Picturesque Nishiho Maruyama: An easy hike in the Northern Japanese Alps / Nagano, Gifu

Located on the border between Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture and Takayama in Gifu Prefecture, Nishiho Maruyama stands at an elevation of 2,452 meters above the tree line, and thanks to the Shinhotaka Ropeway, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Kamikochi and Nishihotaka, Mt. Yake, Mt. Norikura, and Mt. Kasa below.
The Nishiho Hut near the summit of Nishiho Maruyama serves exceptionally delicious ramen! It is so popular that some people hike up there just for the ramen.

Warning about snowy conditions (roughly December to April)

• Winter mountain gear is a must and the use of crampons is mandatory.
• Hiking with someone experienced in climbing snow-covered mountains is recommended climbing to avoid getting lost.
• Some trails can be subject to route alterations, so confirming in advance is recommended.

 Easy access by highway bus

From ¥5,800 one way from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to Hirayu Onsen Bus Terminal

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Momokurayama offers glorious views of Mt. Fuji / Yamanashi

This hiking route is gaining popularity due to its year-round accessibility and fine views of Mt. Fuji.
However, it takes about one hour from JR Saruhashi Station to the trailhead, so it is more convenient to go from the Saruhashi bus stop on the Chuo Expressway, which is about 40 minutes away.

 Saruhashi bus stop on the Chuo Expressway to the Momokurayama trailhead (Google Maps)

 Suggested course: Saruhashi bus stop to Momokurayama

 Easy access by highway bus

 Saruhashi bus stop on the Chuo Expressway to the Momokurayama trailhead (Google Maps)

 Suggested course: Saruhashi bus stop to Momokurayama

¥1,750 one way from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to Saruhashi on the Chuo Expressway

Breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji and cherry blossoms from Chureito Pagoda in Arakurayama Sengen Park / Yamanashi

Breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji and cherry blossoms from Chureito Pagoda in Arakurayama Sengen Park
Word has it that someone from Thailand posted a photo on social media with the vermilion five-storied pagoda in the background and it quickly became a popular spot among foreign tourists through word of mouth.

 Easy access by highway bus

 See here for the route from the Shimo-Yoshida bus stop on the Chuo Expressway to Arakurayama Sengen Park

 Shimo-Yoshida bus stop on the Chuo Expressway to the trailhead (entrance to Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine) (Google Maps)

¥2,150 one way from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to Shimo-Yoshida on the Chuo Expressway

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Rare Mt. Fuji trekking experience from the station zero trailhead

Climbing to the summit of Mt. Fuji from the 5th station involves rough, rocky terrain, and once you go beyond the tree line, there is no more greenery to enjoy. Climbing from station zero, however, is a forest bathing experience!
Get off the highway bus at Mt. Fuji Station, pass by the former house of the Togawa family, and make your way to the Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine.

 Easy access by highway bus

 Mt. Fuji Station to the trailhead (Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine) (Google Maps)

From ¥2,200 one way from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to Mt. Fuji Station

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Mt. Minobu: One of Japan's three sacred mountains / Yamanashi

Located in Yamanashi Prefecture, Mt. Minobu is one of the sacred mountains in Japanese Buddhism. At an elevation of 1,153m above sea level, you can enjoy views of Mt. Fuji.
You can also get to the summit quite quickly via the Minobusan Ropeway, making it a great destination for families with children in tow. At the summit there is a restaurant, souvenir shop, and even a temple where you can pay your respects.

 Easy access by highway bus

¥3,600 one way from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to Mt. Minobu

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Mitsutogeyama offers close-up views of Mt. Fuji / Yamanashi

Located in Yamanashi Prefecture and at an elevation of 1,785m, Mitsutogeyama is the perfect mountain from which to view the magnificence of Mt. Fuji from a relatively close distance. It has something for everyone, with routes ranging from beginner trails to more technical, rocky courses for more experienced campaigners.

 Easy access by highway bus

¥2,200 one way from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to Lake Kawaguchi

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¥2,100 one way from Shibuya Station (Shibuya Mark City) to Lake Kawaguchi

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Shosenkyo Gorge: Known for its unparalleled beauty / Yamanashi

At 1,058m above sea level, Shosenkyo Gorge in Yamanashi Prefecture is a scenic area known as Japan's most beautiful gorge and a hidden gem of clear streams and quartz crystal.
Hiking the paths beside the gorge is pleasant and there are plenty of unusual rock formations and scenery to be admired along the way. The ropeway is also popular for its panoramic views of the mountains.

 Easy access by highway bus

¥2,500 one way from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to Kofu Station

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Senjojiki Cirque: One of Japan's three famous glacial cirques in the central alps / Nagano

Senjojiki Cirque in Nagano Prefecture is one of the three famous glacial cirques in the central alps. Mt. Kisokoma is 2,956m above sea level and the ropeway that goes up the mountain here boasts Japan's greatest vertical difference, swiftly reaching an elevation of 2,612m at Senjojiki Station.
You can either stroll around Senjojiki Cirque or set your sights on a breathtaking climb to the top of Mt. Kisokoma.

 About Komagatake Senjojiki Cirque Tickets

 Easy access by highway bus

From ¥4,200 one way from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to Komagane Bus Terminal

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Mt. Norikura: An easy-to-hike mountain in the Northern Japanese Alps at an elevation above 3,000m / Nagano, Gifu

You can catch a bus up to Tatamidaira, at an elevation of about 2,700. From there, it takes only about two hours to reach the highest peak, Kengamine, making it a relatively easy mountain to enjoy among the 3,000 meter-high mountains.
The nature in this area has been left untouched, and from summer to autumn, many hikers come to observe the alpine plants and rock ptarmigans, a protected species of bird.

 Easy access by highway bus

From ¥8,000 one way from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to Kamikochi
From ¥9,400 one way from Shibuya Station (Shibuya Mark City) to Shin-shimashima
*Fares are subject to change.

Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to Kamikochi

Shibuya Station (Shibuya Mark City) to Kamikochi

As of April 2024, the Norikura Skyline road is closed to due to a recent landslide.

From ¥5,800 one way from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to Hirayu Onsen Bus Terminal

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From ¥3,600 one way from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to Matsumoto

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World Heritage-listed Mt. Fuji is a must-visit destination / Yamanashi

Mount Fuji 5th Station is the entrance to climbing Mount Fuji. Many people climb Mount Fuji from here as a starting point. Mount Fuji 5th Station bus stop is different from "Fujisan Station". It is the entrance of Fuji-Yoshida trail which is the most popular trail and the longest route to the summit of Mount Fuji.

 Easy access by highway bus

¥3,800 one way from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to Mt. Fuji 5th Station

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Mt. Kita in the Southern Alps, Japan's second tallest mountain / Yamanashi

With an elevation of 3,193.2m, Mt. Kita in Yamanashi Prefecture is the second highest mountain in Japan after Mt. Fuji.
On its eastern slopes there is an approximately 600 meter-high cliff called the Kitadake Buttress, which extends out from the summit. The dynamic views and various hiking trails characteristic of the Southern Alps make this area a popular destination.

 Easy access by highway bus

¥2,500 one way from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to Kofu Station

Reservation