Mt Harinoki

Mt Harinoki (Japanese: 針ノ木岳) is one of the great rugged peaks of the North Alps. It's a mountain defined by steep terrain, heavy snow and the dramatic presence of the Kurobe valley. It sits in a remote corner of the range, and although it’s not as famous as its neighbours, it's one of my favourite hikes in the North Alps.

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The ascent from Ogisawa is the classic route, but be sure to arrive early to avoid the crowds awaiting the buses to Kurobe dam. After hiking through the forest you arrive at one of the defining features of Harinoki. The long, steep climb up the Harinoki snow valley is one of the great hikes of the North Alps, although crampons and other equipment are needed. In early summer, this valley is still filled with hard, lingering snow, forming a broad white ramp that rises sharply toward the upper basin. The climb is sustained and demanding, and the scale of the valley gives the approach a distinctly alpine feel. Even later in the season　after most of the snow has melted the route remains steep and rough, weaving through boulders and broken rock. 

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Above the snow valley, the terrain shifts into rocky ridges and open alpine slopes. The flora becomes sparse and is limited to creeping pine, hardy grasses and patches of wildflowers that cling to the thin soil. The final climb to the summit is straightforward but atmospheric, with wide views opening as you gain height. From the summit of Mt Harinoki, the panorama is superb. The deep blue of Kurobe Lake lies far below, framed by steep ridges and the massive walls of the Kurobe valley. To the south and west, the North Alps rise in jagged lines, and on clear days you can trace the great peaks all the way toward Mt Tsurugi (剱岳) and Tateyama (立山). This hike can be done as a long day trip, although many hikers choose to stay in the mountain hut in the saddle below the summit

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