Mt. Kita
Mt. Kita (北岳) is a 3,193m peak in Minami-Alps City, Yamanashi Prefecture. After Mt. Fuji, it is the second-highest peak in Japan, and one of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains. Its varied mountain features — the snowfields of Okanbasawa, alpine flower meadows along the ridge, and the rock walls of the Buttress — are highlights. From the summit, the Shirane Sanzan traverse continues to Mt. Aino and Mt. Notori.
From Kofu Station on the JR Chuo Main Line, access Hirogawara by bus (about 2 hours, seasonal operation).
The trailhead is “Hirogawara”.
For access by train, buses depart from Kofu Station.
A common pattern for a one-day climb from the Tokyo area on holidays is to arrive at Kofu Station overnight and catch the 4:35 morning bus.
* The Okanbasawa route (between the Shirane-Oike Hut junction and Futamata) remains closed due to typhoon damage. Please use the Shirane-Oike route (Kusasuberi course or Migimata course).
*Timetable last checked: May 30, 2026
How to access the trailheads
Hiking Course Details — Mt. Kita
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Map & Recommended Route — Mt. Kita
Mt. Kita — Reference Hiking Times
| Segment | Distance | Ascent/Descent | Forward | Reverse |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hirogawara → Okabasawa Futamata | 2.9 km | +712 m / −9 m | 2:05 | 1:55 |
| Okabasawa Futamata → Kotaro Ridge Junction | 1.4 km | +622 m / −0 m | 1:45 | 2:00 |
| Kotaro Ridge Junction → Kitadake Kata-no-Koya | 0.8 km | +164 m / −0 m | 0:35 | 0:35 |
| Kitadake Kata-no-Koya → Mt. Kitadake | 0.6 km | +193 m / −8 m | 0:40 | 0:40 |
| Mt. Kitadake → Happonba Col | 0.8 km | +0 m / −303 m | 1:05 | 0:55 |
| Happonba Col → Hirogawara | 4.2 km | +7 m / −1378 m | 4:15 | 3:55 |
| Total | 10.7 km | +1698 m / −1698 m | 10:25 | 10:00 |
1. [Outbound] Kofu Station → Hirogawara
From JR Kofu Station South Exit Platform 6, board the Southern Alps Hiking Bus “Kofu Station, Ryuo, City Ashiyasu Parking ~ Yashajin-toge Trailhead, Hirogawara Line” and get off at “Hirogawara”.
Travel time: about 1 hour 55 minutes
Fare: ¥2,400 + ¥300 (user cooperation fee)
Operating period: late June – early November
Bus TimetableKofu Station to Hirogawara Bus Timetable
| Kofu Station | Hirogawara |
|---|---|
| 9:05 | 10:58 |
| 10:05 | 11:58 |
| 12:05 | 13:58 |
| Kofu Station | Hirogawara |
|---|---|
| 4:35 | 6:28 |
| 6:55 | 8:48 |
| 9:05 | 10:58 |
| 10:05 | 11:58 |
| 12:05 | 13:58 |
| 14:05 | 15:58 |
Reference: [Yamanashi Kotsu]
2. [Return] Hirogawara → Kofu Station
From Hirogawara, board the Southern Alps Hiking Bus “Kofu Station, Ryuo, City Ashiyasu Parking ~ Yashajin-toge Trailhead, Hirogawara Line” and get off at Kofu Station.
Travel time: about 1 hour 55 minutes
Fare: ¥2,400 + ¥300 (user cooperation fee)
Operating period: late June – early November
Bus TimetableHirogawara to Kofu Station Bus Timetable
| Hirogawara | Kofu Station |
|---|---|
| 10:00 | 11:55 |
| 12:00 | 13:55 |
| 14:00 | 15:55 |
| 16:35 | 18:30 |
| Hirogawara | Kofu Station |
|---|---|
| 10:00 | 11:55 |
| 11:00 | 12:55 |
| 12:00 | 13:55 |
| 14:00 | 15:55 |
| 16:35 | 18:30 |
Reference: [Yamanashi Kotsu]
Your next mountain
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