[Southern South Alps] Baraya-no-kashira | 30km Midwinter Long Piston and Panoramic Views

Baraya-no-kashira, located in the deep southern part of the Southern Alps.
It is a quiet peak known as the southernmost 2,000m peak on Honshu.

It is a mountain area with few people even in summer, but this time I hiked it in the middle of winter.

The forecast called for high pressure and light winds.
These were perfect conditions for a long hike.

In this article, I have summarized:

• Snow conditions in midwinter

• Timing for using snowshoes

• The crux I actually experienced

• Views from the summit

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I hope this serves as a reference for those thinking of hiking in the deep south during winter.

Hiking Summary

・Mountain Name: Baraya-no-kashira
・Mountain Area: Southern South Alps
・Date: February 19, 2026
・Weather: Clear and calm
・Course: Tenryu Super Forest Road Winter Gate - Yacho-no-mori - Azabu-yama - Maekurohoshi-yama - Baraya-no-kashira (Piston)
・Distance: 30.7km
・Cumulative Elevation: 2,312m
・Activity Time: 11 hours 13 minutes

Course difficulty rating 61. It is a long and physically demanding journey.

Overall Course Map

*Round-trip route from the Tenryu Super Forest Road winter gate. The section after Azabu-yama is the crux where snow depth increases.

Reasons for choosing this mountain

・Forecast for high pressure and light winds
・Wanted to hike Baraya-no-kashira in midwinter
・Wanted to see the snow-covered Kurohoshi-dake up close
・Wanted to experience the silence typical of the deep south

This is my 6th visit. I was finally able to attempt it in winter.

Course conditions and impressions

■ Winter Gate to Azabu-yama

The Tenryu Super Forest Road is partially frozen.
The beginning is a cautious walk along the forest road.

The trailhead is about 5km away.
The section up to here is like a warm-up.

There was little snow up to Mt. Azabu, and it was almost like a summer trail.

■ Mt. Azabu to Mt. Maekurohoshi

Snow cover increased rapidly from Mt. Azabu.
I put on my wakan (snowshoes) because there were more post-holing incidents.

After passing Mt. Maekurohoshi, the snow became even deeper,
and there were places where the trail was completely covered.

This is a physically demanding section.

■ Directly below Baratani-no-kashira to the summit

The area directly below is a steep climb.
Even after reaching the ridgeline, I continued to post-hole while wearing my wakan.

Still, the summit I finally reached was breathtaking.

Right in front is Mt. Kurohoshi
, with Mt. Marubon and Mt. Fudo next to it.

In the clear air,
Mt. Fuji looked exceptionally large.

Further in the distance are
Mt. Ontake, the
Central Alps, and
Mt. Haku beyond them.

The cup ramen eaten at the windless summit was exceptional.

■ Descent

On the descent, the tracks became deeper, making some parts easier to walk than on the way up.

After a long walk along the forest road, I reached the winter gate.
The sky remained cloudless until the very end.

Course Conditions and Precautions

・There are icy sections on the Tenryu Super Forest Road (especially in the morning)
・Snow depth increases rapidly after Mt. Azabu
・Wakan (snowshoes) are recommended due to frequent post-holing
・Tracks may disappear after Mt. Maekurohoshi
・There is a steep climb just below Baratani-no-kashira
・An early start is essential due to the long duration of the hike

Recommended for

・Those accustomed to long courses
・Those with experience in snowy mountain hiking

Not recommended for

・Those with no winter mountain experience
・Those who are unsure of their physical stamina

Reflections

A long midwinter trek in the quiet Deep South.
Despite struggling with post-holing, the scenery that awaited was worth it.

No matter how many times I visit the mountains, they always show me a new side.

Focusing on the mountains of Shizuoka,
I want to continue walking while valuing judgment and steady progress.

If you are interested in records of long traverses like this or the mountains of Shizuoka,
I would be happy if you followed me.

Reference Links

A day in the Deep South that was only possible because of the snow.
I have summarized the details here.

▶︎ [Mt. Nakanoone | 27km Piston during the lingering snow season when the bamboo grass disappears]

▶︎ Click here for the 3-day, 2-night grand loop walking through the Deep South | Sumatakyo - Kuroboshi-dake Loop

▶ Click here for this month's summary