mountain has been beloved by climbers for many years, and its alpine flower fields are splendid.
The popularity of Mt. Kita-dake lies in its dynamic views, unique to the Minami-Alps, and its diverse trails, featuring snowfields and forest zones. Moreover, on the eastern slope of Mt. Kita-dake, there is a roughly 600-meter high rock wall famously known as the Kita-dake Buttress, a favorite challenge for climbers.
Mt. Aino-dake (3190m)
Mt. Aino-dake is Japan’s third highest peak, standing at an elevation of 3,190 meters, and is one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains. Together with Mt. Kita-dake and Mt. Notori-dake, it forms the Shirane Sanzan. Positioned in the center of the Shirane Sanzan, Mt. Aino-dake boasts an expansive summit and striking ridgelines. Its eastern face features rocky crowns and double ridges, offering a peek into the geological history of the Earth.
The summit marks the border between Yamanashi Prefecture and Shizuoka Prefecture, and it is the source of the Ooi River. The main ridgeline provides spectacular views, and you can enjoy an exhilarating walk along the crest. Additionally, you can experience the different vegetation in comparison to Mt. Kita-dake.
Mt. Notori-dake (3026m)
Mt. Notori-dake is a prominent peak with an elevation of 3,026 meters and is one of Yamanashi’s 100 Famous Mountains. Together with Mt. Kita-dake and Mt. Aino-dake, it completes the Shirane Sanzan. The main ridgeline twists on its eastern face, creating complex and challenging terrain. The summit is divided into eastern and western peaks, offering a panoramic view of the Minami-Alps mountains. Taking its place as the southernmost peak of the Shirane Sanzan, in late June, snow formations resembling swans appear on the eastern face of the summit. This is an historical mark of the agricultural calendar and gives rise to the mountain’s name.
Mt. Senjoga-take (3033m)
Mt. Senjoga-take is a mountain located in the northern part of the Akaishi Mountain Range, with an elevation of 3,032 meters. In appearance it is relatively gentle, and earns it the nickname ‘Queen of the Minami-Alps.’ There are few dangerous spots, making it a reassuring climb, even for beginners. The views from the ridge are exceptionally clear, offering vistas not only of Mt. Fuji and the other Minami-Alps mountains but also extending beyond to Mt. Yatsuga-take, Oku-chichibu, and even the Central and Northern Alps. Furthermore, it is renowned for its rich variety of alpine flora and is recognized as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains.
Mt. Kai-Komaga-take (2967m)
Mt. Kai-Komaga-take is a mountain located at the northern end of the Akaishi Mountain Range, with an elevation of 2,967 meters. Mt. Kai-Komaga-take is designated as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains and also as one of Yamanashi’s 100 Famous Mountains. Highly praised by Kyuya Fukada, the author of ‘100 Famous Japanese Mountains’ (1964), Mt. Kai-Komaga-take is known for its pyramid-like shape covered in granite throughout the entire mountain. That makes it a striking and attractive landmark, visible from afar. It offers excellent views and is a popular mountain where climbers can enjoy a compelling hiking experience.
Houou-Sanzan (Yakushi-dake, Kannon-dake, Jizouga-take)
Houou-Sanzan consist of Yakushi-dake (2,780m), Kannon-dake (2,840.4m), and Jizouga-take (2,764m). This mountain range offers exhilarating ridge passes covered in sandy granite, making it a relatively easy climb. The stunning views include the magnificent landscapes of the Shirane Sanzan and Mt. Fuji.
At the summit of Jizouga-take stands a colossal stone pillar towering 18 meters high. This mystical spectacle has been cherished by mountaineers since ancient times and is widely known as a place of faith and legend.
Mt. Kushigata-yama (2052m)
Mt. Kushigata-yama is located on the western side of the Kofu Basin and has a broad, gentle mountain profile. It stands at an elevation of 2,051 meters. Known as a ‘mountain of flowers,’ Mt. Kushigata-yama is home to many alpine and subalpine flowers, such as Tamura-sou and Yanagi-ran. Along the forest roads, you can enjoy views of Mt. Fuji and the Shirane Sanzan mountain range. It is recognized as one of Yamanashi’s 100 Famous Mountains.
Yashajin Pass (1770m)
Yashajin Pass is located at the forefront of mountains of Minami-Alps, and at the southern end of the Houou Sanzan.
It serves as an excellent point of view for the abundant nature of the Shirane Sanzan mountain range, as well as the starting point for climbing the Houou Sanzan. The route is straightforward and can be climbed in about an hour, attracting many visitors throughout the year. It’s an ideal location for enjoying a picnic lunch while enjoying the view of the Shirane Sanzan directly ahead. This makes it a highly recommended spot for family hiking.
The best times to visit are during the new spring greenery of May and the mid to late October autumn foliage.
Ashiyasu Mountaineering Museum
TEL: 055-288-2125