Mt Kita and the Shirane Mountains

Hike dates: July 21-23, 2026

Mt Kita is the second highest mountain in Japan and most commonly accessed from the Hirogawara trailhead, an hour's bus drive along a long forest road closed to private vehicles. This hike involved a couple of nights in a mountain hut and a long ridge line hike through Mt Ainodake and Mt Notori deep in the South Japan Alps. I was able to enjoy spectacular views over the Alps and Mt. Fuji, and the appearance of several raicho (rock ptarmigans).

View of Mt Kita and the Kitadake hut

Early morning view of Mt Fuji

The rocky ascent of Mt Kita

A female raicho looking out over her territory

Mt Kaikoma in the distance from below the summit of Mt Kita

Summit of Mt Notori with Mt Kita in the background

Another female raicho

The rocky ridge line trail leading to Mt Ainodake