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Best trails in Chubusangaku National Park

Best trails in Chubusangaku National Park

4.4(3,413 reviews)

·

Japan
: 
#1 of 29 national parks

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Surrounded by the Northern Alps, Chubu Sangaku National Park is home to stunning mountains, lush beech forests, and numerous waterfalls with crystal clear water. On the north side of the park, the Ushiro Tateyama and Tateyama mountain ranges face each other, and to the south stands Mt. Norikura. This park consists of 10 mountains with an altitude of 3,000 meters. This means that of the 21 mountains in Japan that are over 3,000 meters above sea level, 10 are located in this national park. Kamikochi's Azusa River, famous for its beautiful, clear water, is also a must-see. It is also famous for the Kappa legend. Another landmark that represents Chubu-Sangaku National Park is Goshikigahara Forest, a treasure trove of wild flora and fauna. Tour the rich nature and mysterious waterfalls, and enjoy peaceful moments and scenic views.

The park's mountains are dotted with a variety of inns and hot springs where weary travelers can soothe their bodies. In winter, you can also ski or snowboard down the mountains of the Hakuba region.

Top trails

  1. #1 - Myojin Ike Pond Loop

    4.7(660)
    ·Moderate
    ·4.8 mi
    ·Est. 2–2.5 hr
    This trail is stunningly beautiful and located in a protected alpine valley of the Japanese Alps. The journey begins at the famous Kappa Bridge and meanders through a serene, pristine forest of birch and larch trees. The entire walk is set against a breathtaking backdrop of the towering, rocky peaks of the Hotaka mountain range. Along the way, hikers will be rewarded with the crystal-clear waters of the Azusa River. The destination is the tranquil and sacred Myojin Pond, a mirror-like pond...

  2. #2 - Mount Yakedake - Kamikochi

    4.8(265)
    ·Hard
    ·7.8 mi
    Mount Yakedake - Kamikochi (焼岳 - 上高地) Explore the only active volcano in the Northern Alps, Mount Yakedake from Kamikochi. Enjoy remarkable views of the mountains surrounding Kamikochi from the summit. Mount Yakedake to Kamikochi may be closed due to heavy rain fall. Please check with https://www.kamikochi.org/ for more information.

  3. #3 - Dakesawa Wetland Trail

    4.7(203)
    ·Hard
    ·5.1 mi
    ·Est. 4–4.5 hr
    This trail starts near the iconic Kappa Bridge and follows the crystal-clear, turquoise Azusa River. You will walk through a beautiful forest of willow and larch trees before the boardwalk opens up onto the Dakesawa Wetland, a small, pristine marsh. The main reward for this hike is the spectacular, close-up, and unobstructed view of the active volcano, Mount Yakedake, rising majestically across the river. Hikers might even spot Japanese macaques in the trees.

  4. #4 - Kamikochi Walking Tour

    4.6(161)
    ·Moderate
    ·4.8 mi
    ·Est. 2–2.5 hr
    This trail is an iconic walk through the Kamikochi Valley, a spectacular and protected alpine basin in the Japanese Alps. The entire trail is set against the breathtaking backdrop of the towering, rocky peaks of the Hotaka mountain range. The central landmark of the valley is the famous Kappa Bashi (Kappa Bridge), a wooden suspension bridge that provides the most postcard-perfect view. The trail winds through a beautiful, pristine forest of willow, larch, and birch trees, and visitors often...

  5. #5 - Taisho Pond Trail

    4.7(154)
    ·Moderate
    ·2.3 mi
    ·Est. 1–1.5 hr
    The path is a journey through a unique landscape with a dramatic history. The main highlight is Taisho Pond itself, which was formed in 1915 when the active volcano, Mount Yakedake, erupted and its mudslide dammed the Azusa River. This event created the pond's breathtaking scenery: the withered, submerged trees that still stand in the crystal-clear, turquoise water. On a calm day, the pond creates a mirror-like reflection of the steaming Mount Yakedake and the towering, rocky Hotaka mountain...

