Mt Kasa

Mt Kasa or Kasagatake (Japanese: 笠ヶ岳) rises on the quiet western side of the Northern Alps as one of the range’s most distinctive hyakumeizan*. It's an elegant, hat‑shaped peak whose long summit ridge resembles an inverted bamboo kasa hat when seen from the surrounding mountains. It stands slightly off the main Yari–Hotaka spine, giving it a sense of solitude and a spacious, open character. The mountain’s topography is rugged and expansive with long ridgelines that sweep outward from the summit, and deep valleys that emphasize its isolation from the busier central peaks.

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Mt Kasa is the highest mountain in Gifu Prefecture and is long associated with Edo‑period mountain worship. Modern mountaineering on the peak dates to 1894, and despite its beauty and commanding views of Yari (槍ヶ岳) and Hotaka (穂高連峰), the tough climb means that it remains far less crowded than the central Northern Alps.

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The hike is one of the most demanding approaches in the Northern Alps. The classic route is the Kasa Shindō, rising from Shin‑Hotaka Onsen. It is famous for its relentless steepness. It's a sustained climb that demands stamina more than technical skill. Hikers typically begin at the Nabedaira Kōgen parking area, walk nearly two hours just to reach the trailhead, and then ascend for five hours or more to reach the ridge near Nukedo‑iwa. The total ascent exceeds 2,200 metres, and the round‑trip distance is roughly 18 km, making it a multiday hike for most hikers. I stayed at the hut just below the peak.

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Once on the upper ridge, the mountain opens beautifully. The final approach to the summit crosses airy alpine ground, revealing the wide hat‑shaped crest and sweeping views toward Yari, Hotaka, and the deep valleys of the Hida Mountains. 

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* 100 famous mountains of Japan

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(All information here is based on personal observations and experiences. Check official sources before planning or starting any hikes.)