Mt. Kita-Yoko

Mt. Kita-Yoko (北横岳) is a 2,480m peak rising in the northern Yatsugatake Range (North Yatsugatake). A twin-peaked mountain — the highest point is the North Peak (2,480m), with the South Peak (2,472m) lined up to the south. The landscape of the Tsuboniwa lava plateau and the distinctive coniferous forest belt of the “shimagare phenomenon” is uniquely North Yatsugatake. Using the Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway (Summit Station = elevation 2,237m), you can reach an alpine vista with a comfortable one-way hike of about 60 minutes to the summit. In winter it is popular as a snowshoe field.

This page introduces train and bus access to the Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway and its timetable.

Timetable last checked: June 6, 2026

1. [Outbound] Chino Station → Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway
2. [Return] Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway → Chino Station

The standard entry-level course is Tsuboniwa → Mt. Kita-Yokodake South Peak → North Peak (out and back). Nanatsu-ike is a quiet pond just below the North Peak — definitely worth a visit if you have time. Because the route alternates wooden walkways and rocky sections, comfortable footwear and thin gloves make for a more pleasant walk.
・The summit station area and summit are exposed to strong wind and cold. Even in summer, carry a wind shell or similar cold-weather layer.
・The first and last ropeway times vary by season (for example, summer is roughly 9:00 to mid-16:00). Check the latest operating information on the official site.

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1. [Outbound] Chino Station → Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway

From JR Chuo Main Line Chino Station West Exit Platform 2, take the Alpico Kotsu Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway Line and get off at “Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway.”
Fare: adult one way ¥2,000
Operating period: May 2 – October 25, 2026 (summer schedule)

Travel time: about 60 minutes

Bus TimetableKita-Yatsugatake Ropeway Line Bus Timetable

Weekdays

Chino Station	Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway
9:35	10:34
13:30	14:29

Weekends & holidays (daily in August)

Chino Station	Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway
9:35	10:20
10:40	11:39
13:30	14:29
14:30	15:22

Reference: [Alpico Kotsu]

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2. [Return] Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway → Chino Station

From the Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway (Sanroku / bus stop), take the Alpico Kotsu Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway Line to Chino Station.

Fare: adult one way ¥2,000
Operating period: May 2 – October 25, 2026 (summer schedule)

Travel time: about 60 minutes

Bus TimetableKita-Yatsugatake Ropeway Line Bus Timetable

Weekdays

Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway	Chino Station
10:50	11:42
14:55	15:47

Weekends & holidays (daily in August)

Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway	Chino Station
10:50	11:42
12:00	12:52
14:55	15:47
15:45	16:37
16:42	17:36

Reference: [Alpico Kotsu]

Kitayokodake Hiking Routes, Difficulty and Best Season

Kitayokodake is a 2,480 m peak in the northern part of the Kita-Yatsugatake range, made up of a south and a north summit, prized for its views of the Yatsugatake and Northern Alps. The Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway lifts you to Tsubaniwa at 2,237 m, so even first-time hikers can reach it comfortably. This section sums up the main routes, how demanding they are and the best time to climb.

Main routes

• Tsubaniwa round trip (the classic): from Tsubaniwa at the ropeway’s summit station (2,237 m), the trail goes via the Kitayokodake Hütte to the summit of Kitayokodake and back. About 3.7 km, roughly 269 m of cumulative ascent and about 2 hours 10 minutes on the trail, technical grade A–B. The small elevation gain makes it an easy walk, well suited to those new to hiking.
• As a beginner’s winter climb: the ropeway keeps it accessible in winter too, making it a popular introductory snow hike on snowshoes. In winter, though, cold-weather and snow gear and sound judgement about the weather are essential.

Difficulty and stamina

Both the physical and technical demands are gentle, making this ideal for beginner hikers. The path from Tsubaniwa to the Kitayokodake Hütte is well maintained, but as high ground above 2,400 m it calls for care against sudden weather changes and the cold.

Best season

It is perfect as a summer-to-autumn introductory hike. On top of that, with the ropeway running it is also popular in winter as a beginner’s snow hike on snowshoes.

Highlights

The lava plateau of Tsubaniwa laced with walking paths, the Nanatsuike ponds tucked near the Kitayokodake Hütte, and the broad view of the Yatsugatake and Northern Alps from the summit.