Rock Climbing Nagano Japan
Japan has many cool climbing options to enjoy across the country. Ogawayama in Nagano Prefecture is known as one of the best. It fascinates climbers with its many rock climbing and bouldering routes and is often called the Yosemite of Japan. It offers lots of climbing and bouldering options in many sectors dispersed in a beautiful valley. There is also some great hiking and camping options in the area.
Ogawayama – is a myriad of granite blocks and mountains dispersed over a huge area in a beautiful setting. It offers mostly granite slab climbing, some cracks, some faces and even some roofs. There is plenty for boulderes and climbers of all abilities. Some of the sectors are not that easy to find and might also require the crossing of small rivers – here is a great site Crag that will help find them Rock Climbing Nagano Japan
Most climbs are single pitch but there are also some multi-pitch routes. You can find sectors with all orientations, so there is something to climb most of the time. Be aware that the camp is at about 1600m above sea level and that it can get really cold from mid October to May. The best season is definitely from July to mid October.
Nozawa to Ogawayama
Ogawayama is located in the south of Nagano so it is about a 3 hour drive from Nozawa Onsen. Possible to do in a day trip but better to stay a few nights there if heading from Nozawa. But Nozawa is a great destination to come back to and relax in the free Onsens after a few days of climbing. Great deals at Villa Nozawa over the Summer months from about 3000 Yen per person per night. Villa Nozawa Japan
There are also some places around Nozawa where you can do some bouldering in natural formations near the waterfalls and cliffs. If prefer the indoors then there are a few great indoor climbing centres nearby too.
One good one is Obuse Open Oasis about 40 minutes away. Obuse is a beautiful traditional art town to check out too Obuse Oasis Climbing Centre