Shiomi (Nagano)

Shiomidake 3052m is a scenic and strenuous hike in the Southern Alps. From the top you’ll have incredible views of the Southern Alps and Fuji. The hike is a nice mix of beautiful forest and views. If you’re up for a challenge it can be walked as a dayhike, but most people stay overnight at one of the hut.

		
⏲︎	Time: 10h (Yamap estimate 14h)
✎	Kanji: 塩見岳
⚲ 	Location: Nagano
↔	Distance: 25km
✮	Difficulty: Difficult
ᨒ	Elevation Gain: 2400m
☀	Multiday or Dayhike
☉	Hiking Season: Mid July to
	mid October

Access

By car

Park at the Torikura gate. Keep in mind that the last 30min of the drive are on a one lane road and be careful. In November there were also a lot of deer on the road.

In summer the parking lot usually fills up early the night before. The are more parking lots, but they are further back.

By Public Transportation

There is a bus from mid July to mid August from Ina-Oshima.

There is also a maitabi tour from Tokyo in summer.

Taxi from the station takes about one hour and costs 15.000¥

The trailhead has toilets and a non-potable water source. No service with Docomo.

Trail description

The first part of the hike is along the old forest road. The road is in good condition and it takes about an hour to the actual trailhead.

The trail starts out steep through the forest and is split into 10 stations. It’s not technical but not always easy to see. Keep an eye out for the pink markers on the trees.

The forest is beautiful, especially the larches at the bottom but also the Japanese spruce and pine. It has a primeval feel to it similar to the forest around Akadake.

It takes about 3h to Sanpaku pass and Sanpaku goya. The hut makes for a good break spot before you continue on towards Shiomi. If you are doing an overnight trip, leave your heavy gear or tent at the hut and continue with a lighter pack.

You will stay in the forest until you get to Shiomi goya. It’s a constant up and down climbing several small peaks.

Once you pass Shiomi goya it’s gets more steep. The climb up Tengu rock has an unstable scree ground and a couple of sections where you’ll need to use your hands to climb. There are chains to help with the climbing. This area is also prone to rockfall from above, a helmet is recommended.