[Northern Alps] Mt. Okuhotaka to Mt. Nishihotaka | A 21.7km Grand Traverse Crossing the Gendarme

I started my walk from the quiet early morning of Kamikochi.

The Gendarme, which I walked last year. The ridgeline continuing from there to Mt. Nishihotaka is a route I have long admired and kept in my heart.

I worried about the weather forecast until the very last minute. Even so, the two days I spent walking, trusting in an early start and early arrival, became a special mountain journey where I fully enjoyed one of Japan's premier rocky ridges under the summer sky.

Introduction

This time, I hiked the traverse from Mt. Okuhotaka to Mt. Nishihotaka, known as one of the most difficult routes in the Northern Alps.

On the first day, I climbed from Kamikochi via the Jutaro Shindo trail, passing through Mt. Maehotaka and the Tsurione ridge to reach the Hotakadake Sanso mountain hut. After staying overnight, I crossed the Gendarme the next day to walk to Mt. Nishihotaka, and then returned to Kamikochi.

This route features a series of rocky areas with a strong sense of exposure, and is heavily influenced by weather, physical condition, and mountaineering experience. On the other hand, the sense of accomplishment waiting at the end of the hike, along with the spectacular views of Japan's iconic rocky ridges, is something you cannot experience anywhere else.

In this article, I will introduce the route, including my actual experience, trail conditions, and points of caution.

What is the Mt. Okuhotaka to Mt. Nishihotaka route?

Mt. Okuhotaka (3,190m) is the third-highest mountain in Japan, one of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains, and the main peak of the Hotaka mountain range in the Northern Alps.

Mt. Nishihotaka (2,909m) is known for its continuous sharp rocky peaks, and the ridgeline connecting the two mountains includes some of Japan's most representative rocky ridge zones, such as the Gendarme, Umanose (Horse's Back), Roba no Mimi (Donkey's Ears), and the Gyakuso Slab.

Even among general hiking trails, this route has a high level of difficulty and requires stable weather and sufficient experience.

On the other hand, the scenery while walking from Mt. Maehotaka across the Tsurione ridge, looking out over Mt. Yari, Karasawa, and Kamikochi, was exceptional. It is a traverse route that makes you realize the scale of the Hotaka range the more you walk, and one that I will always long to visit again.

Mountain Trip Overview

Mountain Name: Mt. Maehotaka, Mt. Okuhotaka, Gendarme, Mt. Nishihotaka
Mountain Region: Northern Alps
Date: July 17-18, 2026
Weather: Sunny with occasional clouds

Course

Kamikochi -> Dakesawa -> Mt. Maehotaka -> Tsurione -> Mt. Okuhotaka -> Hotakadake Sanso (Stay) -> Gendarme -> Tengu-iwa -> Mt. Manodake -> Mt. Akaiwa -> Mt. Nishihotaka -> Nishiho Sanso -> Kamikochi

Activity Data

Distance: 21.7km
Cumulative Elevation: +2,764m / -2,763m
Activity Time: 15 hours 44 minutes

Standard Course Time: 18 hours 17 minutes
Physical Difficulty: ★★★★★ (CT ratio: approx. 86%)

Recommended rating: ★★★★☆

Recommended for people like this

• Those who enjoy walking on rocky ridges

• Those who want to take their time walking the Hotaka mountain range

• Those who have gained sufficient experience and want to challenge one of Japan's premier traverse routes

Overall course map

This is a loop route that starts from Kamikochi, climbs to Mt. Maehotaka via the Juntaro Shindo trail, passes through the Tsurione ridge to stay at the Hotakadake Sanso mountain hut. The next day, you traverse across Gendarme to Mt. Nishihotaka, and descend from Nishiho Sanso back to Kamikochi.

Reason for choosing this mountain

When I walked Gendarme last year, I thought, 'Someday I want to connect this walk all the way to Mt. Nishihotaka.'

Furthermore, I wanted to climb Mt. Maehotaka and Mt. Nishihotaka, which I had not yet visited. The Tsurione ridge, which always caught my eye whenever I viewed it from afar, was also a reason I planned this trip.

On the other hand, the weather forecast was unstable until the very last minute, and I hesitated many times about whether to go.

Ultimately, I decided that 'I can walk during the morning hours' and changed the plan to strictly follow an early start and early arrival schedule.

I feel that in the mountains, such decision-making is one of the pleasures, not just the scenery.

Course conditions and impressions

Kamikochi to Dakesawa Hut

Took the first bus to Kamikochi.

Kappa Bridge, still with few people, was quiet, and the sight of Mt. Yakedake illuminated by the morning sun was impressive.

