Kisokoma (Nagano)

Apr 21, 2023
2 min read

Updated: Jan 24

Kisokomagatake 2,956m is an intermediate winter hike and an easy summer hike. The ropeway significantly reduces the amount of elevation gain in both seasons, making the ascent much more accessible. It’s a great option if you want to reach high altitude and enjoy expansive views without spending hours climbing through forest.

The mountain is also well suited for practising with crampons and an ice axe. However, avalanche risk can be high in winter, so conditions should be checked carefully in advance.

		
⏲︎	Time: 4h
✎	Kanji: 西穂高岳
⚲ 	Location: Nagano
↔	Distance: 4km
✮	Difficulty: Intermediate
ᨒ	Elevation Gain: 490m
☀	Dayhike
☉	Hiking Season: year-round

Access

Car

Park at Ina/Komagane. Parking is 800¥.

Public Transportation

There is a direct bus from Nagoya Meitetsu Bus Center. Or from Tokyo/Osaka.

From thr parking lot/bus stop you need to take a bus to the ropeway station (private road, no car access).

The bus to the ropeway takes about 30 min and runs every 30 min at 00 and 30. In winter only once an hour at 00.

Cost

Roundtrip bus: 1660¥

Roundtrip ropeway: 2030-3050¥ prices change depending on the season/day.

Trail description

Start at the ropeway station and head to the right, ascending directly up the mountain. In summer, the route follows a series of steps and switchbacks, while in winter the ascent is more direct. Tenguso Hut is reached after approximately one hour. From there, continue to the right toward Nakadake and then on to Kisokomagatake. Total time to the summit is around 2 hours, depending on snow conditions and pace.

The photos shown were taken in May and October. In October, snow is usually limited to the upper sections, while in May deep snow can be present along the entire route.

Winter ascents require preparation for deep snow and appropriate equipment, including crampons, an ice axe, and potentially snowshoes. Avalanche conditions should be checked in advance with the Nagano Prefectural Police.