[Ushiro-Tateyama Mountain Range] Mt. Jiigatake - Mt. Kashimayarigatake - Hachimine Kiret - Mt. Goryudake | 2-Day Traverse from Kashimaya New Trail to Toomi Ridge with Tent Stay

Introduction

The "Hachimine Kiret" (Hachimine Col) connecting Mt. Kashimayarigatake and Mt. Goryudake.
It is a traverse route known as one of the most prominent rocky ridge zones in the Northern Alps.

This time, I started from the Kashimaya New Trail, crossed Mt. Jiigatake, and stayed overnight in a tent at Tsuriganeike Sanso.
On the second day, I completed a two-day traverse passing from Mt. Kashimayarigatake through the Hachimine Kiret to Mt. Goryudake.

Distance of 28km, with a cumulative elevation gain of over 3,000m.
It was an intense mountain trip packed with rocky areas, chain sections, flower fields, and grand vistas.

In this article, I will summarize in detail the actual difficulty of the Hachimine Kiret, dangerous spots, the tent stay experience, and the conditions of the Toomi Ridge.

I hope this will be helpful for those considering a traverse of the Ushiro-Tateyama range.

Overall Course Map

A route starting from the Kashimaya New Trail trailhead, passing through Mt. Jiigatake to stay at Tsuriganeike Sanso. On the second day, traversing Mt. Kashimayarigatake - Hachimine Kiret - Mt. Goryudake, and descending from Toomi Ridge to the Goryu trailhead.

Mountain Trip Overview

・Mountain Names: Mt. Jiigatake / Mt. Kashimayarigatake / Mt. Goryudake
・Mountain Region/Area: Ushiro-Tateyama Mountain Range (Nagano/Toyama)
・Date: July 5th - 6th, 2025
・Weather: Day 1: Cloudy -> Sunny -> Rain / Day 2: Sunny with occasional fog

・Course: Kashimaya New Trail - Mt. Jiigatake - Tsuriganeike Sanso (Stay) - Mt. Kashimayarigatake - Hachimine Kiret - Mt. Goryudake - Toomi Ridge

・Distance: 28.1km
・Cumulative Elevation: 3,046m
・Activity Time: 18 hours 24 minutes
・Course Difficulty Rating: 72 (Strenuous)

Reasons for Choosing This Mountain

・I wanted to walk the Hachimine Kiret
・Training for future planned rocky ridge routes
・The weekly forecast looked good (though it changed slightly)
・Summer alpine plant season

Course Details and Impressions

Day 1 | Kashimaya New Trail - Mt. Jiigatake - Tsuriganeike Sanso

The Kashimaya New Trail is very well-maintained and easy to walk.
There are many flowers, and from the beginning, Cornus canadensis, Kinugasasou (Paris japonica), and Diphylleia grayi appear one after another.

In front of Taneike Sanso is a flower field of Chinguruma (Geum pentapetalum).
Once on the ridgeline, the mountains of the Harinoki Circuit spread out, and my excitement peaked instantly.

From Mt. Jiigatake, you can see Mt. Tateyama, Mt. Tsurugidake, and in the distance, Mt. Yarigatake.
Mt. Kashimayari, where we are headed tomorrow, also shows its majestic form.

Camping at Tsumetai-ike Sanso.
It rained after we set up, but spending time relaxing inside the tent was also a nice experience.

Day 2 | Mt. Kashimayari - Happo Kiret

Departed before dawn.
The south peak of Mt. Kashimayari was in the clouds, but it cleared up all at once with the sunrise.

The ridgeline appeared, offering a grand view that included Mt. Tateyama, Mt. Tsurugidake, Mt. Yarigatake, and even Mt. Fuji.
It was a view that made me feel like I climbed just for this moment.

▶ Click here for the record of the superb views encountered in this trip

And then, on to the Happo Kiret.

・Traverse with a width of one foot
・Ladders
・Continuous chain sections
・Rocky areas with a sense of height

The trail is well-maintained, but you cannot let your guard down.
Even with a shaky stance, it was passable if I focused on three-point support.

The location of Kiret Goya is also breathtaking.
I am impressed that they managed to build it in such a place.

The climb to Mt. Goryudake

Ups and downs continue even after passing the Kiret.
The area directly below Mt. Goryudake is a steep rocky section.

You cannot let your guard down until the very end, as rocky sections reappear just when you feel relieved after passing G5.

The summit was wrapped in clouds, but
the ridge walk up to that point was so wonderful that I was fully satisfied.

Descending Toomi Ridge.

Although Toomi Ridge is easy to walk, there are ups and downs.
The climb back up to Naka-Toomiyama is surprisingly tough.

The snow valley has steps and rope assistance (I did not use crampons).

In the final stages, there are plenty of flowers such as Nikko Kisuge (daylilies), Kuroyuri (chocolate lilies), and Atsumorisou (lady's slipper orchids).
Finally, I descended by ropeway.

Cola was sold out, so we toasted with Amasa.
That was a good way to wrap things up, too.

Course Conditions and Precautions

● Kashimaya New Trail
・Well-maintained and easy to walk.

● Mt. Kashimayarigatake
・The section between the north and south peaks is steep and requires caution.

● Happo Kiret
・High sense of exposure.
・Many chain sections and ladders.
・Difficulty increases when wet.

● Mt. Goryudake
・Includes a steep rocky climb.
・The descent on the mountain hut side also has chains.

● Toomi Ridge
・Snow valley present (early July).
・Many ups and downs.

Equipment Notes

・Helmet (for Kiret and Goryu)
・Gloves
・Full set of tent camping gear
・Extra trail food

Related Articles

▶ [Northern Alps] Gendarme - Daikiret - Mt. Yarigatake 40km 2-Day Traverse | Difficulty, Dangerous Sections, and Real-Life Route Experience

▶ [Northern Alps] Mt. Kitahotakadake - Mt. Okuhotakadake | 41km from Kamikochi, 3-Day 2-Night Autumn Foliage Tent Stay at Karasawa

Reflection

The Happo Kiret was better maintained than I had expected.
It is scary, but if you walk carefully, you can cross it.

What left an even stronger impression was
the view at that moment when the mist cleared at Mt. Kashimayarigatake.

Rocky areas, flower fields, and grand vistas.
It was a 2-day trip that condensed the charm of the Ushiro-Tateyama range.

Recommended for those who want to experience a rocky ridge traverse.
However, physical strength and a margin of safety are essential.

Conclusion

Focusing on the mountains of Shizuoka,
I walk the ridgelines every weekend.

Rather than flashy mountains,
I prefer quiet mountains, deep mountains, and mountain trips where I read the conditions.

▶ Magazine "One Mountain at a Time, Hiking Records"

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

Until next time, with a record of another mountain.