22A recommended hiking course for Mt. Yakushi, a famous peak in the Northern Alps.
Northern Japanese Alps Hiking Model Course | 2 Days/1 Night |
Deep within Toyama City.
Embark on your dream mountain trip in the Northern Alps, deep within the heart of Toyama City.
Mount Yakushidake is one of the most famous peaks in the Northern Alps. Its imposing form and gently sloping, beautiful ridgeline make it a popular hiking route.
Starting from the Oritate trailhead in the Oyama area of Toyama City, this is a classic route where you can enjoy alpine plants and magnificent mountain scenery. Although there are relatively few major dangerous sections such as rocky areas, the elevation difference and hiking time are long, so it is a serious mountain climbing course that requires proper equipment and ample planning.
After emerging from the wooded area and passing the triangulation point clearing, the view opens up, and the majestic figure of Mt. Yakushi appears before you.
On the first day, you'll stay at Tarodaira Hut, a major base camp in the Northern Alps. Special experiences unique to mountain huts await you, such as the ridgeline bathed in the colors of twilight and the crisp morning air.
On the second day, we'll head to the summit of Mt. Yakushidake via the flower fields of Yakushidaira. The magnificent panoramic view of the Northern Alps from the summit is a major highlight of this mountain trip.
The descent will be a long journey with an elevation difference of approximately 1,600m, so please proceed with caution and prioritize safety.
Located in Toyama City, Mt. Yakushi offers a genuine Northern Alps climbing experience. It's a recommended model course for first-time Northern Alps climbers, suitable for a 2-day, 1-night trip.
*Please note that the number of mountain buses departing from and arriving at Oritate is limited. If you plan to use a taxi, advance reservations at Tarodaira Hut are recommended.
![[Day 1] Arimine Forest Road → Oritate Trailhead](https://www.toyamashi-kankoukyoukai.jp/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/14%E6%9C%89%E5%B3%B0%E6%9E%97%E9%81%93%E4%BA%80%E8%B0%B7%E9%80%A3%E7%B5%A1%E6%89%80-300x200.jpg)
[Day 1] Arimine Forest Road → Oritate Trailhead
Oritate trailhead
Triangulation Point Square
Gokoiwa Bench
Tarohei Hut
![[Day 2] Tarohei Hut](https://www.toyamashi-kankoukyoukai.jp/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/8%E5%A4%AA%E9%83%8E%E5%B9%B3%E5%B0%8F%E5%B1%8B%E5%87%BA%E7%99%BA-300x225.jpg)
[Day 2] Tarohei Hut
Yakushidake Mountain Hut
Yakushidake Summit
[Day 1] Arimine Forest Road → Oritate Trailhead
Enjoying the scenery of Lake Arimine, we head towards Oritate.
![[Day 1] Arimine Forest Road → Oritate Trailhead](https://www.toyamashi-kankoukyoukai.jp/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/14%E6%9C%89%E5%B3%B0%E6%9E%97%E9%81%93%E4%BA%80%E8%B0%B7%E9%80%A3%E7%B5%A1%E6%89%80.jpg)
![[Day 1] Arimine Forest Road → Oritate Trailhead](https://www.toyamashi-kankoukyoukai.jp/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/15%E6%9C%89%E5%B3%B0%E6%B9%96-scaled.jpg)
![[Day 1] Arimine Forest Road → Oritate Trailhead](https://www.toyamashi-kankoukyoukai.jp/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/16%E6%8A%98%E7%AB%8B%E5%91%A8%E8%BE%BA%E9%A7%90%E8%BB%8A%E5%A0%B4-scaled.jpg)
It takes approximately 90 minutes from the Tateyama Interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway to the Oritate trailhead parking lot.
*You can also enjoy the scenery of Lake Arimine along the way.
Oritate trailhead
I took a deep breath of the forest air, and my mountain journey finally began.
The initial part of the climb is a quiet ascent through a wooded area.
Let's start walking at a steady pace without rushing.
Triangulation Point Square
The moment when your view suddenly opens up and the sky seems closer.
Let's take a moment to regulate our breathing.
