Search this site:

Can I climb Yari-ga-take and Oku-hotaka-dake solo?

by M
(Singapore)

Hi Gary,I'd been hoping to do the Yarigatake-Okuhotakadake circuit but a friend of mine said that it's really dangerous and that I should at least get a guide. I'm not sure if she was exaggerating or not, but it did make me think twice.

I don't have technical climbing skills, but I have done quite a bit of trekking and mountain climbing. Do you think it's possible to do the circuit, or at least Okuhotakadake via Karasawa solo?

Thanks in advance,
M

Comments for Can I climb Yari-ga-take and Oku-hotaka-dake solo?

Average Rating

Click here to add your own comments

Aug 22, 2019
Rating

Mt. Tsurugi-dake was a little scary...
by: Gary Wolff

As I recall, Tateyama was a piece of cake, but on the other hand, Tsurugi-dake was a rather difficult slog, including the 2 exhilarating, hair-raising "crab" sections in the last 200 m before reaching the summit.

Kani-no-yokobai (in Japanese, meaning "crawling sideways like a crab"):
https://www.garyjwolff.com/mt-tateyama-and-mt-tsurugi-dake.html#kani

Kani-no-tatebai (meaning "crawling upwards like a crab"): https://flic.kr/p/8FSDRK

Aug 22, 2019
Rating

thank you for the warning!
by: M

Hi Gary,

thank you for the warning re: daikiretto! Reading Laura's account definitely deterred me somewhat... I'll save that portion for when I have an experienced hiking buddy. Or a certified guide.

That said, now I'm torn between Tateyama/Tsurugi and Okuhotakadake (please don't kill me for asking too many question!) Since I still can't find anyone to go with me, would you recommend going up Tsurugi solo (Tateyama seems safe enough)? Or could you recommend where to find a hiking group I can join?

Many thanks in advance,
M

Aug 21, 2019
Rating

Not recommended
by: Gary Wolff

M, doing the Yari-ga-take to Oku-hotaka-dake circuit requires traversing the Daikiretto, the scariest section of mountain climbing I’ve ever done in Japan. If you haven’t already read Laura Dickey's humorous account of this very dangerous section, you really should: Kamikochi and the Daikiretto

Personally, I don’t recommend anyone to climb Japan’s highest peaks solo, but as far as whether you can climb Oku-hotaka-dake via Karasawa by yourself, I guess that all depends upon your own degree of climbing experience and physical conditioning, as each climber is different.

Happy trails and thanks for visiting my site…

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Mt. Oku-hotaka-dake & Mt. Yari-ga-take.

A FREE download at Smashwords

Pattaya ebook cover

Only $1.99 at Amazon
(¥214 at アマゾン日本)

Alaska ebook cover

Only $2.99 at Amazon
(¥340 at アマゾン日本)

Only 99¢ at Amazon
(¥114 at アマゾン日本)

Only $2.99 at Amazon
(¥343 at アマゾン日本)

Let's connect!!

Gary J. Wolff

My pics:

My videos:

What's New?

Where can I read some personal stories and opinions, both pro and con, by hikers who've actually climbed up Mt. Fuji?
Feb 22, 26 08:56 PM
- On Mount Fuji, summit udon is a lifesaver
- Fuji Climbing Tour 2025: Spectacular View and Excitement of Adventure at the Summit
- Climbing Mount Fuji at 80: Martyn Bould's Fundraising Ascent
- Climbing…
Read more
Amazing Projection Mapping at the 2026 Sapporo Snow Festival
Feb 17, 26 08:15 AM
One of the most impressive things I think I've ever seen... 0:00 "A Thoroughbred Crowned with Glory" brought to you by JRA (Japan (horse)Racing Association). Hokkaido is a major thoroughbred breeding…
Read more
Mt. Fuji cherry blossom festival canceled over fears of visitors behaving badly
Feb 13, 26 05:59 AM
Authorities in Fujiyoshida in central Japan have canceled a spring cherry blossom festival at a popular Mt. Fuji viewing spot, citing residents’ concerns over congestion and nuisance behavior. The cit…
Read more

HOME

In Loving Memory of Thomas Arthur Todd
English Songs Karaoke Practice
Fall 2022 Edutainment Lesson Plans
Spring 2022 Edutainment Lesson Plans
Fall 2021 Edutainment Lesson Plans
Spring 2021 Edutainment Lesson Plans
Quizlet Live: The Classroom Game Now Taking the World by Storm
The What's New? Line Game
English Pronunciation Mini-Course for Japanese Learners
Book Review of CNN Student News, Vol. 2
The Motivating Magic of Songs in the EFL Classroom
Useful iPad Tools for the EFL Teacher
How to Make a Paper Soccer Ball
A Day in the Life of a Tokyo Musician
2011 Japan Earthquake & Tsunami
Acting/Modeling in Tokyo
Tony the Tiger
Catchy Traffic Safety Slogans
In Loving Memory of Don Davis
In Loving Memory of Paul R. Caillet
Space Shuttle Discovery
Gyotoku Bird Observatory
Yoshimizu's Artwork
Fall Colors in Yoro Keikoku Valley
Ben Franklin's 13 Virtues
Recommended Reading List
Happy Birthday to You!!
Japan Links
Site Map
Site Search
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
About Me
Contact Me

