Mount Yakedake
焼岳
The only active volcano in the Northern Alps and the “creator” of Taisho Pond. The summit offers views over Kamikochi and the Hotaka range.
Mount Yakedake rises to 2,455 m. Its 1915 eruption formed Taisho Pond, and sulfur fumes still rise from the summit. The round trip from the Nishi-Hotaka trailhead in Kamikochi (near Tashiro Bridge) to the summit takes about 7 hours and requires mountaineering experience and proper gear. Most visitors can admire its brown slopes from Taisho Pond or Kappa Bridge. Before climbing, be sure to check the Japan Meteorological Agency’s volcanic alert level and mountain access rules. There is no water source on the mountain, so it is best to start early in the morning.
Opening hours
Hiking season about July–October
Nearby sights
- Taisho Pond
- Tashiro Pond
- Kappa Bridge (Kamikochi)
- Myojin Pond & Hotaka Shrine Okumiya
- Shirahone Onsen
- Hotaka Mountains
- Tokusawa
- Zengoro Falls