I'm thinking of starting with Jonen-dake and then heading toward Yari-ga-take

by Andrew
(Japan)

Excellent website with lots of useful information for a Japan trekker like me. Lived in Japan for 21 years, all for the same reasons. My big project this year is to climb as many peaks in the Kita Alps as I can. I'm wondering, have you ever done any during Golden Week? If you have, what conditions did you encounter?

It will be my first attempt at the Kita Alps and I'm thinking of starting with Jonen-dake and then gradually working my way around to Yari-ga-take. What do you think? Any suggestions?

Have a good season. Maybe our paths will cross someday.

Andrew

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Thanks, Andrew. I appreciate your kind words.

With all the uncountable hours I've spent on that site, it's nice to receive positive feedback.

Being from Texas, I'm not real big on hiking on snow, so I usually alpine hike in the summer or early fall. Not sure of the snow conditions on Jonen-dake during Golden Week, but I suspect you might encounter some very wintry conditions up there, likely requiring crampons and an ice axe.

But it was the easiest of the Kita Alps peaks (I did it as a day hike), so it would probably be a good choice if you're experienced in those kind of wintry climbing conditions.

Thanks for writing, Andrew. Best wishes...

Cheers,
Gary


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Jonen-dake weather info:
http://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Jonen-Dake/forecasts/2857

Jonen-Yari area mountain hut map:
http://kita-alps.yamagoya.gr.jp/welcome/09.pdf

List of Jonen-Yari area mountain huts w/ ph. #'s and URLs:
http://kita-alps.yamagoya.gr.jp/welcome/08.pdf