Mt. Kitayokodake (北横岳 Kita-yokodake) is a 2,480-meter twin-peaked summit in the northern Yatsugatake range (Kita-Yatsugatake), Nagano Prefecture. The higher North Peak stands at 2,480 m, with the South Peak at 2,472 m just beside it. The mountain is known for the lava plateau of Tsuboniwa and the distinctive “shima-gare” (striped dieback) pattern in its conifer forests. Using the Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway (summit station at 2,237 m), you can reach the peak in about 60 minutes of easy hiking. In winter, the area is also popular for snowshoeing.
This page introduces access by train and bus to the Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway.
Access to the Trailhead
Map
1. Going: Chino Sta. → Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway
From JR Chuo Main Line Chino Station (West Exit, Bus Stop #2), take the Alpico Kotsu “Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway Line” bus and get off at “Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway.”
Fare: ¥2,000 (one way)
Service period: Oct 27, 2025 – May 1, 2026 (Winter–Spring schedule)
Bus Timetable: Chino Sta. → Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway (Schedule A)
| Chino Sta. | Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway |
|---|---|
| 9:40 | 10:39 |
| 10:40 | 11:31 |
| 13:30 | 14:29 |
| 14:30 | 15:21 |
Bus Timetable: Chino Sta. → Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway (Schedule B)
| Chino Sta. | Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway |
|---|---|
| 9:40 | 10:39 |
| 13:30 | 14:29 |
Reference: Alpico Kotsu
2. Return: Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway → Chino Sta.
From Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway (bus stop at the base station), take the Alpico Kotsu “Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway Line” bus to Chino Station.
Fare: ¥2,000 (one way)
Service period: Oct 27, 2025 – May 1, 2026 (Winter–Spring schedule)
Bus Timetable: Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway → Chino Sta. (Schedule A)
| Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway | Chino Sta. |
|---|---|
| 10:50 | 11:42 |
| 12:00 | 12:52 |
| 14:55 | 15:47 |
| 15:45 | 16:37 |
Bus Timetable: Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway → Chino Sta. (Schedule B)
| Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway | Chino Sta. |
|---|---|
| 12:00 | 12:52 |
| 15:45 | 16:37 |
Reference: Alpico Kotsu