The forecast was for clouds all day, but the Hotaka mountain range gradually revealed itself, and my expectations that 'maybe I can walk today' grew.

The walk to Dakesawa is through a forest zone. There were many flowers along the way, and I gradually gained altitude.

Dakesawa Hut to Mt. Maehotaka

From Dakesawa Hut, the trail suddenly becomes a rocky area typical of the Hotaka range.

Ladders and chains continue, and after passing the tree line, the weather alternated between misty and clear.

By the time I reached Mt. Maehotaka, it was enveloped in mist, but my excitement for heading toward the Tsurione ridge kept my spirits high.

Tsurione Ridge to Mt. Okuhotaka

The Tsurione ridge was a more pleasant rocky ridge than I had imagined.

Although there is a sense of height, it is a section you can enjoy if you walk carefully.

By the time I reached Mt. Okuhotaka, the Gendarme showed itself for just a moment, increasing my tension for the next day.

I descended directly to Hotakadake Sanso and arrived early.

Since I had time to spare, spending a relaxing afternoon with my companions felt like a true mountain journey.

Mt. Okuhotaka to Gendarme to Mt. Nishihotaka

Departed at 4:00 AM the next morning.

It was misty when I started walking, but by the time I reached Mt. Okuhotaka, Mt. Yari had appeared above the sea of clouds.

It was clear by the time I walked the 'Horse's Back' (Umanose) ridge.

The Gendarme, illuminated by the morning sun, had an overwhelming presence.

▶ What is Gendarme? | A report based on my experience walking the most difficult rocky ridge in the Northern Alps

In places where you really want a chain, such as the Donkey's Ear or the reverse-sloping slabs, there are no chains.

I proceed carefully, keeping three-point support in mind with every step.

The section beyond Gendarme was a first for me.

The sense of accomplishment upon reaching Mt. Nishihotaka after repeated ups and downs was exceptional.

Mt. Nishihotaka to Kamikochi

After passing Mt. Nishihotaka, the number of hikers gradually increases.

Perhaps because the tension had eased, I suddenly felt hungry, and the ramen I ate at Nishiho Sanso tasted truly delicious.

After that, I walked through the well-maintained forest zone to Kamikochi.

The contrast between the quiet time in the mountains and returning all at once to a bustling tourist spot was also impressive.

Course Conditions and Points of Caution

Dakesawa to Mt. Maehotaka

• There are signs from '10 to 1' up to Dakesawa Hut, which serve as a guide for your current location

• From Dakesawa Hut, the trail becomes a steep climb with a series of ladders and chains

• The path from Kimikodaira to Mt. Maehotaka involves walking over rocky terrain

Mt. Maehotaka to Mt. Okuhotaka

• The Tsurione ridge has a strong sense of exposure

• Just before Hotakadake Sanso, there are two nearly vertical ladders

Mt. Okuhotakadake to Mt. Nishihotakadake

• The paint marks are clear.

• Carefully navigate the narrow footing at Umanose.

• Be careful of loose rocks at Roba no Mimi.

• Go around to the Nishihotaka side to climb Gendarme.

• The reverse-strata slab is slippery, so proceed with caution.

• There are many rocky areas without chains, so three-point support is essential.

Mt. Nishihotakadake to Kamikochi

• The trail is well-maintained after Nishiho Sanso.

• The forest zone continues for a long time.

Course Summary

• Risk of getting lost: ★★☆☆☆

• Physical stamina required: ★★★★★

• Danger level: ★★★★★

• View: ★★★★★

• Tranquility: ★★★★☆

• Recommended season: July to October

*Information as of July 2026.

Related Articles

▶ A personal account of traversing Gendarme, Daikiretto, and Mt. Yarigatake in 2 days

▶ What is Gendarme? | An introductory report based on my experience walking the most difficult rocky ridge in the Northern Alps

▶ What is Daikiretto? | An introductory report based on my experience walking the premier rocky ridge route in the Northern Alps

Reflections

What I walked this time was one of Japan's representative rocky ridge routes.

There were many tense moments, and it was a two-day journey where I carefully built up each step.

I worried about the weather forecast and struggled with my decision until the very end, but by not rushing and carefully assessing the conditions, I was able to encounter the scenery typical of the Hotaka mountains in summer.

After finishing the walk, what I felt was more than just the sense of accomplishment of having walked a difficult mountain; it was the relief of having returned safely with my companions.

The scenery and the rocky areas were wonderful, but the time spent walking together is what remains most memorable from this mountain trip.

I would like to walk this ridge again on a day with good conditions.

Conclusion

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

Rather than flashy mountains, I prefer quiet mountains, deep mountains, and mountain trips that require reading the conditions.

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

▶ Click here for the July 2026 summary

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

Until the next mountain record.