The figure of Yakushidake gradually becomes more imposing.
Gokoiwa Bench
As the mountain ridge comes into view, the scenery suddenly becomes magnificent.
If you stop and look back, you'll see the vast expanse of Lake Arimine.
This is the point where you really start to feel like you're in the mountains.
Tarohei Hut
A mountain hut nestled as if embraced by a gentle mountain ridge.
I'll get a good rest here and prepare for tomorrow.
If you're lucky, you might even see a sea of clouds at dusk.
[Day 2] Tarohei Hut
Early departure is recommended.
![[Day 2] Tarohei Hut](https://www.toyamashi-kankoukyoukai.jp/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/8%E5%A4%AA%E9%83%8E%E5%B9%B3%E5%B0%8F%E5%B1%8B%E5%87%BA%E7%99%BA.jpg)
![[Day 2] Tarohei Hut](https://www.toyamashi-kankoukyoukai.jp/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/9%E8%96%AC%E5%B8%AB%E5%B9%B3%E3%81%B8-scaled.jpg)
I start walking in the crisp morning air.
The mountains are most beautiful in the early morning.
We head towards the mountaintop in the quiet light.
Yakushidake Mountain Hut
A base at an altitude of 2,700m.
From here on, it's the final climb to the summit.
The sky and the mountain ridge come much closer.
Yakushidake Summit
At an altitude of 2,926m, you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the Northern Alps.
A time to reflect on the path you've walked.
It gives you a quiet sense of accomplishment that makes you want to take a deep breath.
Standing on the mountaintop, you'll see an endless ridgeline and a sea of clouds.
Layers of mountains stretch out silently before you.
The path you've walked becomes a single landscape.
Here's the route for this time!
Regarding the best time to climb
Early June to mid-October
About equipment
Trekking shoes recommended
- Non-slip soles are a must.
- It is especially slippery when it rains.
Points to note
・The operating periods for Tarodaira Hut and Yakushidake Mountain Hut are different.
Please be sure to check with each mountain hut in advance.
[Tarohei Hut]
https://ltaro.com/
[Yakushidake Mountain Hut]
https://www.yakushidake-sansou.com/
・Reservations are required to use the mountain huts.
There may still be snow from early June to mid-July.
There is a possibility of fresh snow from late September to early October.
(The situation varies from year to year.)
• Tarodaira Campsite has been closed in the past due to bear sightings. Please check with Tarodaira Hut in advance to confirm its availability.
About Arimine Forest Road
• Opening period: Early June to early November
・Opening hours: 6:00-20:00
*Traffic restrictions may be imposed due to bad weather or other reasons.
Please check here for the latest information.
https://www.arimine.net/toll_road2.html#%E5%88%A9%E7%94%A8%E6%99%82%E9%96%93
About the parking lot at the Oritate trailhead
Parking capacity: Approximately 100 cars (temporary parking available)
https://www.arimine.net/parkmap06.html
https://www.arimine.net/gazo/oritate.pdf
Regarding the submission of a climbing permit
• To prevent accidents and facilitate swift rescue operations, please submit a climbing plan.
[Regarding the submission of mountain climbing permits by the Toyama Prefectural Police]
https://police.pref.toyama.jp/6135/tetsuzuki/tozan/6-10.html
Regarding mountain climbing equipment (example)
Clothing
Choose quick-drying materials and wear long sleeves and long pants even in summer. This will help prevent sunburn and injuries.
・Climbing shoes
High-top shoes that protect your ankles are recommended. Choose shoes with a non-slip sole.
・Mandatory items
Rain gear, warm clothing, map, compass, headlamp, and plenty of food and water.
Mountain conditions can change significantly depending on the season and weather. Please plan your trip realistically, taking into account your physical strength and experience, and make thorough preparations.
Safety Request
Unrealistic plans or insufficient physical fitness can lead to accidents and get lost.
Try to climb mountains that are appropriate for your experience and skills.
In the event of an emergency, please call 110.
In mountainous areas, there are places where cell phone signals do not reach.
If you are traveling with someone, head to the nearest mountain hut.
If you are hiking alone, ask nearby hikers for help.