[Southern Alps] Mt. Senjo to Mt. Notori | 35km Traverse: Connecting the Shirane Sanzan from the Senshio Ridge in 2 Days

There was a traverse route I had planned to walk during my summer vacation.

From the Hayakawa Ridge to Kitazawa Pass, from Mt. Senjo to Kumonodaira, and then to Mt. Notori.

Originally, it was a three-day plan that I couldn't realize, and it had remained in the back of my mind for a while.

Still unable to give up, I reorganized it into a form that could be walked in two days and one night and headed to the Southern Alps.

From Mt. Senjo to the Senshio Ridge, Mt. Ainodake, and Mt. Notori.

It was a mountain trip where I was able to connect the ridgeline I had longed for.

Introduction

What I walked this time was:

A route climbing from Kitazawa Pass to Mt. Senjo, then passing through the Senshio Ridge to Ryomata Hut.

The next day, crossing Mt. Mibu, Mt. Ainodake, and Mt. Notori to descend to Narada.

The Senshio Ridge, which connects Mt. Senjo and Mt. Ainodake, is a particularly quiet traverse route even within the Southern Alps.

It is a bit different from a mountain trip that only visits the 100 Famous Mountains, as there is a joy in savoring the ridgeline itself.

In this article, I will introduce:

・The state of the Senshio Ridge from Kitazawa Pass to Ryomata Hut

・The traverse route from Mt. Ainodake to Mt. Notori

・The descent from the Daimonzawa descent point to Narada

based on my actual experience.

I hope this will be helpful for those who want to walk around Mt. Senjo or those who are considering a Senshio Ridge traverse.

What is the Mt. Senjo to Mt. Notori traverse?

Mt. Senjo (3,033m) is one of the 100 Famous Mountains of Japan that represents the northern part of the Southern Alps. Because of its graceful appearance, it is called the "Queen of the Southern Alps." On the other hand, Mt. Ainodake (3,190m) is a famous peak that boasts the third highest altitude in Japan.

The Sen-en Ridge is what connects those two mountains.

This long, expansive ridge, which links peaks such as Mt. Daisenjo, Mt. Ina-Akuradake, Mt. Yokokawa, and Mt. Mibu, is a place where you can feel the grandeur and tranquility characteristic of the Southern Alps.

Furthermore, the ridge of the Shirane Sanzan that continues from Mt. Ainodake to Mt. Notori is one of the premier high-altitude traverse routes in Japan.

It is not a flashy rocky ridge.

However, with every step you take, you can feel the profound depth of the mountains.

I believe it is that kind of traverse route.

I have summarized the appeal of the Sen-en Ridge, recommended sections, and things you should know before walking it in this article.

▶ What is the Sen-en Ridge? | My favorite quiet ridge in the Southern Alps. Introducing its charm and recommended sections

Hiking Overview

Mountain Names: Mt. Senjo, Mt. Ainodake, Mt. Notori
Mountain Range: Southern Alps
Date: August 17-18, 2019
Weather: Sunny, then partially cloudy/foggy

Course
Day 1: Kitazawa Pass → Mt. Senjo → Mt. Daisenjo → Mt. Ina-Akuradake → Mt. Yokokawa → Ryomata Hut (Stay)
Day 2: Ryomata Hut → Mt. Mibu → Mt. Ainodake → Mt. Nishinotori → Mt. Notori → Daimonzawa Descent Point → Narada

Activity Data

Distance: 35.7km
Cumulative Elevation: Ascent 3,256m, Descent 4,452m
Actual Activity Time: 16 hours 36 minutes

Standard Course Time: 22 hours 54 minutes
Physical Difficulty: ★★★★★

This is a route for those accustomed to long-distance traverses.

Recommendation Rating: ★★★★☆

Recommended for

・People who want to walk the Sen-en Ridge

・People who want to connect Mt. Senjo to the Shirane Sanzan

・People who like the quiet ridges characteristic of the Southern Alps

Overall Course Map

Head south from Mt. Senjo along the Sen-shio Ridge and stay overnight at Ryomata Hut.

The next day, the traverse route continues over Mt. Mitsumine, Mt. Aino, and Mt. Notori before descending to Narada.

Reason for choosing this mountain

Originally, I had planned a 3-day, 2-night trip for the first half of my summer vacation:

Hayakawa Ridge
↓
Sen-shio Ridge
↓
Kumanodaira
↓
Mt. Notori

However, I couldn't depart as scheduled and had to give it up.

