Mt. Yoko

Mt. Yoko (横岳) is a 2,829m peak in the southern Yatsugatake Range. Stretching north of the highest peak Mt. Aka (2,899m), it is known for its rugged rocky ridge and as a treasure trove of alpine plants.
The ridge passes chain sections and collapsed ground in places — while the scenery is outstanding, parts of the route are for intermediate climbers and above (no-snow season assumed).
The most common starting point is Minotoguchi, accessible by seasonal bus from Chino Station. From the eastern side, the “Kiyosato Picnic Bus” from Kiyosato (Sun Meadows Kiyosato) is popular as part of a Gongen-dake – Aka-dake – Yoko-dake traverse plan.

Best season: July – October (alpine plants: early to high summer / autumn foliage: late September to early October).
Difficult sections: Chain sections and narrow traverses along the Mt. Yoko ridge (avoid in strong wind / icing).
Equipment reference: light climbing boots or higher, helmet recommended (rockfall protection), layering, windproof / cold protection, headlamp, map app + paper map.
Recommended single-line loop (for fit climbers): Minotoguchi → (Kitazawa) → Aka-dake Kosen → Iou-dake → Yoko-dake → Jizo-no-Atama → (Jizo Ridge) → Gyojagoya → (Minamizawa) → Minotoguchi

*Timetable last checked: May 11, 2026

1. [Outbound] Chino Station → Minotoguchi

From JR Chuo Main Line Chino Station West Exit Platform 4, take the Alpico Kotsu Minotoguchi Line and get off at the terminus, Minotoguchi.
Fare: ¥1,900 (adult one way, revised 2025/8, continued into the 2026 season)
Travel time: about 38 minutes
Operating days: Sat/Sun/holidays + daily from 8/1 – 8/30 (no weekday service)
Operating period: 2026/5/2 – 10/25

Bus TimetableMinotoguchi Line (toward Minotoguchi) Timetable

Reference: [Alpico Kotsu Minotoguchi Line]

2. [Outbound] Takebashi Station → Minotoguchi (Mainichi Alpen-go)

From Takebashi in Tokyo (Mainichi Newspapers west entrance), the hikers’ bus Mainichi Alpen-go by Maitabi runs directly to Minotoguchi (in front of Yatsugatake Sansō) (package tour, reservation required, hikers only). In 2026 there are two services with different operating dates: a morning-arrival bus and a late-night-arrival bus with nap room.

Travel time: about 5.5–6 hours. Fare: morning arrival ¥10,000–15,000 / late-night arrival ¥11,000–13,500 (varies by date; round-trip sets available). Booking: Maitabi hikers’ bus (official)

Bus Timetable: Takebashi → Minotoguchi (morning arrival)

* Add ¥1,000 to ride on to Mugikusa Pass (around 5:50) or Shirakoma-ike entrance (around 6:00). Arrival times vary with road conditions.

Bus Timetable: Takebashi → Minotoguchi (late-night arrival with nap room)

* After arrival you can nap until dawn in the Alpen-go room on the 2nd floor of Yatsugatake Sansō (mixed dormitory bunks with partitions; no bath), included in the fare.

Reference: [Maitabi morning-arrival (outbound)] / [late-night arrival with nap (outbound)] (confirm dates and fares on the booking page)

3. [Outbound] Kiyosato Station → Sun Meadows Kiyosato

From JR Koumi Line Kiyosato Station, take the sightseeing-loop Kiyosato Picnic Bus “Southern Loop Route” to Sun Meadows Kiyosato. Convenient access to the foot of the Shinkyoji Ridge / Sai-no-Kawara direction (for advanced climbers).< Fare: ¥600 Travel time: about 25 minutes Operating period: 2026/4/25 – 11/16 Reference: Kiyosato Picnic Bus

Bus TimetableKiyosato Bus Center to Sun Meadows Kiyosato

4. [Return] Minotoguchi → Chino Station

From Minotoguchi, take the Minotoguchi Line toward Chino Station.
Fare: ¥1,900
Travel time: about 38 minutes
Operating days: Sat/Sun/holidays + daily 8/1 – 8/30 (no weekday service)
Operating period: 2026/5/2 – 10/25

Bus TimetableMinotoguchi Line (Minotoguchi → Chino Station)

Reference: [Alpico Kotsu Minotoguchi Line]

5. [Return] Minotoguchi → Shinjuku Station (Mainichi Alpen-go)

After the hike, the Mainichi Alpen-go runs directly from Minotoguchi (Yatsugatake Sansō entrance) to Shinjuku and Tokyo Station (reservation required; discount when booked together with the outbound bus).

Travel time: about 3 hours. Fare: ¥6,500 (one way)

Bus Timetable: Minotoguchi → Shinjuku / Tokyo

* On Sundays there is also a “Mugikusa / Minotoguchi (return)” service (16:45 dep., ¥6,500). It leaves 45 minutes later than the last local bus (16:00 from Minotoguchi).

Reference: [Maitabi Yatsugatake / Minotoguchi (return)]

6. [Return] Sun Meadows Kiyosato → Kiyosato Station

From Sun Meadows Kiyosato bus stop, take the “Kiyosato Picnic Bus Northern Loop Route” and get off at Kiyosato Station.
Fare: ¥600
Travel time: about 25 minutes
Operating period: 2026/4/25 – 11/16
Reference: Kiyosato Picnic Bus

Bus TimetableSun Meadows Kiyosato to Kiyosato Station

Reference: [Kiyosato Picnic Bus]