The Leader of the Northern Alps: Exploring Japan's High-Altitude Hotaka Mountain Range

Countries & Cities · Published 30 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Rising to 3,190 meters, Mount Hotakadake is the crown jewel of Japan's Hida Mountains. Known as the Leader of the Northern Alps, this rugged range offers some of the country's most challenging alpine terrain, featuring sheer cliffs, permanent snow-filled cirques, and a network of high-altitude huts for intrepid climbers.

Mount Hotakadake, situated within Chūbu-Sangaku National Park, represents a formidable collection of peaks that define the landscape of Nagano and Gifu prefectures. The range is anchored by Mount Okuhotaka, which stands as the highest point in the Hotaka Mountains and the third-tallest peak in Japan, surpassed only by Mount Fuji and Mount Kita. The geography is defined by dramatic features like the Karasawa Cirque, a U-shaped basin where snow persists year-round, and the Daikiretto, a steep, narrow passage that connects the range to Mount Yari.

The history of exploration in this region began in earnest during the late 19th century. William Gowland climbed Mount Myōjin in 1880, while Walter Weston, whose 1896 book introduced these peaks to an international audience, ascended Mount Maehotaka in 1893 and Mount Okuhotaka in 1912. The area was officially designated as part of the Chūbu-Sangaku National Park on December 4, 1934, solidifying its status as a protected wilderness.

Navigating these mountains requires significant expertise, particularly during the transition from snow-free periods to winter conditions. While routes like the Jūtarō New Road—noted as the steepest in the Japanese Alps—offer direct access, they lack water and demand high physical endurance. Climbers often rely on a series of mountain huts, such as the Hotaka Mountain Cottage or the Karasawa Mountain Hut, to traverse the rocky, often indistinguishable peaks. Because the region becomes extremely dangerous when snow falls, the range remains a place where careful planning and respect for the terrain are essential for survival.

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