Planning a safe and enjoyable hike

Proper planning is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike. In this area, submitting a hiking plan is mandatory. Please download the form from the following website, fill it out, and submit it: https://www.go-nagano.net/climbing
For your safety, please follow these guidelines:

• Rules on the Trail:

  Uphill hikers have the right of way on the trail. If you are descending, step aside and give space to those hiking uphill.
  If a falling rock poses danger to people below, hikers should call out “Raku!” This is an abbreviation of the Japanese word rakuseki (“falling rock”) and is pronounced similarly to the English word “rock.”
  Stay on the trail at all times to prevent damage to the surrounding vegetation and ecosystem. This includes when you stop to take a break or let other hikers pass.
  All garbage must be carried home with you.
  This area is a designated National Park. Taking wildlife and plants without permission is strictly prohibited.
  Pets (including dogs) are not allowed on the trails.

• Respecting Wildlife:

  Keep a safe distance from any animals you see during your hike.
  Do not feed the wildlife, as it can result in unwanted animal encounters and attacks.

• Safety and Preparation:

  Do not throw away any food, including liquids and soups, on the mountain to protect local wildlife.
  Before starting your hike, check for the latest information on trails and potential hazards in the park.
  Wear a helmet on certain dangerous trails, where it is strongly recommended.
  Mountain weather can change suddenly and dramatically. Be well-prepared and check the weather forecast frequently.
  Always bring a headlamp, even for short day hikes.
  By law, all hikers must submit a hiking plan (tozan-todoke) in advance at the trailhead or online.
  Consider hiring a local mountain guide for a safe hike. For more information, visit: https://azumino-e-tabi.net/guide

Weather in The Northern Japan Alps

The best time for hiking is from the early of July until the end of September. In the summer, temperatures can surpass 30°C at the bottom of the mountain but can be more than 15°C colder at higher altitudes. Rain and thunderstorms are frequent in the afternoon and there can be blizzards on some days as well. The mountains are covered in snow from October until June. Hiking requires equipment and experience. During the snow season, sufficient knowledge and experience, as well as specialized equipment (such as crampons and an ice axe), are required.

Average monthly temperatures within
the Nothern Japan Alps – Mt.Tsubakuro (in usual years)

*This data is calcaltated from Hotaka Azumino City Nagano Prefecture average monthly lowest and highest tempratures (2024).

Accommodations

When doing an overnight hike, you can either bring your own tent or stay in a mountain hut. If you are a beginner, staying in a mountain hut is recommended as meals and bedding (futons) will be provided. It will also make for a much easier hike as you will need to carry less gear up the mountain.

Rules for staying in a tent

• Tents must be set up within the designated camp areas. Do not camp outside of these areas.
• Register and pay your tent site fee at the adjacent mountain hut upon arrival. Note that some tent sites also require fees to use the toilet and for fresh water.
• Please be considerate and be quiet at night so as not to wake up other hikers.
• There are no garbage bins. All garbage must be taken home with you.

Rules for staying in a lodge

• Reservations should be made by email or phone beforehand.
  If you need to cancel your stay, please be sure to notify the lodge. If you cancel without informing the lodge, the manager may worry that you have been involved in an accident or emergency.
• Plan your hike to arrive at the lodge by at least 3 p.m.
• The mountain huts have limited meal plans and are not able to accommodate special meal requests. If you have allergies or require special foods, it would be best to bring your own.
• The lights will be turned off at a set time. Please be considerate and be quiet once the lights are turned off as well as early in the morning.
• Water is a very precious resource in this area. All lodges strive to conserve water, and there may be a charge for refilling drinking water.
• You are not allowed to dispose of garbage at lodges. If any trash is generated from the items you brought, please make sure to carry it with you until you descend.
• Due to unreliable internet connections, most lodges do not have the facilities to accept credit cards. Please bring cash for payments at the lodge. Additionally, small change is required to use the toilets. Please be aware that there are no ATMs in the national park.

Many of the mountain huts in the Northern Japan Alps have a common sleeping area, dining room and gift shop where you can purchase snacks, drinks and souvenirs.

Rules for Entering the Northern Alps

For the safe enjoyment and continued protection of the Northern Alps, we ask all climbers to abide by the following rules when entering the mountainous areas of the Northern Alps.

• Rule 1

  Do not damage or remove natural objects.

• Rule 2

  Do not damage infrastructure such as mountain trails or bridges.

• Rule 3

  Camp only in designated areas.

• Rule 4

  Do not leave behind garbage, food, or human waste.

• Rule 5

  Plan your hike carefully and conservatively.