Akadake (Yamanashi)

Akadake 2899m is a difficult dayhike or intermediate multiday hike in the volcanic Yatsugatake mountains. The mountain range has lots of huts and multiple peaks to turn this hike into an overnight trip. 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.

The ridgline often has strong wind, bring extra layers even in the peak of summer.

	
⏲︎	Time: 10h
✎	Kanji: 赤岳
⚲ 	Location: Nagano
↔	Distance: 16km
✮	Difficulty: Intermediate
ᨒ	Elevation Gain: 1550m
☀	Dayhike/Overnight
☉	Hiking Season: July 
	to October

Access

Car

Park at Yamanoko lodge or some of the other huts. Word of caution, you have to drive on a very washed out dirt road. If your car has low clearance you might damage it. Also the parking spaces are limited and it gets very busy in summer. Definitely make a reservation if you go on a weekend or during a holiday. Cost was 1000¥. They also sell snacks and have toilets.

If you're worried about your clearance you can park at the bus stop and walk the hour along the road.

Public transportation

Take the train to Chino station and from there the bus to Minotoguchi (美濃戶口)

The bus only runs from July 29th to August 27th and only on the weekend/public holidays. Cost is 1500¥ one way. From the busstop it's an extra hour along the dirt road to the last parking lot.

Trail description

Head up the road from the parking lot. After a couple of minutes you'll get to a sign and you have two options here. One continues on the road for a bit and the other one goes directly into the forest. Both are beautiful, but since Akadake Kousen has an Onsen, it makes sense to “save” that trail for the way back and go directly into forest.

Even the forest for this hike is very beautiful. Since it’s not a former logging forest, its very green with lots of moss and a variety of different trees. It’s quite enjoyable and the river cools down the air in summer.

From the trailhead it’s about 2h to Gyojagoya. After the hut it will quickly get steeper with stairs and steps.

The last bit to the peak involves some climbing with chains and your hands over volcanic rock. It’s not very exposed but steep and rocky.

For a loop hike continue on the ridgeline towards Yokodake and Iodake. The ridge is a bit more exposed and there are steep/almost vertical sections with chains/ladders. The views from the ridgeline are very beautiful and remind more of hikes in Iceland with the combination of lush green and volcanic rock.

After Iodake you'll start going down and eventually pass Akadakekosen, which has an onsen. It's small and very hot. (1000¥ per person; you might have to wait because it gets very busy in the afternoon)

After the hut it's 1.5h more back to the parking lot.

Yatsugatake is notorious for bad weather and strong wind, so keep an eye on the forecast.