Mt. Kumazawadake

Mt. Kumazawadake (2,778 m) stands on the border of Komagane City and Kiso Town in Nagano Prefecture and is one of Japan’s 100 Highest Mountains.
On the main ridge of the Central Alps (Kiso Range), it is a rocky peak between Mt. Hinokiodake and Mt. Higashikawadake / Mt. Utsugidake, at the heart of the Central Alps traverse that runs from Mt. Kisokomagatake to Mt. Utsugidake. The rocky, creeping-pine ridge offers fine views of Mt. Hokendake, Mt. Utsugidake, and the Southern Alps.
For public transport, you take a local bus from JR Komagane Station to Shirabidaira, ride the Komagatake Ropeway up to Senjojiki at 2,650 m, and traverse the main ridge.

Mt. Kumazawadake is not climbed on its own; you visit it midway along the Central Alps main ridge, traversing from Senjojiki over Gokurakudaira and Mt. Hinokiodake. The route runs Senjojiki → Gokurakudaira → Nigorisawa-no-kashira → Mt. Hinokiodake → Mt. Kumazawadake, taking about 4–5 hours from Senjojiki to Mt. Kumazawadake. It is an advanced route with continuous rock steps, chains, and narrow ridges, and it is usual to spend one night at the Hinokio Hut on Mt. Hinokiodake. You can continue over Mt. Higashikawadake and the Kisodono Sanso to Mt. Utsugidake.
On the ridge, the Hinokio Hut and Kisodono Sanso serve as lodging and emergency bases. The Hinokio Hut operates from July 11 to October 12, 2026 (planned), and both hut and tent stays are fully reservation-based. The climbing season is mid-July to early October, while the huts operate and the ropeway runs its summer schedule; outside that period snow and ice make the route unsuitable for general hikers.

*Information last checked: June 14, 2026

How to access the trailhead

1. [Outbound] Komagane Station → Shirabidaira → Senjojiki (trailhead)
2. [Return] Senjojiki → Shirabidaira → Komagane Station

1. [Outbound] Komagane Station → Shirabidaira → Senjojiki (trailhead)

From the bus stop in front of Komagane Station on the JR Iida Line, take the Ina Bus “Komagatake Ropeway Line” to Shirabidaira, then transfer to the Komagatake Ropeway up to Senjojiki (about 2,650 m), the start of the traverse.

Bus (Komagane Station ⇄ Shirabidaira): 1,050 yen one way, about 45 minutes; from the Suganodai Bus Center it is 830 yen one way.
※ The Suganodai–Shirabidaira section is closed to private cars. On the summer schedule (roughly mid-June to late November) the bus runs about every 30 minutes.
Ropeway (Shirabidaira ⇄ Senjojiki): from 1,230 yen one way (variable pricing), about 7.5 minutes. On the summer schedule the uphill service runs 6:00–16:30 (overnight guests may use the 17:00 car). You board it right after the bus arrives.

Bus TimetableKomagane Station → Shirabidaira

* buses run only on busy days listed in the operating calendar. From 8:00 the bus runs about every 30 minutes (the table above lists the departures on the hour). Always confirm the latest operating dates and times officially.

Reference: Central Alps Komagatake Ropeway (fares and timetable)

2. [Return] Senjojiki → Shirabidaira → Komagane Station

After your descent, take the Komagatake Ropeway down from Senjojiki to Shirabidaira, then the Ina Bus “Komagatake Ropeway Line” back to Komagane Station.

Ropeway (Senjojiki ⇄ Shirabidaira): from 1,230 yen one way, about 7.5 minutes; on the summer schedule the downhill service runs 6:00–17:00.
Bus (Shirabidaira ⇄ Komagane Station): 1,050 yen one way, about 46–48 minutes. On the summer schedule it runs about every 30 minutes, as on the way up, and connects with the downhill ropeway cars back to Komagane Station. The last bus connects with the final downhill ropeway (around 17:00). Because times vary by day, check the downhill timetable officially.

Reference: Central Alps Komagatake Ropeway (fares and timetable)

Climbing route and safety notes

Route: Senjojiki (ropeway station, 2,650 m) → Gokurakudaira → Shimadamusume → Nigorisawa-no-kashira → Mt. Hinokiodake → Mt. Kumazawadake → Mt. Higashikawadake → Kisodono Sanso → Mt. Utsugidake. Senjojiki to Mt. Kumazawadake takes about 4–5 hours, and it is an advanced traverse with an overnight stay at the Hinokio Hut (on Mt. Hinokiodake). Rock steps, chains, and narrow ridges are continuous around Mt. Kumazawadake. Strong hikers traverse from Senjojiki to Mt. Utsugidake in one day (about 9–10 hours), but plan a comfortable itinerary.

Rocky ridge notes: The Hinokiodake–Kumazawadake–Higashikawadake section is a granite rocky ridge with continuous chained and rocky up-and-down sections. In rain, strong wind, or fog, watch for falls and route loss. Above the tree line, also be ready for lightning and sudden weather changes. The ropeway can be suspended for weather or maintenance, so allow margin for the last car.

Water, huts, season: Water is scarce on the ridge, so refill at the Hinokio Hut and similar (the Hinokio Hut has a water source). The Hinokio Hut operates from July 11 to October 12, 2026 (planned), and both hut stays and tent camping (just below Mt. Hinokiodake, about 20 tents) are fully reservation-based. The Kisodono Sanso is also a base for the traverse. The climbing season is mid-July to early October.
― Hinokio Hut (reservations) 090-7957-7650 (9:00–18:00)

Gear and emergencies: Carry warm layers, rain gear, a helmet, a headlamp, a map/GPS, and plenty of water and food. In an emergency call 110 (police) or 119 (fire/rescue).
・Komagane Police Station 0265-83-0110

Photo by Alpsdake / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0