Tucked away in the Japanese Alps, the Omote Ginza hike offers a practical and tranquil escape into nature. This trail passes Mt. Yarigatake (3180m) , the fifth highest peak in Japan, which is also known as Japan’s Matterhorn because of its pointed shape. This four day hike is one of the most popular routes in the Northern Japan Alps among the locals.
Our Experience
Most of the time, the Omote Ginza is hiked from Nakabusa to Kamikochi. We hiked the trail the other way around, from Kamikochi to Nakabusa, so we could finish our hike with a wellness experience in Nakabusa Onsen, before heading back to our hotel. Note: there is also an Onsen in Kamikochi. We chose this direction so the last hike day is only a 4 hours hike, instead of descending from Yarigataka Mountain Hut (which takes over 7 hours). The hike starts from Matsumoto Station, where you can take the bus to Kamikochi Visitor Center, where the trail starts.
Day 1 – Kamikochi – Yarigatake Mountain Hut (7hr 20min)
The hike starts in Kamikochi, with a gradual ascent to Mt. Yarigatake. It starts in a dense forest, zig-zag and over time the trail gradually inclines. Near the mountain hut, you’ll be awed with the rocky formations and wide views over the area. We arrived around 6PM, and enjoyed a beautiful sunset before we headed to bed, which was a cosy dorm with wide bunkbeds.
Day 2 – Yarigatake Mountain Hut – Nishidake Mountain Hut (4hr 40min)
We woke up early and enjoyed our Japanese breakfast with eggs, miso soup and some buns. We walked this entire day with a young Japanese boy and his grandparents with a bear bell. We thought, as they could do this hike, we can do it as well!
At the start of the hike, some posters mentioned a bear was spotted somewhere on this hike and this day we actually saw him, from a far distance while he was crossing the road we just passed. This night we slept on futon mats in a separate room for 5 people. Although, futon mats were a great experience, this was the least comfortable night.
Day 3 – Nishidake Mountain Hut – Enzansou Mountain Hut (6hr)
This day featured a mix of clouds and sunshine, creating a captivating interplay of light and shadow that enhanced the already stunning mountain views. After buying some additional snacks and lunch packages, we started with our hike. Walking on the ridge of the mountains, we had to pass some rocks and later this day also some ladders. It looked scarier from a distance than it was. This day we also made a loop hike to Mt. Tsubakuro, before heading towards Enzansou Mountain Hut. This hut felt the most modern, with a beautiful wooden terrace and this hut could host many people. Enzansou Mountain hut also has a camping ground, which is a beautiful view from the mountain cabin.
Day 4 – Enzansou Mountain Hut – Nakabusa (4hr)
We woke up early to see the sunrise appearing above the clouds. A crowded but very satisfying experience, definitely worth it! After a great breakfast, it was time for the final descent to Nakabusa. This part conveys a steep zigzag route, so using hiking poles is recommended to lower the pressure on your knees. As we descended, the rocky formations and wide views transformed in a dense forrest with beautiful (but tricky) roots. We reflected on this beautiful hike while enjoying the wellness facilities in Nakabusa Onsen.
What to pack
- Hiking poles (nice to have)
- Enough water – at least carry 2 liters with you
- Backpack
- Sunglasses
- Powerbank
- Some energy bars
- Sleeping essentials
- Fresh set of clothes
GPX Route
I’m a big fan of Komoot, so here you can find the route with distance, time, height differences all-in-one of the entire route: Route 4 days Omote Ginza
