Hiking Kamikochi from Nozawa
Climbing and Hiking now is the best season in Japan
Everyone loves the mountains of Japan in winter when the slopes are beautifully covered in fresh Japanese Powder snow. However for many right now Autumn is the best time to explore the amazing mountains of Japan. Living in Nagano we are blessed with being right in the middle of the Southern and Northern Alps. With towering 3000 meter plus peaks in all directions there is a wealth of hiking options to explore.
The amazing Shinetsu Trail is right on our doorstep just across the valley and makes for a great Multi day hike while staying in Nozawa. It is 80km long and goes over 16 passes, the path has been used by traders for centuries now. Here is a link to more details and packages available; https://www.nozawaholidays.com/shin-etsu-trail-hike/
Hiking Kamikochi from Nozawa
Another amazing area just 2 hours away is Kamikochi and it is basically a Disneyland for hikers and Mountain Climbers. Japan has 21 mountains over 3000 meters high and a large number of them are in this area. I have made it my goal to climb all 21 peaks in my lifetime, have got a few done so far. This hike we set out to climb Mt Maehotaka number 11 on the list at 3090 meters above Sea Level part of the Hotaka Mountain Range. All these hikes are great set ups with well marked and maintained trails and great little huts and camping areas to stay on the way. Can even get a great Curry Rice and a cold beer at Dakesawa Hut sitting at 2170m high.
Temperatures are definitely cooling which makes it nice and comfortable for hiking and cool sleeping at night. The leaves are starting to change colours up high which is spectacular and you have a few weeks before the snow starts to set in. So get up there, remember the best views come after the hardest climb.
