This time, we head into the Yatsugatake Mountains to climb Mt. Iodake (2,760m)!

Starting from Minotoguchi, we follow the Kitazawa Trail through a beautiful moss-covered forest to Akadake Kosen mountain hut. After leaving half of our luggage at the hut, we make our way to the summit of Mt. Iodake.

After returning to Akadake Kosen, we relax in the cypress bath, enjoy a steak dinner with wine, and spend the night in a private room. The next morning, we descend via Nakayama Pass and Gyōja Hut before returning to Minotoguchi.

But there is an unexpected incident along the way—a mysterious black insect bites me! For the first time, I actually have to use a poison remover to treat the bite.

This video also includes plenty of mountain-talk, including the story of a previous attempt to climb Mt. Akadake that had to be abandoned because of extremely strong winds caused by a passing weather front, as well as a conversation about Mt. Rokko, the “cool mountain” near my hometown in Hyogo Prefecture.

From the beautiful mossy forest and spectacular summit to a private room at the mountain hut, a hot bath, a mountain hut dinner party, and a delicious meal after the hike, this video captures many of the things that make mountain hiking so enjoyable!

―――――――――――――――
▼ ROUTE

Minotoguchi → Kitazawa Trail → Akadake Kosen → Mt. Iodake Summit (2,760m) → Akadake Kosen (private room stay) → Nakayama Pass → Gyōja Hut → Minamisawa Trail → Minoto Sanso → Minotoguchi

―――――――――――――――
▼ TIMELINE

00:00 Opening / Highlights
00:15 Starting from the Minotoguchi parking area
06:24 Yatsugatake trail map at Minotoguchi
09:44 Entering the Kitazawa Trail / Hiking through the mossy forest
17:57 The real mountain hike begins after the road closure
20:37 Above the tree line / Unexpected insect bite!
22:39 The Akadake Kosen campsite comes into view
24:36 Arriving at Akadake Kosen
25:24 Exploring Akadake Kosen
28:17 Leaving our luggage behind and starting the Mt. Iodake climb
39:41 Reaching the summit of Mt. Iodake (2,760m)
40:25 Lunch at the summit / Rice balls & fried chicken
41:22 Starting the descent
42:46 Back at Akadake Kosen / Private room for 2–3 people
44:23 Treating the insect bite with a poison remover
46:37 Emergency hiking gear / Emergency shelter, thermal mat, headlamp, etc.
50:30 Mountain hut dinner party / Cheers with Goichi Wine
52:44 Day 2 / Starting the descent
55:01 Nakayama Pass
56:05 Passing Gyōja Hut
58:06 Returning to Minoto Sanso
58:53 Soft-serve ice cream & beer
59:25 Relaxing at a hot spring
1:01:20 Celebration dinner after the hike at Toto Bar Gyo Gyo Gyo
1:03:07 Ending

―――――――――――――――
▼ ITEMS USED / FEATURED IN THIS VIDEO

【Poison Remover】
It came in very handy when I was bitten by an unknown insect. I always carry one when I go hiking.

https://amzn.to/47hAUEM
https://a.r10.to/hYJRQH

【Hayashi Farm Goichi Wine Gold Red】
A wine sold at Akadake Kosen mountain hut.
(The wine I brought with me had already been finished before the toast, so it does not appear in the video.)

https://amzn.to/3Th6O12
https://a.r10.to/hFaG1y

Goichi Wine Official Website:
http://www.goichiwine.co.jp/

―――――――――――――――
▼ MOUNTAIN HUTS & PLACES FEATURED

【Akadake Kosen】
A mountain hut along the Kitazawa Trail in the Yatsugatake Mountains, known for its cypress bath and steak dinner.

Reservations & Information:
http://userweb.alles.or.jp/akadake/re...

Mountain Hut Blog:
http://blog.livedoor.jp/akadakekousen/

【Minoto Sanso / Yamanoko-mura / Gyōja Hut】

These are mountain huts and rest areas located around the Minotoguchi and Akadake Kosen area.

Official websites could not be confirmed for these locations, so links have not been included. Please check current trail conditions and information through hiking apps such as YAMAP.

【Toto Bar Gyo Gyo Gyo】
Our celebration dinner after the hike.

11-2 Nakamachi, Chino, Nagano 391-0005, Japan

An official website or social media account could not be confirmed, so please check Google Maps or other current sources for details.

―――――――――――――――
▼ BRANDS FEATURED

【Mammut】
Mammut Japan supports trail maintenance around Akadake Kosen, and Mammut logos can be seen on some of the steps along the trail.

Official Website:
https://www.mammut.jp/

【MAXXFAN】
The roof ventilation fan installed in my camper van.

Official Website:
https://maxxair.com/

―――――――――――――――
▼ MY CHANNELS

Main Channel: Gyorochannel
@gyorochannel

Sub Channel: Gyorochannel OA
@gyorochanneloa

#Yatsugatake #MtIodake #AkadakeKosen #Hiking #MountainHiking #MountainHut #JapanHiking #PrivateRoom #MountainFood #CamperVan #DIYCamperVan #PoisonRemover #GoichiWine #Mammut #NakayamaPass #GyōjaHut #Minotoguchi