Kumonodaira: The Final Frontier

Hike dates: July 9-11

Kumonodaira is sometimes called the final frontier in Japan. This three-day hike took me from the Shin-Hotaka trailhead to Kumonodaira via Mt Sugoroku, Mt Mitsumata-Renge and Mt Washiba. The Alpine flowers were in full bloom following the snow melt, and the weather was surprisingly good despite it still being the rainy season in this part of Japan. The final involved a 30-km walk from the Kumonodaira hut to the trailhead, but the views more than compensated for the long, tough day.

Alpine flowers at Mt Mitsumata-Renge

Mt Yari in the distance

Kagami-ike pond

The paradise that is Kumonodaira

More views across to Mt Yari

The summit crater of Mt Washiba

A rocky peak near Kumonodaira

Famous boardwalks near Kumonodaira

Alpine flowers in full bloom