Shirane Sanzan: Kita -Aino - Notori (Yamanashi)

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The Shirane Sanzan traverse is a scenic 2-3 day hike in the Southern Alps that passes by Japans 2nd highest peak Kitadake 3193m. On the way you'll also pass Ainodake 3190m and Notoridake 3026m.

The hike is not technically difficult but quite long and streneous. Keep in mind that you can only reach Hirogawara by bus, so you can only hike Shirane Sanzan once they start running. Typically from early summer to mid October. Check here for the timetable.

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⏲︎	Time: 15h
✎	Kanji: 北岳
		& 白根三山
⚲ 	Location: Yamanashi
↔	Distance: 23.6km
✮	Difficulty: Difficult
ᨒ	Elevation Gain: 2733mm
☀	2D/1N or 3D/2N
☉	Hiking Season: July 
	to mid October
	

Access

The trailhead for Kitadake is at Hirogawara, which is only accessible by bus or taxi.

Car

Park at the end of the trail at Narada, then take the bus to Hirogawara. When you finish hiking, you'll get out to the road about 30min from the parking lot. There is also a nice Onsen here, perfect to clean up and relax a bit.

Public transportation

Take the train to Kofu and then the bus to Hirogawara. (about 2h and 2000Y).

Once finished, take the bus from Narada back to Hirogawara and from there to Kofu.

Trail description

Day 1: 6.5km 5:30h 1710m elevation gain, 354m down

Start at Hirogawara trailhead, cross the bridge, and pass the campground on your right. After a couple of minutes, you'll get to a fork in the trail. Keep right to Shiraneoikekoya (took us 2.5h to get there). This is a nice little break spot next to the pond before tackeling more elevation gain.

After about 2 more hours you will reach the next hut Katanokoya, which is just before the peak of Kitadake.

From there it's a final 50min to the peak of Kitadake.

After reaching the peak continue another 30min to the hut of Kitadakesanso.

The whole way up is pretty steep, and you have a total of 1710m elevation gain until Kitadakesanso. It's recommended to stay at Kitadakesano if you're doing the traverse in 2 days because it's closer to Ainodake. If you're camping the campsite is also more sheltered.

If you plan on hiking the traverse over 3 days, you could also stay at Katanokoya for the first night.

Day 2: 17.1km 8:50h 1022m elevation gain, 3072m down

Start early to see the sunrise at the peak of Ainodake. In mid-October, it was around 0 degrees at night at the campsite, and the peak was very windy and cold. Winter gloves etc. might be needed. From Kitadakesanso to Ainodake takes about 1h30min. The trail is not technical and it's common to walk it in the dark with headlamps for sunrise.

After reaching Ainodake continue onwards along the ridgeline and pass Notorikoya. Since the hut owner retired it's not always open anymore, check with Daimonzawagoya. If it's open you can stay here and break the hike into 3 days.

After the hut, you'll start climbing up again. It's not very long, but steep. Enjoy the views from Notoridake and then start the long and little monotonous descent back to Narada. For the last part along the river, you have to cross it a couple of times, and then you'll get out at a hydropower station and a road. It's about 30 minutes of road walking back to the parking lot. You can try hitchhiking and if you're lucky save yourself that last bit.

Accomodation

Shiraneoike (Reservation required for hut and tent)

- Hut (10.500Y incl. 2 meals)

- Tent (1000Y per person).

Katanokoya (Reservation for hut is required, tent first come first serve)

- Hut (1400Y incl. 2 meals)

- Tent (2000Y per person).

Kitadakesanso (Reservation required for hut and tent)

- Hut (12.300Y incl 2 meals)

- Tent (1100Y per person).

Notorikoya (not always open, reservation required)

The caretaker/ownder retired or got sick, so the hut is not always open. You need to check with Daimonzowakoya

Daimonzawakoya (Reservaton for hut required, tent first come first serve)

- Hut (1200Y incl. 2 meals & shower)

- Tent (1000Y per person)

Elevation Profile & Map

Gallery