Winter and Snow Hiking
The off-season for hiking in Japan typically spans from late October through the beginning of July or from late fall to early summer. During this time, the higher peaks will be covered in snow and require not only appropriate winter gear like crampons and ice axe, but also the skills to use them for self-arrest and avalanche safety.
(If you're looking for snowfree and easy winter hikes click HERE)
In the alps and higher peaks, the first snowfall is usually around the end of October. By the end of June, the majority of snow will have melted, but this also depends on the peak and year, so checking current trail conditions is necessary when hiking during the off-season.
In general hiking during this time is quite different and requires more planning, gear and experience. Huts will be closed, busses are not running and winter trails follow different routes than summer to avoid avalanches.
Lastly, keep in mind that the gear needed for hiking in snow and winter differs from summer hiking. You'll not only need warmer clothes but also special gear like crampons and ice axe, as well as emergency gear like bivy and sleeping bag. Weather changes are common, and you need to be prepared to be stuck on a mountain and survive the night.
Also, make sure your rescue insurance covers mountaineering, as many insurance policies exclude hikes that use crampons and an axe.
General Warning: It is not recommend to climb any peaks or do winter hikes without an experienced friend or guide. Mountains in winter are not forgiving if you make a mistake.
If you still need more help or are not sure which hike is a good fit for your experience, we offer custom hiking itineraries. Check here.
Yarigatake 3180m is the most difficult snow hike in this list with lots of elevation gain on the way up. With good weather you’ll have amazing views of the Northern Alps at the top. The last bit to the actual peak is very technical and exposed in winter and you need to be comfortable to climb vertical rocks with crampons and axe. Also the hut only opens April 27th.
Strenuous: 5/5 Technical: 5/5
Akadake 2899m is an upper intermediate winter hike in the Yatsugatake mountains. The hike is usually walked as an overnight hike in winter but it’s possible to walk it as a day hike if you start early and are confident in snow. The views from the peak and ridgeline are very scenic and on a clear day you’ll be able to see Mt. Fuji, Central, Northern and Southern Alps.
Strenuous: 4/5 Technical: 4/5
Karamatsu 2696m is an intermediate winter hike from the Happo One ski resort and probably Japans most popular winter hike. It's very scenic with beautiful views and good to practice use of crampons and axe.
Weather at the peak is often bad in winter with high winds.
The hike is possible all winter (if the ski lifts are running) and during weekends it can get very busy.
Strenuous: 3/5 Technical: 3/5
Kisokomagatake 2956m is an intermediate winter hike. The ropeway makes it much easier and you can skip a lot of elevation. This is a good hike if you want to get high up and have nice views, but don't want to climb through the forest for hours.
The avalanche risk is high in winter, so check the conditions beforehand.
Strenuous: 2/5 Technical 2/5
The Tatayama 3015m to Bessan 2880m loop is an intermediate snow hike around the Tateyama plateau. The hike is possible once the Kurobe Alpine Route opens (April 15th).
The route to Tateyama is not technical but the way down is very steep and in an avalanche prone area.
Strenuous: 2/5 Technical 2/5
Tengudake 2640m and Honzawa Onsen is an amazing winter hike famous for having Japan's highest outdoor onsen. The ridge to the peak has a steep and exposed section, and the weather is notoriously bad in the Yatsugatake mountains, but overall, this is a good hike to practice your crampons and axe skills. Also the hut is open year-round.
Strenuous: 2/5 Technical: 3/5
Yakedake 2455m is a relatively easy snow hike. In winter you climb the South peak and it's accessible from Nakanoyu Onsen. The hike has beautiful views from the Northern Alps and is only exposed at the top. If you have good weather you can also traverse to the North Peak.
Strenuous: 3/5 Technical: 2/5
Ibuki 1377m is the easiest snow hike in this list and reachable as a dayhike from Nagoya. There are some steeper sections at the top but this is a good beginner hike to practice walking with crampons and self-arrest. Even though Ibuki is not that high, there is a lot of snow and it can be very windy/cold at the top. Bring proper winter gear and enough layers. (As of 2025 the trail is closed because of a landslide)
Strenuous: 2/5 Technical: 1/5
Utsugidake 2864m is a beautiful and gruesome dayhike in the central alps. It's recomended to walk it as an overnight hike and stay in one of the two shelter huts.
The hike has some exposed sections and once the chains are covered by snow those are dangerous and require confident crampon and axe usage.
Strenuous: 5/5 Technical: 4/5
Karasawa Cirque 2300m is a stunning glacial Kar accessible as an overnight hike from Kamikochi, typically starting around Golden Week in April and May. Depending on the year the Cirque retains a significant snowpack requiring gear such as crampons and warm layers even if temperatures in the valley are high.
Strenuous: 3/5 Technical: 1/5
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.
You will need 12-point crampons and an ice axe as a minimum and need to be confident with crampons on steep descent and know how to self-arrest. This is not a beginner snow hike.
Strenuous: 5/5 Technical: 4/5