Tucked Away In The Southern Alps Is One Of Japan's Tallest Mountains Promising Scenic, Thrilling Trails

Mount Kita, located in the northern part of Japan's Southern Alps in Yamanashi prefecture, is the second-tallest peak in Japan, after Mount Fuji. Mount Fuji is arguably the most well-known mountain in Japan, so if you want to avoid the crowds, Mount Kita is the better choice. At 10,475 feet, it's a challenging hike, but you will be surrounded by trickling waterfalls, misty forests, and epic ridge views. Once you reach the summit, you will be rewarded with one of the best views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding Southern Alps.

To begin your hiking adventure from Tokyo, start at Shinjuku Station. Look for the limited express train to Kofu, the capital city of Yamanashi prefecture in central Japan. The train ride to Kofu is about 90 minutes. Then, take a two-hour bus ride from Kofu to Hirogawara, the trailhead of Mount Kita. Hirogawara, which is 5,003 feet above sea level, is only accessible by bus or taxi. The bus only runs from late June to early November. Hiking outside the season is unsafe due to frigid temperatures, avalanches, and snow whiteouts. For the most optimal hike, we recommend spending a night in Kofu the day before so you can start your hike bright and early.

Hiking Mount Kita can be done in two days and is considered moderately hard. It's definitely not a stroll in the park — parts of the trail can be rocky and steep, so you will need to be in decent physical shape to conquer the summit. To experience the gorgeous Japanese fall foliage, hike Mount Kita from September to October.

When hiking Mount Kita, pack essential items, like water and snacks, and have them within easy reach in your backpack. You might also want rain gear, sunscreen, a mosquito net for your head, and a phone easily accessible. Then, pack your sleeping bag, change of clothes, and toiletries at the bottom of your backpack. If you decide to camp to cut costs (instead of sleeping and eating at one of the mountain huts), you will need a tent, a stove, fuel, cookware, and food. Pack crampons and other winter gear if heading earlier or late in the season.

For a two-day hike, the goal is generally to reach one of the mountain huts to spend the night and hike to the summit at dawn to catch the sunrise. There are several options for huts near the summit. Kitadake-sanso sits on the ridge below the summit and offers free charging and Wi-Fi. Katanokoya is a more expensive option with a more robust dining menu. It's also less than an hour from the summit. Both huts offer a shared room where you will sleep on the floor with your sleeping bag or a futon. If you are camping, the grounds of Katanokoya offer a spectacular view of Mount Fuji. Make a reservation for your accommodation through each respective hut's website. At Katanokoya, dinner is usually served between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m, so get there before 4 p.m. if you want a plate of the famous pork shoulder steak, which will taste extra delicious after a long day of hiking.

The hike to the lodging hut will take four to six hours, depending on your pace. After crossing the Norogawa bridge, take the right-hand path at the fork for Shiraneoike Goya hut. You will reach it an hour or two later. It's a fantastic spot for a water refill and lunch while enjoying the view of an alpine pond.

When the trail splits again from Shiraneoike, take the more scenic route on the left that curves around a valley carved out by the rushing waters of Okabasawa. The trail on the right leads to a steep slope and a more direct route to reach the ridge, but the slight detour offers gorgeous views dotted with waterfalls and wildflowers in the summer. Eventually, you will approach the craggy ridge that opens up to a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains, where you will find the huts to spend the night. The following day, be ready to head out before sunrise between 4:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. Besides the splendid sunrise, you might also get a glimpse of Mount Fuji in the distance poking through the clouds.

On the way down the mountain, take the same path or the alternative routes. Once you're back in Kofu, you can check out Kofu Castle Ruins, a reconstructed 16th-century Japanese castle. For a hot spring soak with snow monkeys after your hike, head to Kamikochi, an idyllic mountain town, just a two-hour drive from Kofu.