{"id":11427,"date":"2018-01-23T07:25:35","date_gmt":"2018-01-23T06:25:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/?p=11427"},"modified":"2020-03-25T11:34:08","modified_gmt":"2020-03-25T10:34:08","slug":"hiking-the-japanese-alps-in-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/hiking-the-japanese-alps-in-winter\/","title":{"rendered":"Hiking the Japanese Alps in Winter"},"content":{"rendered":"

Towering peaks up to 3,000 metres tall stand tall in the heart of Japan\u2019s Honshu island, dividing the area into two parts. These are the Japanese Alps<\/a>, encompassing four prefectures and three of the country\u2019s mightiest mountain ranges \u2013 the Hidas, Kiso, and Akaishi.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In warmer months, they\u2019re sun-dappled and covered with carpets of green, where absurdly beautiful valleys and picturesque towns sit peacefully and mighty summits keep a relentless watch nearby.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Travel to: <\/em>Japan <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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Yet in the wintertime, they\u2019re even more thunderous, glistening with fresh white snow, wind-chiselled facades that are simply spectacular. Make no mistake: hiking the Japanese Alps in the middle of winter is no easy feat. But every trail, every journey is incredible and the views you will be rewarded with are utterly breathless.<\/span><\/p>\n

From the best trails to the essential gear, here\u2019s everything you need to know about hiking the Japanese Alps in the winter.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Photo credit: prelude2000<\/a> on VisualHunt.com<\/a> \/ CC BY-ND<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What you need to pack<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Any winter hike in the mountains comes with an element of preparation that you won\u2019t typically need on a regular hike. After all, winter hikes are more involved on account of the weather, temperature, wind conditions, and even the conditions of the trails.<\/span><\/p>\n

Most importantly, make sure you have all the gear you need to stay warm, protect yourself from any harsh weather you might encounter, and even keep yourself safe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are some of the essential winter hiking wear and equipment you need to tick off your list:<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. A set of trekking poles<\/a> to help with your balance and reduce strain on your lower extremities<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Snowshoes which you can rent from a ski shop<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Winter boots<\/a> that are comfortable, insulated and waterproof<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Toe<\/a> and hand warmers<\/a> that last for hours<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Top<\/a> and bottom<\/a> base layers made of breathable wool to keep warm and dry<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. A fleece vest<\/a> or jacket<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n
  7. A light waterproof jacket<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
  8. A raincoat <\/span><\/li>\n
  9. A gaiter<\/a> to protect your face and keep your neck warm<\/span><\/li>\n
  10. A beanie<\/a> to keep your head warm<\/span><\/li>\n
  11. A pair of warm gloves with leashes<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n
  12. At least two pairs of wool ski socks<\/a> (in case one gets wet)<\/span><\/li>\n
  13. Sunglasses or ski goggles, as the snow can be blinding<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Best trails for winter hikes in the Japan Alps<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    The Japanese Alps are a tellurian paradise for trekkers, backpackers, and day hikers, thanks to the intricate and diverse network of trails and footpaths. Whether you\u2019re looking for day hikes to transformative hikes, these mountains are the perfect setting for riotous adventures with its amazing trails that travel past captivating landscapes and spill into mountain retreats or epic panoramas.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Kamikochi<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Nestled in the heart of the Chubu Sangaku National Park is the alpine valley of Kamikochi, known best as an excellent starting point for wild and woolly adventures on the trail. <\/span><\/p>\n

    Hiking trails in Kamikochi range from easy, two-hour walks to challenging hikes. A scenic, the 3.5-kilometre walk may be had from the Kappa Bridge along the Taisho Pond path. You can also jump on a cable car up to the Nishi Minoru mountain hut and take the trail up to the Nishihotaka and Doppyo Peaks. Or hike up, beneath the peaks of the Hotakas, to the Dakesawa mountain hut for awe-inspiring vantage points.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    Photo credit: nAok0<\/a> on Visualhunt.com<\/a> \/ CC BY<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Hakuba Valley<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    The Olympic Winter Games of 1998 isn\u2019t Hakuba\u2019s only claim to fame. The mountain range is also known for its hiking trails and beautiful landscape. One popular, 1.5-hour trail takes you from the Hakuba Happo One \u2013\u00a0accessible by a cable car and a chairlift from Happo Station to Happo Pond where covetable landscape scenes and reflections of several snow-capped peaks must be photographed.<\/span><\/p>\n

    If you\u2019ve got more energy and time, continue along the Happo Ridge to the Karamatsu Peak for even more impressive vistas.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    See Also: <\/em>I Hate Hiking and I Hate the Cold, But I Love Greenland<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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    Komagane Kogen<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Hike in the clouds near the city of Komagane in the Nagano Prefecture. From the ski resort of Komagane Kogen, take the bus and ropeway to the Senjojiki Cirque, a depression formed from an eroded glacier. The cirque is home to a trailhead that ascends to the ridgeline between the peaks of Hokendake and Nakadake, and offers a sweeping panorama of the Central Alps. Your terminus ad quem, however, is the top of the Kisokomagatake, the highest in this section of the Japanese Alps where edelweiss are known to make an appearance. Another trail worthy of carving out time for? The hike along and across the Azusa River to the serene Myo-jin Pond.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Nakasendo Road<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    A favourite among travellers is the trail that connects the towns of Tsumago and Magome. The beauty of the old, 8-kilometre Nakasendo road is that it takes you on an enchanting hike through a verdant cypress forest where bear sightings are a possibility (so much that they offer bell rentals to warm them that you\u2019re coming).<\/span><\/p>\n

    It\u2019s an easy trek, but for more of an effortless, mostly downhill hike, start from Magome. For a shorter option, there\u2019s also a 6-kilometre village-to-village path from Yabubara to Narai.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Tateyama<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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    Photo credit: elminium<\/a> on Visualhunt.com<\/a> \/ CC BY<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Known for the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, the town of Tateyama is another starting point for elevating trail adventures. Take a tram across the mountains to Murodo where you can ascend past the Ichinokoshi Mountain hut, the Shinto shrine on O-yama, and Tateyama\u2019s highest point to Bessan peak then back. Feast your eyes on impressive sights, hot springs, and crater lakes. <\/span><\/p>\n

    While the trails are not accessible during winter, during spring and autumn will still reach icy temperatures where the above packing tips will absolutely apply.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    Photo credit: elminium<\/a> on VisualHunt.com<\/a> \/ CC BY<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Top tips to keep in mind<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Though hiking through the Japanese Alps in the middle of winter might not be the easiest, there are ways to make your hike a pleasurable and safer one, whether you\u2019re exposed to many dangers on a backcountry trail or more sheltered on a touristy paved path.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    See Also: <\/em>Should I Visit Japan?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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    Here are a few valuable tips to keep in mind:<\/span><\/p>\n