If you are interested in hiking a beautiful mountain in Japan without the big crowds of Mount Fuji then Mount Kita is a great choice. Mount Kita is the second highest mountain in Japan. It is 3,193 meters tall and 10,476 feet tall and it is a part of the beautiful Southern Alps.
Many people love Mount Kita because it is a beautiful and peaceful place. This path has amazing green forests, rocky paths and that place is with beautiful flowers. From the top of the mountain you can enjoy amazing views of the Japanese Alps.
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Mount Kita is located in the beautiful Minami Alps National Park in Yamanashi Prefecture.
The hiking trail passes through forests, rocky paths, and beautiful alpine landscapes.
This climb is harder than Mount Fuji but the view from the mountain is amazing and you will experience the beauty of the mountain. Along the way you can stay in mountain huts and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Even if it is your first time hiking or you may have climbed many mountains before but this Mount Kita Guide will help you plan your trip and from this you will understand what to bring and some hiking tips.
Where Is Mount Kita?
Mount Kita is in Minami Alps National Park in Yamanashi Prefecture. It is the second highest mountain in Japan and also it is a part of the famous Three Great Mountains of Japan. The other two mountains are Mount Fuji and Mount Aino.
The mountain is inside a national park so the area is clean, green, and full of nature. In summer, many people visit Mount Kita to enjoy hiking and beautiful mountain views.
On clear days, hikers can enjoy stunning views of Mount Fuji from the summit.
Why Should You Visit Mount Kita?
There are many reasons to visit Mount Kita. The views are amazing and on a clear day you can see Mount Fuji and many other mountains in the Japanese Alps. If you are thinking how Mount Kita compares to Japan’s most famous mountain then you can also read our guide on How Hard Is It to Climb Mount Fuji? to learn about the challenges, difficulty level and what to expect on a Mount Fuji hike.
From this path you can see the beautiful green forests, rocky paths, open mountain ridges and colorful flowers. Every part of the hike is beautiful.
Another good thing is that Mount Kita has less crowd than Mount Fuji. You can enjoy nature without walking in big crowds. If you love mountains and peaceful places then this Mount Kita Guide will help you plan a fun and memorable hiking trip.
Kitadake Shoulder Hut is a popular overnight stop for hikers climbing Mount Kita.
How to Reach Mount Kita
Getting to Mount Kita is easy if you plan your trip before you start to leave. Most hikers use trains and buses because they are the easiest way to reach the mountain.
Step 1: Travel to Kofu Station
Start your journey by taking a train from Tokyo to Kofu Station in Yamanashi Prefecture. You can travel by an express train or other JR trains if you have the JR pass depending on your budget and travel plan.
Kofu Station is the main station for people who are visiting Mount Kita and the Southern Alps.
Step 2: Take a Bus to Hirogawara
From Kofu Station take the bus to Hirogawara which is the main starting point for the Mount Kita hike.
In this journey you can see the beautiful mountain roads before reaching the starting point of the hike. During the hiking season many hikers use this bus to travel so it is a good idea to arrive early.
Experienced hikers often continue from Mount Kita to nearby Mount Aino.
Another important thing you should consider while traveling is that private cars are usually not allowed on the road to Hirogawara during the hiking season. This helps to protect the natural environment and reduces traffic in the national park.
Because of this the seasonal bus is the easiest and most popular way to reach Mount Kita. Before your trip check the latest bus timetable so you can plan your journey without any problems.
Popular Hiking Route
The most popular hiking route starts from Hirogawara. It is easy to do the hiking because the trail is well marked with signboards.
The route starts from Hirogawara then you can see the Kitadake Shoulder Hut and finally you reach to the top of the Mount Kita.
The hiking time for the routes are Hirogawara to Kitadake Shoulder Hut is about 5 to 6 hours and for Shoulder Hut to Mount Kita Summit it is about 1 to 2 hours then again finally from Mount Kita Summit to Hirogawara takes about 5 to 6 hours.
Many people finish the hike in two days. On the first day they hike to the mountain hut and stay there overnight. On the second day they climb to the top of the mountain after completing the hike and return back to Hirogawara.
This plan gives you more time to enjoy the beautiful views and makes the hike easier and you won’t feel tired. It is a great way to enjoy the mountain and have a more comfortable hiking trip.
