[Southern Alps] Komori Ridge - Mt. Shiomi - Mt. Arakawa-Maedake | A 3-day, 2-night grand traverse from rain to sunshine

Introduction

I love walking along quiet ridgelines for long distances.

This time, I hiked the Komori Ridge in the Southern Alps. It is a long traverse connecting Mt. Komori to Mt. Shiomi and Mt. Arakawa-Maedake, with a total distance of 95.8 km and a cumulative elevation gain of 6,954 m.

In this article, I have summarized:

• Route conditions

• Points of caution

• Scenic highlights

• Tent site and water source information

based on my actual experience.
I hope this serves as a helpful reference for those planning a long traverse in the Southern Alps.

Features of this traverse

• The long forest zone of Komori Ridge

• The ridgeline with grand views crossing Mt. Shiomi

• The tense section between Mt. Arakawa-Maedake and Mt. Warusawa

• A 3-day drama that starts in rain and ends in sunshine

It is a route where you can experience the scale and tranquility typical of the Southern Alps.

Hiking Summary

Mountain Names: Mt. Komori - Mt. Shiomi - Mt. Arakawa-Maedake
Region: Southern Alps
Date: August 18 (Thu) - 20 (Sat), 2022
Weather: Cloudy then sunny / occasional light rain

▼ Course
Day 1: Numadaira → Niken-goya (by bicycle) → Komori Ridge → Tent stay near Mt. Tokuemon Day 2: Mt. Komori → Mt. Shiomi → Sanpuku Pass → Mt. Kogouchi → Tent stay at Takayama-ura Emergency Hut Day 3: Mt. Arakawa-Maedake → Mt. Warusawa → Mt. Senmai → Niken-goya → Numadaira (by bicycle)

▼ Distance and Elevation Gain/Loss

• Day 1: 37.8 km (+3,283 m / -1,443 m)

• Day 2: 19.1 km (+1,363 m / -1,662 m)

• Day 3: 38.6km (+2,307m / -3,727m)

Total Distance: 95.8km
Total Cumulative Elevation: 6,954m
Activity Time: Approx. 32 hours (20 hours walking + cycling)

Physical Difficulty Rating: ★★★★★ (For those accustomed to long traverses and elevation changes)
Comparison with Standard Course Time: Compared to the standard course time of 49 hours and 06 minutes, the actual time was about 32 hours. A hard route for those used to long traverses, as we maintained a high pace despite the distance and cumulative elevation.

Overall Course Map

The entire 3-day route traversing the Southern Alps.
An adventurous 95km journey connecting long ridges and peaks, approached by bicycle.

Day 1: Numadaira - Niken-goya - Tent site before Mt. Komori

Distance: 37.8km
Ascent / Descent: 3,283m / 1,443m
Activity Time: 12 hours 14 minutes (1 hour 43 minutes break)

▼ Cycling to Niken-goya

Cycling from Numadaira to Niken-goya in the rain.
Even my socks got soaked, but I was helped by my hiking partner's pace.

▼ To Komori Ridge

Switched gears at Niken-goya and headed for Komori Ridge.
The climb through the forest belt continued, but the air cleared after the rain, and the moment I saw Mt. Fuji near Mt. Tokuemon, my heart felt lighter.

▼ Water source before Mt. Komori

There is a water source before the steep climb to Mt. Komori, where we resupplied.
The water source is about 20-30m down from the sign, making it a valuable supply point on Komori Ridge.
We pitched our tent in a hollow just below the summit and welcomed a quiet night.

Day 2: Mt. Komori - Mt. Shiomi - Sanpuku Pass - Takayama-ura Emergency Hut

Distance: 19.1km
Ascent / Descent: 1,363m / 1,662m
Activity Time: 9 hours 35 minutes (32 minutes break)

▼ Sunrise at Mt. Komori

The morning at Mt. Komori brought a beautiful sunrise that dyed the ridge red. I could see everything from Mt. Fuji to Mt. Ainodake, and I felt the depth of the Southern Alps.

▼ To Mt. Shiomi

At the east peak of Mt. Shiomi, deep valleys and sharp peaks spread out in three dimensions, making me realize I am at the heart of this traverse.

▼ Sanpuku Pass to Takayama-ura Emergency Shelter

By the time I crossed Sanpuku Pass, I was starting to feel the effects of low blood sugar.
Reflecting a bit on my refueling choices, I slowed my pace.

I crossed Mt. Eboshi, Mt. Oohikage, and Mt. Itaya, handling the long ups and downs.