  6. #6 - Mount Yakedake - Nakanoyu Onsen

    4.7(131)
    ·Hard
    ·4.8 mi
    This trail is a rocky, root-covered climb up through a beautiful white birch and larch forest. The final ascent is a scramble over a barren, reddish-brown volcanic landscape. Hikers must use a series of ladders and chains to climb up the steep, rocky sections to the crater rim. Near the summit, visitors can see and smell the active sulfur vents. Visitors will be rewarded with a stunning bird's-eye view down into the Kamikochi Valley and across to the towering Hotaka mountains.

  7. #7 - Kamikochi - Karasawa Hutte

    4.9(107)
    ·Moderate
    ·10.2 mi
    ·Est. 5.5–6 hr
    The journey begins with a long, beautiful walk along the Azusa River, past the Myojin Pond. After the Yokoo junction, the trail becomes a very steep, rugged, and rocky ascent that follows a river gorge. Upon reaching the peak, hikers will scramble over boulders and climb several ladders. The Karasawa Cirque is a massive, breathtaking glacial amphitheater. The cirque is world-famous for its autumn foliage, when the Japanese Rowan bushes turn a brilliant sea of red and orange.

  8. #8 - Mount Yarigatake: Kamikochi Trail

    4.8(99)
    ·Hard
    ·25.0 mi
    This trail takes hikers from the beautiful Kamikochi Valley to the summit of Mount Yarigatake. The mountain's name means Spear Peak because its summit is a dramatic, sharp, spearhead-like point of rock. The trail begins with a very long, gentle walk up the Yarisawa Valley, following the clear Azusa River. The trail winds through a high-alpine world, where hikers can see rare alpine flowers and possibly spot the native rock ptarmigan. The final scramble to the summit is a very exposed,...

  9. #9 - Matsumoto Shi Trail

    4.7(59)
    ·Moderate
    ·3.9 mi
    ·Est. 1.5–2 hr
    This trail is a section of the historic Salt Trail, an ancient trade route that once brought salt from the Sea of Japan to the inland city of Matsumoto. This particular section, running towards the city from nearby villages, traverses rural farmlands and forests and winds along the Azusa River valley. The path will lead you directly to the town center, culminating at the magnificent Matsumoto Castle. This 400-year-old national treasure is known as the "Crow Castle" for its striking black...

  10. #10 - Kamikochi - Mount Yakedake

    4.6(80)
    ·Hard
    ·6.6 mi
    ·Est. 5.5–6 hr
    This trail begins in the Kamikochi valley and features an ascent on a rugged, rocky path. The trail takes hikers up through a beautiful forest of beech and white birch trees. The upper sections of the hike involve many ladders and chains to assist in scrambling up steep rock faces. As hikers near the summit, the forest gives way to a barren, reddish-brown volcanic landscape, where they can often smell sulfur emanating from the active steam vents. The reward is a breathtaking panoramic view,...
Showing results 1–10 of 205
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Chubusangaku National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Chubusangaku National Park is Myojin Ike Pond Loop, which has a 4.7 star rating from 660 reviews. This trail is 4.8 mi long with an elevation gain of 544 ft.

What is the longest trail in Chubusangaku National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Chubusangaku National Park is Northern Alps 4 days Backpacking : Ogizawa - Kurobe Dam. This trail is estimated to be 36.1 mi long.

How many trails are in Chubusangaku National Park?

There are 205 trails in Chubusangaku National Park.These trails have an average 4.4-star ratingfrom NaN AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Chubusangaku National Park?

Northern Alps 4 days Backpacking : Ogizawa - Kurobe Dam has the most elevation gain with 16,328 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Hotaka Mountain Range - Mount Yarigatake - Mount Otaki Loop, which has 15,803 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Chubusangaku National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 172 camping trails in Chubusangaku National Park and the most popular is Myojin Ike Pond Loop with an average 4.7 star rating from 660 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Chubusangaku National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 3 biking trails in Chubusangaku National Park and the most popular is Taisho Pond Trail with an average 4.7 star rating from 154 community reviews.