This is the perfect mountain for viewing the Yari-Hotaka mountain range.
Whether you take the trailhead or not, you'll need to hike through a forest for a long time, but the view once you emerge from the forest is magnificent.
The course isn't particularly difficult, and even beginners can climb it, but the long ascent requires a certain level of physical fitness.
The sunrise and sunset views from here are also wonderful, so I recommend climbing and staying overnight.
I will never forget the view I saw from here.
The trail from the Mitsumata trailhead takes about four hours, and it's well-maintained, clean, and easy to climb thanks to the stairs.
The Chogatake Hut is only about two minutes from the summit, and the campsite is nearby, making it a fantastic location.
If you see this view as an introduction to the Northern Alps, you're sure to become hooked on mountain climbing.
The view of the Hotaka mountain range from there is beautiful and something you should definitely see.
It also gives you a clear idea of your next goal.
I chose Mt. Chogatake for my first ever climb in the Northern Alps. I usually do day hikes in low mountains two or three times a month, but carrying a tent and sleeping bag in my backpack was a completely different weight from my usual gear, and my shoulders ached terribly after carrying it for about three to four hours (lol). I ascended via the Tokusawa route and descended via the Yokoo route. Both routes involve steep climbs through forested areas, but I felt the Yokoo route was slightly more challenging on the ascent. Incidentally, it took me about six hours from Kamikochi to the summit of Mt. Chogatake.
It was incredibly tough, unlike my usual mountain climbing, but the moment I emerged from the forest and saw the open scenery, it was so beautiful that I was glad I made the climb. While physically demanding, it doesn't require particularly advanced techniques, so I think it's just the right difficulty level for a first-time climb in the Northern Alps.
This was the fifth installment of my beginner's solo mountain climbing series, where I challenged myself to descend from Panorama Ginza and Nakabusa Onsen to Kamikochi. Mount Chogatake was the main event of the third day.
After breakfast at Chogatake Hutte, I made my way down to Kamikochi, and while I did reach the summit, it felt more like climbing a gentle hill than a true ascent.
The previous night's forecast had been rain, but luckily it was sunny, and the contrast between the sunrise and the sea of clouds created a magnificent view.
The weather in the high mountains changes rapidly every few hours, so it was a nerve-wracking three days, but I felt rewarded at the end.
The descent to Kamikochi wasn't too difficult, but I was a little taken aback when I encountered a bear cub. I was descending slowly, so we didn't bump into each other, but I realized that a leisurely descent is important because both parties can be startled if you're walking quickly.
