Mt Warusawa

Mt Warusawa (Japanese: 悪沢岳), sometimes known as Mt Higashi-Arakawa (東荒川岳) is one of the great pillars of the South Alps. It's a vast, rugged hyakumeizan* mountain that stands at the east of the three Arakawa peaks and is the highest of the three. Everything about it feels remote including the long valleys, the huge elevation gain and the sense of being deep inside one of Japan’s most untouched alpine regions. Reaching Warusawa requires commitment, and that remoteness is part of its appeal.

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The topography is powerful and expansive. Warusawa’s ridges are broad and muscular and its summit is dramatic and rocky, shaped by centuries of snow and wind. The mountain rises in long, sweeping lines, with deep valleys carved into its flanks and high basins that hold patches of lingering snow well into summer. The meadows of wildflowers after the snow melts form into a carpet of colour, and the summit of Warusawa offers one of the most extraordinary views in the entire Akaishi range with spectacular views in all directions.

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Approaches to Warusawa are famously long and demanding. Whether coming from Sawarajima or along the high traverse routes, the journey demands stamina and patience. I climbed it from Mt Senmai (千枚岳) after a night at the Senmai mountain hut, following the ridge northward before continuing on to Mt Akaishi (赤石岳) afterward. That traverse captures the essence of the South Alps with long deserted stretches, huge climbs and descents and a feeling of being far from any road or settlement. Before I arrived at Akaishi I had to traverse the remining Arakawa peaks and numerous lesser mountains.

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The powerful topography and sweeping summit views make Mt Warusawa one of the true giants of the South Alps. For me it was the 99th hyakumeizan I completed and will therefore remain long in my memory.

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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.)