Gendarme (Nagano)

Apr 15, 2023
3 min read

Updated: Jan 24

The Hida ridge traverse from Nishihodaka to Okuhodaka is an expert level scramble with dramatic views and cliffs. It requires upper body strength for free climbing with your hands and chains and is very exposed.

It's also often called Gendarme 3163m which is one of the peaks on the traverse.

This trail is dangerous and only for confident and experienced climbers. Many people fall and die every year on this route so proceed with caution. It's called "Japans most dangerous trail" for a reason. Don’t attempt this route in bad weather or outside of the main hiking season from mid July- begining of October.

Helmet and gloves needed.

		
⏲︎	Time: 10h
✎	Name: ジャンダルム
⚲ 	Location: Nagano
↔	Distance: 6.7km
✮	Difficulty: Expert
ᨒ	Elevation Gain: 1500m
☀	Multiday: 2D/1N
☉	Hiking Season: Mid July to
	end of September

Acess

Public Transportation

The start is either at Shinhodaka ropeway or Kamikochi. It’s recommended to follow that direction as most sections you'll descend have chains that way. If you go the other way from Okuhodaka you'll have more sections without chains when climbing down.

The ropeway is accessible by bus from Takayama/Hirayu bus terminal with Nohi bus but you won't be able to get there in time for the first ropeway. In that case it’s best to walk this trail in 3 days and staying at Nishihosanso on the first night and then get an early start.

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)

Disclaimer:

This summer (2025) many people have already died on this route. This is not a hike. It’s a dangerous and exposed scramble. If you have no scramble experience this is NOT the route for you. Please be safe and be honest about your own abilities.

Trail description

Start from Shinhodaka ropeway with the first ropeway of the day. It depends on the season but in summer its at 7:30-8:00. If there is a long line they will open it ealier.

After taking the two ropeways the first part of the hike until the hut is through the forest. It should take about 1-1:30h to get to Nishiho sanso.

Once you reach the hut the rest of the hike is on the ridgeline and steeper.

After pyramid peak the real fun begins and you'll slowly climb up and down the ridgeline until Nishihodaka. Estimate is 2-3h to get to Nishihodaka.

From this point on be very careful, the trail becomes a lot more exposed and turns into a scramble, the rock is crumbly and there are a lot of sections where you'll have to climb over deadly drop-offs. There is no room for mistakes or slipping.

If you're experienced with this kind of scrambling you'll have a blast. The views are amazing and the challenge is fun.

The trail is well marked with circles and crosses and they are easy to spot. Also most vertical sections are supported by metal chains or bolts. Compared to European via Ferrata there are no metal cabels or spots to clip in with a harness.

It takes about 6h to the peak of Gendarme and 7:30h to Okuhodaka.

From there it's only another 30min to hotakasanso where you should stay for the night.

The next day you can continue along the ridge on the daikiretto, go down to Shinhotaka (also check the daikiretto post for that route) or climb down to Kamikochi through Karasawa.

Accomodation

Nishihosanso (if you use public transportation stay an extra night): 14.000¥ incl 2 meals)

Hotakasanso : 13.500¥ incl 2 meals

Both huts require a reservation for staying in the hut.

Camping is first come first serve and reservations are not possible for Hotakasanso or Nishiho. Nishihos campsite is small, very likely to be full during obon or on weekends in summer. Arrive early if you plan on camping.

Both are 2000¥ p.p.

Water is 200¥ per liter

Extra info:

Gendarme has very dangerous and exposed sections, make sure you have rescue insurance and your abilities match the skill level needed for this trail.
You need gloves for better grip and a helmet for rockfall.
Start as early as possible.
This trail is deadly in bad weather. Do not attempt if the forecast has any rain in it.