Mount Akadake 赤岳

Yatsugadake 八ヶ岳 translated as “Eight Peaks”, is a popular mountain range that borders Nagano and Yamanashi prefecture. Within these eight peaks, the highest of them all is Akadake, at 2,899m. They are volcanic mountains and though they are dormant volcanoes now, they generate hot springs. The total ascent up to the peak from the carpark was 1,500m.

We began early at 6.45 a.m., starting from the Utsugushimori trailhead. There were so many routes up to Akadake, but we chose the non-main route to ensure a carpark and I also researched that from this face of the mountain, you climb up with a view of Mt Fuji behind your back.

But the weather was on the cloudy side. The more we climbed up, the more it seemed grey and misty. We walked past a few lookout spots and all we saw were fogs of clouds. My hope for the view of Mt Fuji had started to dull.

Then after a whole lotta climbing, we started seeing the mist being lifted off. Soon we were above the clouds and were able to see the magnificent Fuji behind us! I was stoked.

Up to here in the forest, we only walked past 2 hikers. It’s been peaceful in the forest on our own and this is what makes me avoid the main route every time!

We were able to see the summit from here but still had 200 meters to ascend almost vertically. I’d look back to admire Fuji, still in awe that I’ve been able to see it! I now understand the hype of this almighty mountain. The symmetrical beautiful shape isolated alone, perfectly suits Japan.

Dad’s first time with chains.

We reached the summit! A quick snapshot of the peak before a swarm of hikers came through. You can see them all wearing helmets.

On every summit of mountains in Japan, there is a Buddhist monument/temple. Mountains are seen sacred in Japan and it’s quite cute to see these things in every single peak.

A hut also served hot food (curry, stew, etc.) and beer at the summit. It’s a classic thing for Japanese hikers to have a bevvy at the summit, but Dad couldn’t believe it.

Crowds of hikers started appearing from the other side of Akadake, the main route from Minoto.

We call the sea of clouds “Unkai” 「雲海」in Japanese. What a stunning day for it!

Another hut just below the ridgeline. There are many places to stay around here and lots of peaks to explore on both sides of Akadake. Yatsugadake range sounds like a playground to me!

One last look of Fuji, I don’t get to see her very often.

Bear scratches.

Time to descend down and check on mum, couped up in a cabin waiting for us. After 8.5 hours in total, we arrived back at the carpark. Another stunning hike in Japan.