Watching the sunrise from Mount Kita is one of the highlights of the hike.
Carrying the right hiking gear helps make your Mount Kita adventure safe and comfortable.
Mount Kita Hiking Routes
Mount Kita has several hiking routes, but the Hirogawara Route is the most popular and recommended for most visitors. Here are the main routes:
1. Hirogawara Route (Most Popular)
The most popular route to Mount Kita starts from Hirogawara Bus Terminal. The hike usually takes 2 days and people will stay in the Kitadake Shoulder Hut. It takes about 6 to 7 hours to hike up to the summit and about 4 to 5 hours to hike back down. The trail is moderate to difficult so it is best for hikers with a good fitness level. The path starts in a green forest and then climbs above where you can enjoy amazing views of the Southern Alps.
This route is well marked which makes it a great choice for first time visitors. Along the way you can rest or stay at mountain huts. During summer this path is filled with beautiful flowers and on clear days you can even see Mount Fuji from the mountain. If you enjoy beautiful views and peaceful journey then this mount kita will be the best hiking.
Most hikers begin their Mount Kita adventure from Hirogawara.
2. Hirogawara – Mount Kita – Mount Aino Traverse
This hiking route starts from Hirogawara and ends at Hirogawara but you can also continue to other mountains in the Southern Alps. The hike takes about 2 to 3 days and it is difficult compared to other routes so it is best for experienced hikers. After reaching the top of Mount Kita which is 3,193 m. This path has a beautiful mountain path to Mount Aino which is 3,190 m. It is the third-highest mountain in Japan.
This route will make you climb two of Japan’s highest mountains on one trip. Along the way you can enjoy amazing mountain views, peaceful trails and beautiful ridge walks. There are usually fewer people on this route so you can spend more time enjoying the fresh air and the beauty of the Southern Alps.
Experienced hikers often continue from Mount Kita to nearby Mount Aino.
3. Shirane Sanzan Traverse (Three Peaks Route)
This hiking route starts from Hirogawara and ends at Narada. The hike takes about 3 to 4 days and it is a bit challenging so it is best for experienced hikers. Along the way you will climb the Three Great Peaks of the Southern Alps which are Mount Kita, Mount Aino and Mount Notori.
During this hike you can enjoy beautiful mountain paths, amazing views and peaceful nature. If the weather is clear you can watch a beautiful sunrise and sunset from the mountains. There are also several mountain huts where hikers can rest or stay overnight.
The Shirane Sanzan Traverse connects Mount Kita, Mount Aino, and Mount Notori
4. Yashajin Pass Route
This hiking route starts from Yashajin Pass and ends at Mount Kita. The hike takes about 2 to 3 days and it is also a difficult path so it is best for experienced hikers. This path goes through peaceful forests and mountains. It takes more time and energy than the Hirogawara route but many hikers enjoy its quiet and natural surroundings.
One of the best things about this route is that there will be less hikers which means it has less crowd so you can enjoy the peaceful mountain journey. Along the way you will see beautiful mountain views and amazing scenery. This route is a great choice for experienced hikers who want a longer and more adventurous hiking trip.
The Yashajin Pass Route offers a quieter and more challenging approach to Mount Kita
| Route | Difficulty | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hirogawara Route | Moderate–Difficult | 2 days | First-time Mount Kita hikers |
| Mount Kita–Mount Aino Traverse | Difficult | 2–3 days | Experienced hikers |
| Shirane Sanzan Traverse | Challenging | 3–4 days | Multi-day alpine trekking |
| Yashajin Pass Route | Difficult | 2–3 days | Hikers seeking quieter trails |
Why Mount Kita Is Worth Visiting
It is one of the best places to hike in Japan. It may not be most famous like Mount Fuji but it has the beautiful mountain views, peaceful trails, colorful flowers and fresh mountain air. Many hikers visit Mount Kita to enjoy nature.
This Mount Kita Guide gives you the information you need to plan your hike with confidence. Choose the right season to visit also don’t forget to carry the right items and enjoy every part of your journey. A hike to Mount Kita is a wonderful experience and a memory you will always have. if you want to know the perfect gear to carry for hiking any mountain then this guide what gear do you need to climb Mount Fuji will help you understand.