Quite fun hike, beautiful views and quite special being on an active vulcano and stepping between steaming holes. If you have knee problems or hate having to climb even a bit then I don’t recommend, otherwise YES, DO IT (we even saw some wild monkeys which was a first for me so very exciting:))
[Stunning Views, Great Effort to Reward ratio] My partner and I climbed Mt Yake through this Nakanoyu Onsen entrance on 10 Nov 2024 (Note that on this date, we found that the entrance to Mt Yake via Kamikochi (which is another trail) was closed for the winter season). We're average hikers and don't hike often, and it took us ~7.5 hours (including a 30 min lunch break at the top). 4hrs up, 3 hrs down (our feet was hurting, but could have done it in 2.5hrs). Trek poles is a good to have for beginner hikers, but not really necessary if you feel confident in general. We found the trek itself moderately challenging, with the main difficulty coming from the more technical middle rocky section and traversing around some big boulders at the top. Overall definitely doable! Note to come early to the start of this trek as parking is somewhat limited and you might have to park along the roadside if you come later.
Very cool mountain with great views on the river and surrounding mountains. We went up in late July and started from kamikochi and went down to Nakanoyu-Onsen. A few tips for fellow hikers: There is warnings about the volcanic activities (we went in normal clothes without helmet, but you could borrow one) and there has been bear sightings further down by the river. The hike up from kamikochi took about 3,5 and down about 3 (without breaks). After around 2 hours through mostly forest, you can get drinks from the only hut on the mountain. The last part of the climb up was quite steep and stoney, so probably harder to go down that way. The trail ends near Nakanoyu-Onsen hotel and to get to the nearest bus station "Nakanoyu Onsen" you need to walk another 45 min downhill. For the Alpicon bus to Shin-Shimashima you should get a ticket for the bus ride back in kamikochi (there is the risk that the bus will be full, so wouldn't recommend getting the last one)
The view of the summit is amazing ! Wear good hiking shoes as the path can get very rocky and steep towards the summit.
Bring your own food and water as well!
Hello, I did this hike on 07 June from Kamikochi, and it took me 4hours to reach the summit and 2hr 50min to descend. I’m a person with average fitness, just for perspective.
The first 40min will take you through beautiful lush greenery in the forest, before start climbing. There are several wooden & metal planks crossing, for streams and rocky areas. You will also need to climb around 5 or 6 ladders, with the longest being 10m tall. All these are before you reach the mid-point, where there is a hut (for snacks and water?) As of date, it is not operational but I believe it will be open in July? Do check beforehand. Else bring sufficient water & food.
After the hut is where the real climb begins. Exposed rocks and strong winds. Do bring a windbreaker. This is a hike where poles will definitely help you.
The summit offers a stunning 360 view of the surrounding mountain ranges on a clear day. Congratulate yourself and take time to take it all in!
