Hakusan 2,702m is one of Japan’s three sacred volcanoes, alongside Mt. Fuji and Tateyama. The Hirasedo trailhead on the Gifu side is relatively quiet and easy to access from Nagoya. At the base of the trail, there is a striking blue dam lake as well as an open-air onsen nearby. Access to the trailhead is via a mountain road that is often closed, so road conditions should be checked in advance before travelling. ⏲︎ Time: 7-10h ✎ Kanji: 白山 ⚲ Location: Nagano ↔ Distance:

Harinokidake 2,821m feels like one of the area’s best-kept secrets. It’s an intermediate day hike with great views of the Kurobe Dam and the Hotaka Mountains. A snow valley usually remains for much of the year, but by late September it typically melts enough that crampons are not required. This hike is a great option for those looking to avoid the crowds around Tateyama while still enjoying a stunning alpine summit. ⏲︎ Time: 8-10h ✎ Kanji: 針ノ木岳 ⚲ Location: Toyama ↔ Di

Kisokomagatake 2,956m is an intermediate winter hike and an easy summer hike. The ropeway significantly reduces the amount of elevation gain in both seasons, making the ascent much more accessible. It’s a great option if you want to reach high altitude and enjoy expansive views without spending hours climbing through forest. The mountain is also well suited for practising with crampons and an ice axe. However, avalanche risk can be high in winter, so conditions should be chec