5 Courses I Enjoyed Hiking in the Southern Alps | Introducing Quiet Ridges and Long Traverses Based on Personal Experience

The courses I am introducing this time are all traverse routes that took two or more nights to complete.

While the flashy rocky ridges and crowded trails of the Northern Alps are attractive, it is the Southern Alps that I find myself wanting to visit again and again.

Deep forests.

Long approaches.

Ridges that continue on forever.

When I am walking, there is time to face the mountains at my own pace.

In this article, I will introduce five courses in the Southern Alps that have left a particularly strong impression on me from among those I have actually hiked.

I hope this will be helpful for those who enjoy long traverses or those looking for their next mountain to hike.

Southern Alps Traverse 5-Course Comparison Table

1. Komori Ridge - Mt. Shiomi - Mt. Arakawa-Maedake | A 95km Traverse to Savor the Depth of the Southern Alps

Distance: 95.8km
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 6,954m
Duration: 3 days, 2 nights

This mountain journey began with cycling to Nikengoya in the rain.

I climbed the quiet forest zone of Komori Ridge and headed from Mt. Komori to Mt. Shiomi.

I then connected the long, vast ridge that continues all the way to Mt. Arakawa-Maedake.

The sunrise I welcomed at Mt. Komori.

The view of the Southern Alps from Mt. Shiomi.

The main ridge leading to Mt. Arakawa-Maedake.

This is the course where I felt the scale and depth of the Southern Alps the most.

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

② Mt. Hijiri to Mt. Tebakari to Mt. Chausu | A representative scenic traverse of the Southern Alps

Distance: 32.8km
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 3,560m
Duration: 3 days, 2 nights

I hiked the southern part of the Southern Alps by connecting the breaks in the rainy season.

The massive mountain form of Mt. Hijiri.

Looking out over Mt. Zarugadake and Mt. Tekari from Mt. Tebakari.

Viewing Mt. Akaishi and the Arakawa Three Mountains from Mt. Chausu.

It was a traverse that felt like a distillation of this area's charm.

With a good balance of scenery and ease of walking, this is a recommended route for those who want to try hiking in the Southern Alps.

▶ [Southern Alps South] Mt. Hijiri to Mt. Tebakari to Mt. Chausu | A 3-day, 2-night traverse connecting breaks in the rainy season

③ Mt. Akaishi to Mt. Hijiri Loop | A 65km route connecting the main ridge of the Southern Alps

Distance: 64.9km
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 6,408m
Duration: 2 days, 1 night

From Mt. Akaishi through Mt. Osawa, Mt. Nakamorimaru, and Mt. Usagi to Mt. Hijiri.

This is a long loop route that follows the main ridge of the Southern Alps.

The gentle ridge of Hyakkendaira.

The Arakawa Three Mountains dyed in the morning glow.

And Mt. Hijiri gradually drawing closer.

It may not be flashy, but it is a time that feels comfortable to walk through.

"What is a traverse that is truly typical of the Southern Alps?"

If asked that, this is the first course that comes to mind.

▶ [Southern Alps] A 2-Day Loop of the Main Ridge | A 65km, 6400m Cumulative Elevation Traverse Record from Mt. Akaishi to Mt. Hijiri

4. Hayakawa Ridge - Senshio Ridge - Shirane Sanzan | A 53km Long Traverse Surrounding Mt. Kita

Distance: 53.3km
Cumulative Elevation: 5,387m
Duration: 3 days, 2 nights

From Hirogawara to Hayakawa Ridge.

Crossing Mt. Senjo and heading south along the Senshio Ridge.

The final part of the route connects Mt. Aino and Mt. Notori before descending to Narada.

The tranquility of Hayakawa Ridge.

The length of the Senshio Ridge.

The grandeur of the Shirane Sanzan.

It was a traverse that allowed me to experience the charm of the northern Southern Alps, centered around Mt. Kita, all at once.

I still cannot forget the view from Mt. Mitsumine, which finally cleared up on my fourth attempt.

▶ [Southern Alps] Hayakawa Ridge - Senshio Ridge - Shirane Sanzan | A 53km, 3-Day/2-Night Traverse Surrounding Mt. Kita from Hirogawara to Narada

5. Arakawa Sanzan Traverse | A Mountain Journey Walking Long Ridges and the Tsutekitoge Pass

Distance: 43.0km
Cumulative Elevation: 4,048m
Duration: 3 days, 2 nights

Entering from Torikura to Sanpuku Pass, then from Mt. Ogouchi to the Arakawa Sanzan.

Finally, I crossed Mt. Senmai and descended from Tsutekitoge Pass to Niikura.

The Arakawa Sanzan seen from Mt. Ogouchi.

The climb back up to Mt. Maedake.

The ridge continuing from Mt. Warusawa.

And the Tsutekitoge Pass that awaited at the end.

This was a traverse where I could feel the characteristic tranquility and depth of the Southern Alps.

▶ [Southern Alps] Arakawa Sanzan Traverse | Torikura -> Senmaidake -> Denjuto Pass, a 43km long trail with over 4,000m of cumulative elevation gain

Which course is recommended?

If you are hiking the southern part of the Southern Alps for the first time

➡ Hijiridake - Kamikouchidake - Chausudake

This course offers a good balance of scenery and a sense of accomplishment, making it easy to experience the charm of the southern Southern Alps.

If you want to experience the main ridge characteristic of the Southern Alps

➡ Akaishidake - Hijiridake Loop

Recommended for those who enjoy long ridge walks.

If you want to feel the sheer depth of the mountains

➡ Komori Ridge - Shiomidake - Arakawa Maedake

The sense of accomplishment after finishing this hike is exceptional.

If you want to hike the famous routes of the northern part all at once

➡ Hayakawa Ridge - Senjio Ridge - Shirane Sanzan

It is packed with the charm of the northern Southern Alps.

Related Articles

▶ What kind of traverse is the Senjio Ridge? | One of the quietest ridges in the Southern Alps connecting Mt. Senjogatake to Mt. Shiomidake

▶ 5 Courses I Enjoyed Hiking in the Northern Alps | Introducing Superb Views, Rocky Ridges, and Deep Wilderness Based on Personal Experience

Conclusion

I believe the Southern Alps is a mountain range that you will grow to love the more you walk it.

Even the long forest zones.

Even the endlessly continuing ridges.

It is by no means easy, but I find myself wanting to go back again and again to encounter the silence and scenery that lie beyond.

I intend to continue connecting the ridges of the Southern Alps, one step at a time.

In addition to the courses introduced this time, I have compiled scenic routes and traverse paths in the Japanese Alps into a magazine.

▶ Superb View Mountaineering Guide | Summary of Japanese Alps, Scenic Routes, and Traverse Courses

Also, my daily hiking records are updated in the magazine below.

▶ One Mountain at a Time, Hiking Records

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

Until next time, on some quiet ridge somewhere.