Kasagatake (Gifu)
- Tee
- Apr 21, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 17, 2024
Kasagadake 2897m is a strenuous and scenic hike in Gifu. If you want a physical challenge, this is the hike for you. It has amazing views of the Hida Ridge and it's well worth the effort.
The trail starts from Shinhotaka Onsen and is easy to access by public transportation. It's also a good starting point for a longer multi day hike along the ridge to Yarigatake and then to Kamikochi.
⏲︎ Time: 13h
✎ Kanji: 笠ヶ岳
⚲ Location: Nagano
↔ Distance: 20km
✮ Difficulty: Difficult
ᨒ Elevation Gain: 2187m
☀ Overnight
☉ Hiking Season: July
to mid October
Access
Car
There is free parking but unless you come really early it usually fills up quickly. In that case you can park at Shinhodaka ropeway (600¥ for 6h) or at the free ropeway parking lots at the second stop of the ropeway.
Public transportation
Take the bus to Shinhotaka ropeway from Takayama/Matsumoto or Hirayu Onsen.
Trail description
Day 1: 6:22min, 10km, 1980m elevation gain (8:00h Yamap estimate)
Start from the ropeway and cross the river. You'll walk along the river for a while and it's flat until you get to a spring. This is also the last water source.
From there it's uphill through the forest.
Once you get out from the forest you'll have some nice views of the Hida ridge.
The trail is not technical or exposed but has lots of big and often unstable boulders. Be careful where you step.
The last bit is along the ridgeline to the hut. It's very scenic with beautiful views. In total it took us 6:30h to the hut. From the hut it's another 15min to the peak. If the weather is clear make sure to get up early for sunrise.
Day 2: 6:15min, 10km, 274m up, 1980m down
Retrace your steps from yesterday and go down the same way you came up.
Since you are covering a lot of elevation gain in two days be careful with your knees and bring hiking poles to take off some of the weight. Those will also help on the unstable boulders.
After you get back to Shinhotaka you can have some food in the ropeway building and shower/relax at an Onsen.
Hirayunomori is big and tattoo friendly.
Accomodation
Kasagatake Sanso: 14.000¥ incl 2 meals. Tent 1500¥ per person
Reservation required.
Come early if you plan on staying in a tent, much of the tent field is on a slope and it gets very busy. If you come late you might not be able to get a flat spot.
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