Takane

Takane (2,779 m) straddles Minami-Alps City and Hokuto City in Yamanashi Prefecture and is one of Japan’s 100 highest mountains; it is a peak on the Hayakawa Ridge that runs from the Hōō mountains toward Mount Kaikoma.
From its bright granite summit a wide panorama opens over Mount Kita, right in front of you, along with the Southern Alps and Mount Fuji—an outstanding viewpoint for Mount Kita. The usual approaches follow the Hayakawa Ridge from Mount Jizō, or climb from Hirogawara via Shirahō Pass; both are long, advanced routes. By public transport, take a summer-season climbing bus or a taxi from Nirasaki Station to Aoki-kōsen and head for Takane via the Hōō Sanzan.

The trailhead is Aoki-kōsen (Nirasaki City, about 1,100 m). The standard route is Aoki-kōsen → Dondoko-sawa (four waterfalls) → Hōō Hut (overnight) → Mount Jizō → Takane. It is about 5–6 hours up from Aoki-kōsen to the hut, and about 3 hours from the hut over Mount Jizō to Takane. Because of the large elevation gain and long day, a one-night stay at the Hōō Hut is the usual, safer choice.
A direct and popular alternative climbs from Hirogawara on the Mount Kita side via Shirahō Pass (Hirogawara → Shirahō Pass, about 3 hours 30 minutes → Takane, about 1 hour). The Hōō Hut (reservations required, ☎0551-27-2466) was rebuilt in 2024 and is open. The season runs from early July to early October, when the white-sand ridge and the views of Mount Kita are beautiful. Always check the latest trail, hut and bus conditions before you go.

*Information last verified: June 14, 2026

How to access the trailheads

1. [Outbound] Nirasaki Station → Aoki-kōsen (trailhead)
2. [Return] Aoki-kōsen (trailhead) → Nirasaki Station

1. [Outbound] Nirasaki Station → Aoki-kōsen (trailhead)

The base is Nirasaki Station on the JR Chūō Main Line; from the station-front rotary, take the summer-only “Hōō Sanzan climbing bus” (Kayagatake Kankō Bus) and get off at Aoki-kōsen. In 2026 this bus runs only on weekends and holidays from June 20 to October 12, by full reservation (deadline the day before, capacity 18, ☎0551-25-6262); it does not run on weekdays or outside that period. On weekdays or outside the period, take a taxi to Aoki-kōsen (see below).

Bus timetable ①: Nirasaki Station → Aoki-kōsen (Hōō Sanzan climbing bus, outbound)

Taxi: On weekdays or outside the period, take a taxi from Nirasaki Station to Aoki-kōsen (about 21 km, about 45 minutes, roughly ¥8,500). Nirasaki Taxi ☎0120-69-2235, Kai Taxi ☎0120-280-255; sharing with other hikers is cheaper. By car: Aoki-kōsen has a paid car park (¥800/day). About 40 minutes from the Nirasaki IC on the Chūō Expressway; the last stretch is a dirt forest road.

Reference: [Hōō Hut — Access (climbing-bus times)]

2. [Return] Aoki-kōsen (trailhead) → Nirasaki Station

After descending, take the Hōō Sanzan climbing bus bound for Nirasaki Station from Aoki-kōsen (Aoki-kōsen dep. → Nirasaki Station arr., about 50 minutes). The return also runs only on weekends and holidays, and the last service leaves Aoki-kōsen at 15:45; miss it and you will need a taxi (reserve ahead). The long descent from Takane back over Mount Jizō takes time, so allow plenty of margin for the last bus.

Bus timetable ②: Aoki-kōsen → Nirasaki Station (Hōō Sanzan climbing bus, return)

Taxi: Outside the period or on weekdays, call a taxi at Aoki-kōsen (reception is weak, so booking ahead is reliable). Nirasaki Taxi ☎0120-69-2235 and others. From Hirogawara: take the Southern Alps climbing bus from Kōfu Station to Hirogawara and climb to Takane via Shirahō Pass (the Southern Alps forest-road bus runs seasonally, roughly late June to early November; confirm the latest times on the official site).

Reference: [Hōō Hut — Access (climbing-bus times)]

Climbing routes and safety notes

Route: Aoki-kōsen → Dondoko-sawa (four waterfalls) → Hōō Hut (overnight) → Mount Jizō → Takane (2,779 m). About 5–6 hours up from Aoki-kōsen to the hut, and about 3 hours from the hut over Mount Jizō to Takane. With a large elevation gain, a one-night stay at the Hōō Hut is the usual choice (a fit hiker can do it in a day). A direct, popular alternative climbs from Hirogawara via Shirahō Pass (Hirogawara → Shirahō Pass, about 3 hours 30 minutes → Takane, about 1 hour).

Hayakawa Ridge and narrow sections: The Hayakawa Ridge from Mount Jizō to Takane and Shirahō Pass alternates between granite ridge and forest with large ups and downs; it is relatively quiet with few hikers, but take care on the scree and ladders near Shirahō Pass. The risk of a fall or losing the route rises in rain, strong wind or fog, so do not push on—turning back is a valid decision.

Huts and water: The Hōō Hut (reservations required, ☎0551-27-2466) was rebuilt in 2024 and is open. The Hayakawa-One Hut on the ridge (west of Takane) also operates seasonally. Water is scarce on the ridge, so refill at the huts.

Season and gear: The season runs from early July to early October. Carry a map and compass (GPS), rain gear, warm clothing, and plenty of water and food. Bears live in the area, so carry a bear bell.

Emergencies: In an accident, call 110 (police) or 119 (fire/rescue).
・Nirasaki City Hall 0551-22-1111 / Nirasaki Police Station 0551-22-0110

Photo by Σ64 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0