Is it possible to climb 5 Kamikochi mountain summits over 3000m in just 48 hours?

by Nathan Bell
(London, UK)

Hi Gary,

First off, amazing article! Fantastic reading and loaded with content.

My name is Nathan Bell and I am from the UK. I am planning an expedition to Japan in October this year.

My goal is to cycle from Fukuoka to Sapporo, as well as taking on 5 mountain summits over 3000m in 5 days.

After reading this article it seems it would definitely be possible for me to climb 5 mountain summits over 3000m in 5 days, do you think it would be possible to take on this route in just 48 hours?

Also, I am planning on taking on this route in Mid October, would I need any specialist equipment at this time of the year? I don't have a large amount of experience in climbing but have a good level of fitness, and plan to complete Mountain Leader Training back in the UK this year.

Would you recommend getting a guide for the route or is it more than feasible to complete by oneself, it would mainly be navigational I am thinking for the guide purpose.

Is Kamikochi the closest place I would be able to get to in order to start the trek? I am debating whether to cycle to Kamikochi, or leave my bike with family in Tokyo and use Japan Rail Pass to get the Kamikochi, would you have any recommendations?

Regards
Nathan