Elevation Profile
About This Trail
Mount Yari (Yarigatake), at 3,180 meters, is Japan's fifth-highest peak and one of its most iconic mountains. Its distinctive spear-like summit — visible from miles away — has earned it the nickname "the Matterhorn of Japan."
The approach from Kamikochi takes you through the heart of the Northern Alps, passing the Yarigatake-sanso hut at 2,800 meters before the final technical push to the summit. The last 200 meters involve chains and metal ladders bolted to the rock — a thrilling scramble with exposure on both sides.
The Hotaka-Yari Traverse
Combining Mount Yari with Mount Hotaka creates Japan's most iconic multi-day alpine traverse. This 3-4 day route links the two highest massifs in the Northern Alps via the Daikiretto — a dramatic, knife-edge col that requires chains and careful route-finding. This is one of the most sought-after achievements in Japanese mountaineering.
Day-by-Day Breakdown
Day 1: Kamikochi to Yarigatake-sanso
Kamikochi
1,580 m
Register at the mountain office. Follow the Azusa River trail westward — opposite direction from Hotaka.
Yokoo to Sugoroku
2,000 m
Steady climb through forest. The Sugoroku hut area is a good rest stop with water.
Yarigatake-sanso
2,800 m
Your overnight base. Panoramic views of the Hotaka Range. Reservations essential — this hut fills weeks in advance.
Day 2: Summit and Return (or Continue)
Pre-dawn Start
2,800 m
Depart 3-4 AM for sunrise summit. The trail immediately becomes rocky and exposed.
Chain Sections
3,000 m
Series of chains and metal ladders bolted to the rock. Steep but not technically difficult in dry conditions.
Yarigatake Summit
3,180 m
The spear-like summit block. Limited space — wait your turn for photos. Views stretch from Fuji to the Sea of Japan. Return to hut for breakfast, then descend to Kamikochi.
Required Skills & Gear
- Multi-day alpine hiking experience
- Comfort with chains and ladders at altitude
- Helmet mandatory (rockfall risk)
- Harness and via ferrata set for chains
- Crampons may be needed early season
- Headlamp for pre-dawn summit push
- Sleeping bag liner (huts provide bedding)
- Extra food and water purification