WHAT'S NEW? (blog)

Blog Archives:
July-Sept. 2025
April-June 2025
Jan.-Mar. 2025
Oct.-Dec. 2024
July-Sept. 2024
April-June 2024
Jan.-Mar. 2024
Oct.-Dec. 2023
July-Sept. 2023
April-June 2023
Jan.-Mar. 2023
Oct.-Dec. 2022
July-Sept. 2022
April-June 2022
Jan.-Mar. 2022
Oct.-Dec. 2021
July-Sept. 2021
April-June 2021
Jan.-Mar. 2021
Oct.-Dec. 2020
July-Sept. 2020
April-June 2020
Jan.-Mar. 2020
Oct.-Dec. 2019
July-Sept. 2019
April-June 2019
Jan.-Mar. 2019
Oct.-Dec. 2018
July-Sept. 2018
April-June 2018
Jan.-Mar. 2018
Oct. Dec. 2017
July-Sept. 2017
April-June 2017
Jan.-Mar. 2017
Oct. Dec. 2016
July-Sept. 2016
April-June 2016
Jan.-Mar. 2016
Oct. Dec. 2015
July-Sept. 2015
April-June 2015
Jan.-Mar. 2015
Oct.-Dec. 2014
July-Sept. 2014
April-June 2014
Jan.-Mar. 2014
Oct.-Dec. 2013
July-Sept. 2013
April-June 2013
Jan.-Mar. 2013
Oct.-Dec. 2012
July-Sept. 2012
April-June 2012
Jan.-Mar. 2012
Oct.-Dec. 2011
July-Sept. 2011
April-June 2011
Jan.-Mar. 2011
Oct.-Dec. 2010
July-Sept. 2010
April-June 2010
Jan.-Mar. 2010
Oct.-Dec. 2009

JAPAN'S HIGHEST MOUNTAINS

Winter Hiking Tips
Diamond Fuji Viewing Spots, Dates, and Times in Tokyo
"Climbing Mt. Fuji" book
"The View from the Top of Japan" book
Climbing Mt. Fuji FAQ
Climbing Mt. Fuji FAQ (Page 2)
Climbing Mt. Fuji's Fujinomiya Trail
Mt. Fuji mountain huts
Kita-dake
Oku-hotaka-dake/Yari-ga-take
Ai-no-dake/Shiomi-dake
Warusawa-dake/Akaishi-dake
Ontake-san
Notori-dake & the Shiranesanzan
Senjo-ga-take/Kai-koma-ga-dake
Norikura-dake
Tateyama/Tsurugi-dake
Hijiri-dake
Suisho-dake/Washiba-dake
Kiso-koma-ga-take & Mt. Utsugi-dake
Shirouma-dake
Shirouma-dake accidents
Yakushi-dake
Yatsu-ga-take
Kasagatake
Kashimayari-ga-dake
Jonen-dake

Mt. Whitney Summit 360-degree Panorama

PACIFIC ISLANDS TRAVEL

Cebu, Philippines
Koh Samui, Thailand
Palau
Guam
Saipan
Langkawi, Malaysia
Phuket, Thailand
Fiji
Cook Islands
Boracay, Philippines
Ao Nang, Thailand

WHAT JAPANESE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS THINK ABOUT...

America New Zealand Brazil Scotland Australia Northern Ireland Italy England Wales China Saudi Arabia Canada Switzerland Singapore Russia South Africa

WHAT FOREIGN EXCHANGE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN JAPAN THINK ABOUT...

America Saudi Arabia Canada England Switzerland Singapore Russia South Africa
New Zealand Brazil Scotland Australia
Northern Ireland Italy Wales China

If you've found value on this website,
please consider sending a donation of any amount
to help cover my web hosting expenses. I have intentionally limited ads,
have never used pop-ups, and do not collect email addresses
in order to provide visitors a pleasant, hassle-free experience. Thank you!

(Please rest assured that when you click the 'Donate' button,
your transaction will be encrypted and secure.
Your information is safe with PayPal,
one of the largest payment processors on the Internet.)

Can I climb Yari-ga-take and Oku-hotaka-dake solo?

Comments for Can I climb Yari-ga-take and Oku-hotaka-dake solo?

What's New?

Where can I read some personal stories and opinions, both pro and con, by hikers who've actually climbed up Mt. Fuji?

Amazing Projection Mapping at the 2026 Sapporo Snow Festival

Mt. Fuji cherry blossom festival canceled over fears of visitors behaving badly