25th-26th May 1996: A Journey to Mt. Nishihotaka – Thrill, Beauty, and Fulfillment in the Northern Japan Alps

Climbing Mt. Nishihotaka is one of the most thrilling and scenic experiences in the Northern Japan Alps. This route is beloved by mountaineers for its dramatic ridgelines and breathtaking views. The trail from Nishihotaka Mountain Lodge to the summit covers a vertical gain of approximately 600 meters and a distance of just 3 kilometers. However, it features a series of rugged rocky ridges that demand both technical skill and focused attention. Especially beyond the peak known as Doppyo (2,701m), the trail becomes a true alpine challenge, requiring climbers to use both hands and feet to navigate steep terrain—offering a quintessential Japan Alps experience.

What makes this route truly special is the spectacular panoramic view. On clear days, you can see iconic peaks such as Mt. Yari, Mt. Okuhotaka, the dramatic Jandarm, Mt. Norikura, and Mt. Yake. Occasionally, even Mt. Fuji appears in the distance. The view from the summit of Mt. Nishihotaka is simply breathtaking, with a 360-degree panorama that fills you with awe and a deep sense of accomplishment.

For my journey, I parked my car at Nishihotaka-guchi Station and took the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway to reach the mountain lodge. After staying overnight, I began my ascent early the next morning. Both the ropeway and the lodge were incredibly helpful. The ropeway allowed me to reach the alpine zone—at an elevation of 2,156 meters—in about an hour, making access to the high mountains surprisingly easy. At the time, the lodge offered warm meals and comfortable accommodations, and anyone could stay without a prior reservation. I remember buying a rice ball bento before setting off at dawn, and the sunrise that morning was absolutely stunning.

As I climbed, I felt deeply connected to nature. The trail was quiet and peaceful, and I enjoyed photographing alpine plants, listening to birdsong, and capturing the sound of the wind. This route allowed me to experience not only the physical challenge of mountaineering but also the emotional richness of being immersed in nature. It was a journey that nourished both body and soul.

For me, climbing Mt. Nishihotaka was a condensed experience of everything that makes mountaineering so rewarding—technical challenge, natural beauty, and a profound sense of achievement. I hope to return someday, and next time, I would love to share this incredible experience with my entire family.

The other day, I was fortunate to purchase a high-quality film scanner at a very reasonable price, so I decided to digitize some old negatives. Since the films aged almost 30 years, it had noticeably faded with a yellowish tint throughout. To correct the discoloration, I used Lightroom. I was quite surprised to see myself standing on the Doppyo Peak with Mt. Okuhotaka in the background—I looked so young!

Nikon Nikomat Ftn / Nikkor-S Auto 50mm F1.4 / kodak gold 100