The summit was last year in July 2023. The rainy season had not yet ended, and I was the first guest at Akaishi and Arakawa huts, as I departed from Sawashima on the first day the huts were open.
It was raining lightly when we left Sawarajima Hut at 5 a.m. We waited for about 2 hours while checking the situation at Akaishi Hut on the way, but then decided to take the plunge and attack the summit at 10 a.m. (we had to go back to the hut if the weather worsened). (I promised to come.)
When we reached the ridgeline of Mt. Akaishi, there was a gust of wind blowing at a speed of 30 M/s, but we managed to reach the summit and reach the Arakawa hut. (This photo was taken from the top of the mountain.)
Since I was the first visitor of the season, I would like to thank the people at Akaishi-goya and Arakawa-goya for their hospitality. The Arakawagoya specialty curry rice was especially delicious!
The next day, we safely returned to Sawarajima via Mt. Akuzawa (Arakawa).
We started at Sawarajima and stayed at Akaishi hut, and climbed Mt. Akaishi on the second day. It's quite a climb, but I don't think there are any dangerous spots. Mt. Akaishi, which is located after Mt. Koakaishi at the start of the mountain hut, gradually appears as you climb. Although it was late this time, it seems that there will be a flower garden on the way.
Once you reach the fork in the ridge, you can take a breather. It seems that there are many people who leave their luggage here. The view of the Arakawa Sanzan from the Akaishi-dake side was beautiful.
The view from the top of the mountain is good, but it's a small place, so I think it's best to take a break at the Akaishi Shelter, which is a little further down. There is also a skewered dango sign ahead, where you can take photos with Mt. Fuji in the background and eat lunch while looking at it.
This time I was able to meet a stoat.
After this, we headed to Arakawa Hut.
The climb from Akashi Hut was difficult.
I thought I would be heartbroken in the morning, but I was so moved by the view when I arrived.
You can see Mt. Fuji and the mountains of the Southern Alps.
After all, this 3,000 meter ridge line is just too pleasant.
I also met a thunderbird. I was relieved of my fatigue by seeing her cute appearance.
I was able to reach the summit after trying three times between May and July of this year.
For my first try in May, I started from the Shibazawa Gate via Mt. Hijiri with the goal of returning on a day trip, regardless of the speed of time, but I decided that my physical strength from lack of training would not last. I returned from Mt.
Due to heavy rain, we changed our approach from the Torikura trailhead and were able to safely reach Mt. Akaishi on our second try. I felt an indescribable feeling. The Southern Alps was an irreplaceable place that stimulated something in each person.
The impressive presence of Mt. Akaishi seen from Mt. Hijiri makes it worthy of being called the leader of the Southern Alps...There is a shrine at the top of the mountain, which shows that it is a mountain that has been known to people since ancient times. The area near the summit has a volcanic-like structure, and the stones around 2500m are surprisingly red.
