Harinoki (Nagano/Toyama)

Tee
Apr 22, 2023
2 min read

Updated: Jan 24

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
↔	Distance: 11.9km
✮	Difficulty: Intermediate
ᨒ	Elevation Gain: 1523m
☀	Dayhike
☉	Hiking Season: mid July
	to mid October

Access

Car

Park at the trailhead next to Ogizawa station. Parking is 1000Y.

Public Transportation

Take the direct bus from Tokyo to Ogizawa station or the train to Nagano/ShinanoOmachi and then bus to Ogizawa. The schedule is on google maps. Ogizawa is also the start for the Kurobe Alpine Route from the Nagano side, so the area is very developed with lots of facilitis.

Trail description

Start at the station and head left of the main building, following either the forest trail or the road. The route begins as an old logging road. After crossing two small streams, the ridgeline of Mt. Harinokidake comes into view. The trail continues uphill to Osawa-koya Mountain Hut, reached after approximately 60 minutes.

After Osawa-koya, the route climbs through forested sections before opening up at the entrance to the Harinoki snow valley. Snow often remains here for much of the year. When snow is present, crampons are recommended. The ascent follows the snowy slope, including a narrower section where extra care is required. Attention should be paid to the left-hand side of the valley to avoid accidentally entering the river.

Once the snow valley ends, the route continues on the right-hand side via steep, sandy switchbacks. When the sign for Harinoki Pass comes into view, the pass is close. Harinokikoya Mountain Hut is located at the pass, reached after approximately 2-3hours from Osawakoya.

From the pass, the summit is reached after a short additional ascent. The final section is steep but not technically difficult.

To go back retrace your steps and return the same way you came up.