Jonen Snow Hike (Nagano)
- Tee
- May 4
- 3 min read
Jonendake (2857m) is a strenuous and scenic snow hike in Nagano. From the peak you have incredible views of the Hotaka peaks and Yarigatake. From Golden Week its possible to walk it as an overnight hike and stay in the hut.
In winter you will need 12-point crampons and an ice axe as a minimum. You will also need to be confident with crampons on steep descent and know how to self-arrest. This is not a beginner snow hike.
⏲︎ Time: 9h (Estimate:11-12h)
✎ Kanji: 常念岳
⚲ Location: Nagano
↔ Distance: 11km
✮ Difficulty: Difficult
ᨒ Elevation Gain: 1580m
☀ Dayhike or Overnight
☉ Snow Season: Mid October
to mid June
Access
Car
The Mitsumata trailhead has toilets and wifi. If the first one is full there is a smaller second one.
Public Transportation
There is no public transportation access for this trailhead. The closest station is Toyoshina. You can take a taxi from there.
Trail description
Start from the Mitsumata Trailhead, which is about 15min on a forest road after the parking lot. You will enter a steep forest trail that climbs steadily from the start. Keep to your right for Jonen. (Straight for Chogatake)
In May, snow usually begins around 1,800 meters, especially in shaded forest sections. The path is marked by pink ribbons tied to trees, but they can be hard to spot. You’ll need to pick your way carefully and may have to find your own route at times—using a GPS app like YAMAP is strongly recommended to avoid getting lost.
Eventually, the trail climbs out of the forest and onto a ridge. Here, the views open up, revealing a beautiful panorama of the Northern Alps. The trail then climbs over large rock slabs and boulders—a steep and exposed section requiring careful footing, especially if there is lingering snow. When we hiked in May, this rocky scramble was completely clear of snow.
Mt. Mae-Jonen-dake is reached in about an hour from the ridge. An emergency shelter just below the summit is a good spot to take a break if the winds are strong. The summit has a small sign and has a wild, rugged feel with rocks piled high. From here, continue along a narrow ridge toward Mt. Jonen.
This section is exposed and can be windy, with steep slopes to the side. In snowy conditions, an ice axe is essential for self-arrest.
The final climb to Mt. Jonen is steep, but the trail is wide and less exposed than the ridge. The summit has a small shrine and a phenomenal view. Mt. Yari-gatake and the Hodaka peaks rise directly in front of you.
Descent after enjoying the views, the same way back down to Mitsumata Trailhead via Mt. Mae-Jonen-dake. Starting from Golden Week you can also stay at Jonengoya which sits to the right on a lower saddle.
The return is long and demanding. The rocky and snowy sections require caution, especially when descending steep areas.
Once back in the forest zone, follow the markers carefully and be careful not to get lost.
Extra info:
Don't attempt in bad weather or if there is snow in the forecast. It’s easy to get lost with low visibility, especially in the forest
Jonendake in the off-season is snow mountaineering, make sure your skill and gear match the difficulty of this hike.
Many rescue policies exclude crampon and axe usage. Check the fine print of your insurance if they are covered.
Bring the right gear and warm clothes. You will need 12-point crampons, ice axe, helmet and goggles at a minimum (early in the season also snow shoes).
Accomodation
Jonengoya usually opens from Golden Week. Before that there is also an emergency shelter but depending on the snow level the entry might be fully covered. It also doesn't have a door.
Jonengoya: 15.000Y including 2 meals. Reservation required. Tent 2000Y
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