Yakedake

Yakedake is one of the main hikes in the famous Kamikochi national park in Japan’s northern alps. This active volcano offers beautiful views of Kamikochi below from the south side across from Mt Hotaka on the north side of the park. The summit is located on the border of Gifu and Nagano prefectures between the cities of Matsumoto in Nagano, and Takayama in Gifu. The elevation of Yakedake is 2,444 meters.

Access

Yakedake unfortunately isn’t so public transit friendly and a little difficult to access. There are also a few different trails to the summit from both the Gifu side and Nagano side. From the Nagano side, the most convenient trail would be directly from Kamikochi national park if you’re staying overnight there.

The second trail in the Nagano side is accessible by public transport albeit takes a while. From Matsumoto station, take the bus to Takayama and get off at the Nakanoyu onsen stop which takes about an hour and a half. The trailhead is located near Nakanoyu Onsen. Click here to see the bus timetable from both Takayama and Matsumoto stations. The trailhead also has parking space for those that wish to access the trail directly by car which is how I reached here.

The Climb

Be well prepared for this hike as there aren’t any facilities on the route. The first part of the climb from the Nakanoyu trailhead takes you through a forest on a gentle slop. After about 40 minutes of walking you’ll emerge past the tree line and ascend through an area with short bushes and the trail will transition into more difficult rocky terrain.

The second part of the climb will be a rocky uphill battle. Be careful not to slip and wear proper footwear. There will be signs to watch out for boulders and it will be common to encounter small rocks falling from up the trail knocked down by other hikers. As you approach the summit, you will see rising steam and smell sulfur.