FIELD REPORT

MOUNT HOTAKA “GENDARME”

ADVENTURER: KEI FUJIMOTO

ACTIVITIES

The most dangerous course on the general climbing road in Japan.

WEATHER CONDITIONS

Day 01: Rain, Day 02: Rain, Day 03: Cloudy, Day 04: Sunny

PACK

Kifaru Xing

Field Report

Kei: This course is in the North Alps and climbers of Japan long to climb it, despite it being treacherous. The start is Nishiho Sanso, a mountain hut, at an altitude of 2367m. The course is a world of rock and takes a good 10 hours. There is a domed rock crest called “Gendarme” (altitude of 3163m) on the way. Beyond that is Mt. Oku Hodaka (altitude 3190m) which is the third highest mountain in Japan.
DAY 01:

I headed to Nagano prefecture from Osaka by a high Express bus. I climbed to the Trailhead at the ropeway and from there I headed to Nishiho Sanso, where I joined my friends. Then we made camp.

DAY 02:

Standing by at the tent because of the rain.

DAY 03:

I started the climb as it was sunny, but my fellows had to drop down so we broke camp then. I had lunch on “Gendarme” and then climbed Mt. Okuhodaka. I made camp at Hodaka Sanso, where there is now because of the high altitude.

DAY 04:

I climbed down and went back to Osaka by Express bus. It was the most exciting adventure ever.

Interested in sharing your own Field Report? We’d love to share your adventures with others, click here to find out more.