| From Tokyo: | 3-4 hr |
| From Osaka: | 4-5 hr |
How to Get There
Minami Alps National Park encompasses the Akaishi Mountains, also known as the Minami (Southern) Alps. The park sits on the borders of Shizuoka, Yamanashi and Nagano prefectures west of Tokyo. The mountains are a hiker’s dream, offering challenging trails that reward perseverance with beautiful views of Mount Fuji. Mount Kitadake, Japan’s second-tallest mountain after Mount Fuji, and Mount Senjogatake, famous for alpine plants, are popular among hikers. A car is necessary to reach some areas, but you may need to park it in designated lots and take a shuttle to reach some trails. Trailheads are often located on narrow or winding forest roads. In some cases, roads may be inaccessible due to landslides or fallen trees caused by typhoons. Check local conditions before setting out.
From Tokyo
Popular mountains such as Mount Kaikomagatake, Mount Kitadake and the three peaks of Mount Hoo Sanzan are accessible from the city of Kofu in Yamanashi Prefecture. To reach Kofu, take a limited express train on the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station (1 hr 30 min). Hirogawara is the name of the trailhead area for Mount Kitadake. The Yamanashi Kotsu company provides a bus service to Hirogawara (2 hr) as well as other trails such as for Yashajin Pass. If you have a car and would like to access Hirogawara, you can park in the Ashiyasu Parking Area (40 minutes from Kofu-Showa Interchange on the Chuo Expressway or 30 minutes from Shirane Interchange on the Chubu-Odan Expressway) then take the bus bound for Hirogawara.
From Osaka
Take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Shizuoka Station (2 hr) and transfer to the Minobu Line limited express train bound for Kofu (2 hr).
Getting Around
The best ways to get around Minami Alps National Park are rental car and walking. Although there is limited bus service from Kofu Station to the Hirogawara trailhead, the times are inconvenient. Bypass the slow bus and drive to one of the parking lots near your target mountain. The trail from Hirogawara leads to the summit of Mount Kitadake, where you have your pick of multiday treks to other mountains such as Mount Ainodake and Mount Notoridake. Accommodations including meals are available at mountain huts along the trails. It is necessary to make reservations in advance to stay.