Still unable to let it go, I asked my family for two days and one night, and restructured the plan into a walkable form.

As a result, the route I walked was like a segment cut out of the original plan.

Even if it wasn't the whole thing, I was happy to have taken a step forward on this mountain trip.

Course conditions and impressions

Kitazawa Pass to Mt. Senjo

I took the first bus to Kitazawa Pass.

I headed for Mt. Senjo via the Umanose route.

Looking up at Mt. Senjo under the blue sky, it truly has a commanding presence.

I even encountered a ptarmigan along the way.

The summit was bustling with many hikers, but the scenery was enough to justify its popularity.

Climbing from Kitazawa Pass, the summit of Mt. Senjo is just ahead

Mt. Senjo - Mt. Daisenjo - Mt. Yokokawa

As you head toward Mt. Daisenjo, the number of people drops off sharply.

This is the beginning of the quiet world characteristic of the Sen-shio Ridge.

Mt. Daisenjo, Mt. Ina-Akuradake, Dokuhyo, and Mt. Yokokawa.

There are few major ups and downs, and the walk along the spacious ridgeline continues.

Mt. Senjo appears every time I look back.

Mt. Kita and Mt. Aino appear every time I move forward.

This ridge was worth walking for the scenery alone.

Staying overnight at Ryomata Hut

I had initially considered pushing on to Kumanodaira.

However, after seeing the climb to Mt. Mitsumine, I changed my plans.

I decided not to push myself and stayed at Ryomata Hut instead.

The time I spent napping while listening to the sound of the mountain stream was memorable.

I feel that such moments of downtime are important during long traverses.

Mt. Mitsumine - Mt. Aino

I departed early on the second day.

I returned to the Sen-shio Ridge and aimed for Mt. Mitsumine.

There are some rocky areas around Mt. Mitsumine, but more than that, it was a place with magnificent scenery.

Mt. Senjo.

Mt. Kaikoma.

Mt. Shiomi.

Mt. Aino.

You can see the main peaks of the Southern Alps all at once.

Mt. Aino to Mt. Notori

There are significant ups and downs from Mt. Aino to Mt. Notori.

Although the trail is well-maintained and easy to pace, it was a section that required more physical strength than the numbers suggest.

Crossing Mt. Nishi-Notori,

and finally to Mt. Notori.

I felt a sense of accomplishment when I reached the southern end of the Shirane Sanzan.

Daimonzawa Descent Point to Narada

The weather forecast predicted it would deteriorate in the afternoon.

I descended from Mt. Notori to Daimonzawa.

The upper part is a steep slope.

The lower part follows the mountain stream, and there are multiple river crossings.

It is a long descent, but I felt relieved once I reached Daimonzawa Hut.

Finally, heading to Narada.

I made it in time for the scheduled bus and was able to finish the mountain trip safely.

Course conditions and points of caution

Kitazawa Pass to Mt. Senjo

General mountain trail. There are few dangerous spots.

Sen-en Ridge

Clear overall.

There are rocky areas only around Mt. Mitsumine.

Mt. Aino to Mt. Notori

There is little risk of getting lost, but it is a section with significant ups and downs.

Daimonzawa descent point to Narada

A long descent path.

Includes river crossings.

Caution is required during rainy weather.

Course condition summary

Risk of getting lost: ★★☆☆☆

Physical strength required: ★★★★★

Dangerous spots: ★★★☆☆

View: ★★★★★

Tranquility: ★★★★★

Recommended season: July to October

*As of August 2019

Related Articles

▶ What is the Sen-en Ridge? | Introducing the quiet ridge I love most in the Southern Alps, its charm, and recommended sections

▶ Mt. Shiomi to Mt. Kita Traverse | 44km, 3 days connecting Mt. Komori and Mt. Kotaro

▶ Hayakawa Ridge - Sen-en Ridge - Shirane Sanzan | 53km from Hirogawara to Narada

Reflections

There are times when you cannot hike as planned.

Work, weather, or family circumstances.

You cannot always prioritize the mountains above all else.

Even so, I adapt my plans to make it to the mountains.

This traverse was one such trip.

From Mt. Senjo to Mt. Notori.

I was able to connect a part of the ridge I had longed for with my own two feet.

I feel that fact alone was enough.

Someday again.

I would like to go back and walk the parts I couldn't finish.

Conclusion

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

Rather than flashy mountains, I prefer quiet mountains, deep mountains, and hikes where I have to read the conditions.

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

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

See you in the next mountain record.