Hello, this is Kuromaru♪
(Photo taken on August 14, 2025)
[Mountain Overview]
Today's mountain is Kitadake, a mountain I've always dreamed of climbing.
The hiking trail connecting Kitadake, Japan's second-highest peak, with Ainodake, Japan's third-highest peak, is a highly popular traverse route, known as the highest ridgeline walk in Japan. ✨
This time, we'll be traversing the Shirane Sanzan (Shirane Sanzan) of Kitadake, Ainodake, and Notoridake over a two-day, one-night trip.
This video will show you what it was like on Day 1.

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[Mountain Highlights]
〇 Kita-dake, overflowing with flowers, known as the "flower field in the sky"
〇 Japan's highest ridgeline, known as the "walk in the sky"
〇 The ridgeline to Mt. Kotaro, where you can feel the beauty of Mt. Kaikoma-ga-take, Mt. Ho-o-sanzan, Mt. Senjo-ga-take, and the Southern Alps
〇 Mountain huts with excellent hospitality

[Parking]
Private cars are prohibited near the trailhead, Hirogawara.
Therefore, to access Kita-dake, you must park in a parking lot in Ashiyasu, Narata, or Todai and take a bus to Hirogawara.
If you're planning a traverse of the Shirane Sanzan mountains, you'll need to use the Narata parking lot, which is accessible from Mt. Notori-dake.
Narada No. 1 Parking Lot (Narata Lake Parking Lot)
Approximately 120 spaces, free, portable restrooms available
Note: Please note that Narada No. 2 Parking Lot (27 spaces) will be closed to hikers starting in 2023.

Southern Alps Municipal Ashiyasu Parking Lots (Parking Lots 1-8)
In order of proximity to the bus stop (in front of Shiramine Kaikan): Parking Lots 2 → 3 → 1 → 4 → 5 → 6 → 7 → 8
Parking Lot 2
Approximately 100 spaces, free, restrooms available (at the shared taxi pick-up and drop-off area across from Shiramine Kaikan)
Parking Lot 3
Approximately 80 spaces, free, restrooms available (below Shiramine Kaikan)
Parking Lot 1
Approximately 35 spaces, free, no restrooms
Parking Lots 4-8
40-50 spaces each (Parking Lot 6 is about 30 spaces), free, no restrooms
These are approximate numbers due to the lack of dividing lines. Parking Lot 4 is closest to the bus stop, while Parking Lot 8 is the farthest.

Todai Park (in front of Senryusou) Parking Lot
Approximately 700 cars, ¥1,000 per visit (within 5 days), restrooms available
*The forest road was destroyed by Typhoon Hagibis in October 2019, and the Todai-Hirokawara section is currently closed.
*Currently, buses run to Kitazawa Pass (trailhead for Mt. Kaikoma and Mt. Senjogatake).

[Mountain Huts]
Kitadake Shoulder Hut
At an elevation of 3,011m, this mountain hut is approximately 40-50 minutes from the summit of Mt. Kitadake.
Renovated in the fall of 2022, the exterior and interior are both beautiful.
In addition, the hut offers excellent hospitality, and the specialty pork shoulder served at dinner is renowned for its exquisite flavor.
Official Website: https://katanokoya.com/

Kitadake Sanso (Kitadake Mountain Lodge)
This mountain lodge is operated by the Southern Alps City and stands at an elevation of 2,885m (listed as 2,900m on the website).
During the summer mountain climbing season, the Showa University School of Medicine's mountain clinic is also open here.
From the guest rooms on the east side, you can enjoy views of Mt. Fuji and the sunrise.
*As of fiscal year 2025, Minami Alps City has entrusted its management to a designated manager.
[Minami Alps City Tourism Association Website] https://minami-alpskankou.jp/?page_id...
[Designated Manager Website] https://kitadake.ashiyasu.com/

Shirane Oike Sanso (Shirane Oike Mountain Lodge)
This mountain lodge is located on the middle slope of Kitadake at an elevation of 2,236m. Built in 2006, it is a fairly new and beautiful lodge compared to other mountain lodges. The second floor of the lodge has private rooms, making it ideal for families and groups. [Minami Alps City Tourism Association Website] https://minami-alpskankou.jp/?page_id...
[Designated Manager Website] https://shiraneoike.ashiyasu.com/

Hirogawara Sanso (Hirogawara Mountain Lodge)
This mountain lodge is located in front of the Hirogawara bus stop, the trailhead for Mt. Kitadake. Its exposed concrete exterior is very stylish. Private rooms, especially, come with a bed, offering the same comfort as a hotel. It's also conveniently equipped with a bath and shower (for a fee).
[Minami Alps City Tourism Association Website] https://minami-alpskankou.jp/?page_id...
[Designated Manager Website] https://ykbus.jp/hirogawarasansou/

[Activity Diary]
(Narata to Hirogawara)
Park your car in the Narata parking lot and take the bus to Hirogawara.
In Hirogawara, you'll find the Hirogawara Sanso (Hirogawara Mountain Lodge) accommodation.
Here, they sell tenugui (hand towels) designed by my favorite illustrator, Naoko Kamiyama. I wanted one, but the shop wasn't open yet, so I gave up and headed to the information center....