NORTH ALPS
Mt Kashimayari
Elevation
Difficulty
Time
2,889 m
Nagano prefecture
12-14 hours
Kashiwabara Shindo trailhead
Magnificent double-peaked mountain
Mt Kashimayari (Japanese: 鹿島槍 ヶ岳) is one of the most distinctive peaks in the North Alps. It’s a double‑summited hyakumeizan* whose twin horns rise sharply above the valley and can be seen from countless places in Hakuba, Omachi, Matsumoto and further south. It’s a mountain that looks dramatic from below and feels even more dramatic when you’re on it. For me, it’s one of the most satisfying climbs in the Alps, though it demands a long, steep ascent of more than 1,000 meters along the Kashiwabara Shindō trail, passing over Mt Jii before the final push to the southern peak.
The standard route via Jii is tough but straightforward, with excellent views opening as you gain height. Another route climbs from the Kashimayarigatake ski resort, but that trail has deteriorated badly. Sections have crumbled, and the footing is treacherous enough that most hikers avoid it. Because of the mountain’s height and position, many people stay overnight at Tsumetaike hut, which sits in a quiet basin below the ridge. It’s a peaceful place to rest before tackling the summit ridge at dawn.
The traverse from the south peak to the north peak is surprisingly serious. The ridge narrows, the rock becomes more exposed, and the drops on either side remind you that Kashimayari is a true alpine mountain despite its accessibility. Beyond the north peak, the route toward Mt. Goryu is only for experienced climbers with a strong head for heights. It’s an airy, rugged stretch of ridge that demands confidence and stable weather.
What makes Kashimayari unforgettable is the combination of effort and reward. The climb is long, the elevation gain relentless, but the views across the North Alps toward Mt Tsurugi, Tateyama, and beyond are magnificent. Hikers are often rewarded with encounters with raicho (rock ptarmigans), although caution is required as bears are also present in the area.
* 100 famous mountains of Japan
(All information here is based on personal observations and experiences. Check official sources before planning or starting any hikes.)