In the evening, I arrived at Takayama-ura Emergency Shelter.
The light remaining beyond the ridgeline quietly illuminated the end of a long day.

Day 3: Takayama-ura Emergency Shelter to Mt. Arakawa-Maedake to Niken-goya

Distance: 38.6km
Ascent / Descent: 2,307m / 3,727m
Activity Time: 10 hours 22 minutes (57 minutes rest)

▼ Water source before Mt. Arakawa-Maedake

After leaving Takayama-ura Emergency Shelter and continuing for a while, there is a small water source along the trail.
It is a perfect spot to refuel before heading to Mt. Arakawa-Maedake.

▼ To Mt. Arakawa-Maedake

First thing in the morning, I faced a 600m elevation gain back up to Mt. Arakawa-Maedake.
I proceeded while being mindful of the narrow ridgeline and strong winds.

▼ Mt. Warusawa to Mt. Senmai

At Mt. Warusawa, winds of about 10m/s were blowing, making it difficult to keep my balance at times, but I could see the entire ridgeline I had walked, and the three-day journey became a single line.

▼ Descent

There are collapsed sections on the Mannou Ridge, so I carefully navigated the ladders and ropes.
After arriving at Niken-goya, I returned to Numadaira by bicycle, completing the 3-day traverse.

Course impressions and points of caution

*As of August 2022

🚲 Numadaira to Nikengoya

• Approximately 27km one way, 54km round trip cycling

• There are ups and downs until Sawarajima, and it is mostly uphill from there to Nikengoya

• On the way back, there is a section from Sawarajima to Numadaira where you have to push your bike

🚶‍♂️ Komori Ridge

• The trail in the forest zone is well-defined

• Be careful on rainy days and on wet rocky terrain

🚶‍♂️ Mt. Komori to Sanpuku Pass

• Be careful on the rocky terrain near Mt. Kitamata and Mt. Shiomi

• There are many subtle ups and downs, but the trail is well-maintained

🚶‍♂️ Sanpuku Pass to Mt. Arakawa-Maedake

• A popular ridge line of the 100 High Mountains up to Mt. Ogouchi

• Be careful of the steep drop-off on one side before reaching Mt. Arakawa-Maedake ⚠

🚶‍♂️ Mt. Arakawa to Nikengoya

• Be careful of rocky terrain and slipping near Mt. Warusawa

• There are collapsed sections on the upper part of the Mannou Ridge; use ladders and ropes

Equipment and facility information

*As of August 2022

• Nikengoya: Tent camping prohibited, no restrooms

• Shiomi Hut: Tent camping not allowed, portable toilet ¥200

• Sanpuku Pass Hut: Tent camping allowed ¥1,600, water source available (30-minute round trip), restroom ¥100

• Takayama-ura Emergency Hut: Tent camping allowed ¥2,000, water source available (30-minute round trip), restroom available

• Nakadake Emergency Hut: Tent camping not allowed, no water source, restroom available

Related Articles

I have compiled a list of traverse routes in the Southern Alps that I personally enjoyed walking.
Including this route, I introduce quiet ridgelines and grand traverses that can be savored over two or more nights.

▶ 5 Southern Alps traverse routes I enjoyed walking | Introducing quiet ridgelines and grand traverses from personal experience

Reflections

Three days that began with rain and ended in sunshine.
It was a traverse packed with the harshness and beauty characteristic of the Southern Alps.

Having finished the traverse from Komori Ridge to Mt. Shiomi and Mt. Arakawa-Maedake,
the lingering memories of the quiet ridgeline and the views remain in my heart.

Why do I walk?
The answer lies in the joy of moving through nature at my own pace.
By challenging myself with long distances and elevation changes, and walking while reading the conditions,
I realized that I can more deeply savor the rhythm of the mountains and the changes in the scenery.

Moving forward, I want to continue walking for a long time, connecting the mountains of Shizuoka and the Southern Alps into a line,
making one decision after another.

In closing

Focusing on the mountains of Shizuoka and the Southern Alps,
I will continue to record quiet routes that allow for long walks.

I hope that the atmosphere of those mountains has been conveyed, even if just a little.

I walk the ridgelines every weekend, focusing on the mountains of Shizuoka.
Rather than flashy mountains, I prefer quiet, deep mountains and hikes where I have to read the conditions.

My past hiking records can be found here
▶ Magazine "One Peak at a Time, Hiking Records"

Summary of Shizuoka Mountains
▶ Magazine "What it Means to Walk the Mountains of Shizuoka"

If you love mountains, I would be happy if you followed me.

See you next time with a record of another mountain.