Daikiretto: Minamidake to Hotaka Sanso (Nagano)
- Tee
- Sep 4, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 30
The infamous Daikiretto is a demanding 2–3 day traverse in the Northern Japan Alps, and best approached in the direction from via Minamidake/Yarigatake. Only attempt it in stable weather between July and September, once the snow has melted. This highly exposed route involves serious scrambling, chains, and narrow ridges with steep drops. It’s not for beginners—but those with experience and a head for heights will be rewarded with thrilling climbing and spectacular alpine views.
⏲︎ Time: 20h
✎ Kanji: 大キレット
⚲ Location: Nagano
↔ Distance: 27.7km
✮ Difficulty: Expert
ᨒ Elevation Gain: 2870m
☀ Multiday: 2D/1N
☉ Hiking Season: Mid July
to mid October
Access
Car
You can access the Daikiretto from both Kamikochi and Shinhotaka.
If coming by car park at the free parking lot next to Shinzanso.
In the off-season the parking lot doesn't usually fill up, in summer it's almost always full by 9-10pm the night before. If it's full you can park at the upper ropeway parking lots which are also free. (We arrived at 23:30 on Friday and it was full. They usually have a parking attendant that will close the access)
Public Transportation
Take the bus to Hirayu Onsen and there change to the Shinhotaka bus.
You can also end this hike in Kamikochi through Dakesawa or Karasawa (read here) or continue on to Gendarme (read here).
Trail description
Day1: 15km, 6h, 1800m elevation gain (Yamap estimate 7:30min)
Start from the Shinhotaka Ropeway and follow the forest road past the parking lots on the right. The first 2 hours are on this road and fairly easy. After about 30 minutes, you’ll reach Hodakadaira Hinangoya (toilets, food, and water available when open). Continue another 30 minutes to the junction for Okuhotaka.
From here, the route becomes a proper hiking trail through the forest. Stay straight, and after about an hour you’ll pass Takidani Hinangoya, a basic emergency shelter with a toilet (usually open but not well-maintained). Continue for another hour to reach Yaridaira-goya.
The trail to Minamidake begins behind the large wooden deck of the hut on the right. Take care not to continue straight toward Yarigatake by mistake. Yaridaira-goya is a good place to rest, with a water source and meal options available.
The ascent to Minamidake takes about 3 hours and gains roughly 1000 meters in elevation. The first 2 hours are forested and steep, followed by an hour above the treeline. While not technical, this section is physically demanding.
Once on the ridge, check in at the hut, then it’s a 10-minute walk to the summit of Minamidake. With luck and good weather, the sunset views from here are spectacular.
Day 2: 12.5km, 8h, 686m elevation gain, 2566m down (12:20h yamap walking estimate without breaks)
Today marks the start of the Daikiretto traverse. Begin early—this section is very exposed, and passing slower climbers can be difficult. Also afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, making early starts essential for safety.
From Minamidake, the trail descends steeply to the start of the Daikiretto. Waymarking is generally clear, with painted arrows and occasional signposts indicating the route. Chains, ladders, and metal handholds are installed in the most difficult sections, but this traverse still requires confidence on steep, exposed terrain and solid scrambling ability.
After reaching Hasegawa Peak, the route becomes more technical. One particularly exposed section involves crossing a narrow boulder with minimal handholds and a single bolt for your foot.
There are multiple points where you must descend steep rock faces using only chains, requiring upper body strength and the ability to safely control your movements. If you’re unfamiliar with using chains or cannot support your bodyweight while downclimbing, this route is not recommended.
For safety and ease, the traverse is best done from Minamidake (or Yarigatake) toward the Hotaka side. This direction ensures that most of the vertical chain sections are tackled as ascents rather than descents, which are generally safer and more manageable.
After getting to Hotaka Sanso have a break and stay the night or go back down to Kamikochi or Shinhotaka. We chose the Shiradashisawa trail as we came by car and it’s the fastest/most direct way off the mountain.
The boulders are highly unstable and often slip and slide when you step on them. You’ll need to find our own best way down over the rocks. Exercise caution to not cause a rockslide or get hit by rocks.
After the boulderfield you have a short steep section through the forest and then you get to a very exposed and narrow ledge along the valley.
It's steep and the ground is slippery and unstable. Once again be very careful here as there are many exposed and dangerous parts.
Generally it’s not recommended to use this route as it’s dangerous and accident prone. Most people descend to Kamikochi through Dakesawa or Karasawa instead. Those routes are more enjoyable, scenic and less risky.
Extra info:
The climb has many dangerous sections and is exposed, make sure you have rescue insurance and your abilities match the skill level needed for this trail.
Don't attempt in bad weather or if there is any rain in the forecast.
Bring gloves for grip on the chains and helmet for rockfall.
It’s possible to walk the route in 2 days but most people take 3 and stay an extra night at Hotaka Sanso.
Accomodation
Yaridaira: 13.000Y incl. 2 meals. Tent 2000Y. Reservation required only for the hut.
Minamidake Goya: 14.000Y incl. 2 meals. Tent 2000Y. Reservation required only for the hut.
Kitahotaka Goya 14.000Y incl. 2 meals. Tent 2000Y. Reservation required.
Hotaka Sanso: 14.500Y incl. 2 meals. Tent 2000Y. Reservation required only for the hut.
Thank you for linking this in the FB group! So much info and the photos are fantastic! In your experience with the various spots that had parking, were there separate spots for motorcycles? Reading how bad parking can get, might be better to take the bike instead.