Mt. Akaishi (赤石岳)

Mt. Akaishi (赤石岳 Akaishi-dake) is a 3,121-meter peak in the Southern Alps (Minami Alps), straddling the border of Shizuoka and Nagano Prefectures. It is the fourth-highest mountain in the Southern Alps after Mt. Kitadake, Mt. Ainodake, and Mt. Arakawadake, and is designated as one of the 100 Famous Mountains of Japan.

The standard route to Mt. Akaishi starts from Sawashima Lodge and follows a circuit that also includes Mt. Arakawa (Arakawa-dake). Despite the remote location, seasonal access is available using the Mainichi Alpen-go (overnight bus) or the South Alps Tozan Line (Shizutetsu Bus) combined with the Tokai Forest shuttle bus. For access from the Torikura Trailhead, see the Shiomi-dake page.

*Timetable last checked: [sc name=”updated_date”][/sc]

Map

1. Going: Takebashi Sta. (Tokyo) → Sawashima Lodge

Step 1. From Takebashi Station or Hachioji Station in Tokyo, take the Mainichi Alpen-go overnight bus bound for “Hatanagi Dam / Ikawa” and get off at Hatanagi Parking. (Reservation required)
Fare: ¥15,500–¥18,500 (Takebashi Sta. → Sawashima Lodge)

Mainichi Alpen-go: Takebashi Sta. → Hatanagi Parking

Service period: Typically mid-July to mid-October on select dates (varies by year)

Step 2. At Hatanagi Parking, transfer to the Tokai Forest shuttle bus and get off at Sawashima Lodge. (Reservation required)

Sawashima Lodge Shuttle Bus: Hatanagi Parking → Sawashima Lodge

Reference: Maitabi (Mainichi Alpen-go) | Sawashima Lodge Shuttle Bus

2. Going: Shizuoka Sta. → Sawashima Lodge

Step 1. From Shizuoka Station, there are two options to reach Hatanagi Parking:

Option A: South Alps Tozan Line (Shizutetsu Bus)
Take the Shizutetsu Bus “South Alps Tozan Line” from Shizuoka Station to Hatanagi Parking. (Reservation required)
Service period: Typically mid-July to mid-August
Fare: ¥3,500

South Alps Tozan Line: Shizuoka Sta. → Hatanagi Parking

Option B: South Alps Access Pack (Shared Jumbo Taxi)
Take the Chiyoda Taxi shared jumbo taxi “South Alps Access Pack” from Shizuoka Station to Hatanagi Parking. (Reservation required)
Service period: Typically mid-July to late August
Fare: ¥4,800 / Capacity: 8 passengers per trip (minimum 3 for departure)

South Alps Access Pack: Shizuoka Sta. → Hatanagi Parking

Step 2. At Hatanagi Parking, transfer to the Tokai Forest shuttle bus and get off at Sawashima Lodge. (Reservation required)

Sawashima Lodge Shuttle Bus: Hatanagi Parking → Sawashima Lodge

Reference: South Alps Tozan Line | Sawashima Lodge Shuttle Bus

3. Return: Sawashima Lodge → Shinjuku Sta.

Step 1. From Sawashima Lodge, take the Tokai Forest shuttle bus to Hatanagi Parking.

Sawashima Lodge Shuttle Bus: Sawashima Lodge → Hatanagi Parking (Jul 13–Aug 31)

Sawashima Lodge Shuttle Bus: Sawashima Lodge → Hatanagi Parking (Sep 1–End of Season)

Step 2. From Hatanagi Parking, take the Mainichi Alpen-go bus to Shinjuku Station.

Mainichi Alpen-go: Hatanagi Parking → Shinjuku Sta.

Reference: Maitabi (Mainichi Alpen-go) | Sawashima Lodge Shuttle Bus

4. Return: Sawashima Lodge → Shizuoka Sta.

Step 1. From Sawashima Lodge, take the Tokai Forest shuttle bus to Hatanagi Parking.

Sawashima Lodge Shuttle Bus: Sawashima Lodge → Hatanagi Parking (Jul 13–Aug 31)

Step 2. From Hatanagi Parking, there are two options to return to Shizuoka Station:

Option A: South Alps Tozan Line (Shizutetsu Bus)

South Alps Tozan Line: Hatanagi Parking → Shizuoka Sta.

Option B: South Alps Access Pack (Shared Jumbo Taxi)

South Alps Access Pack: Hatanagi Parking → Shizuoka Sta.

Important: The shuttle bus is exclusively for climbers staying at mountain huts managed by Tokai Forest (Sawashima Lodge, Akaishi-dake Refuge, Arakawa Hut, Senjo Hut, etc.). Those not staying at these huts cannot use this service.

Reference: South Alps Tozan Line | Sawashima Lodge Shuttle Bus