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

How to access the trailheads

1. [Going] Chino Station → Minotoguchi
2. [Going] Takebashi Station → Minotoguchi (highway bus)
3. [Going] Kiyosato Station → Sun Meadows Kiyosato
4. [Return] Minotoguchi → Chino Station
5. [Return] Minotoguchi → Shinjuku Station (highway bus)
6. [Return] Sun Meadows Kiyosato → Kiyosato Station

1. [Going] 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. [Going] Takebashi Station → Minotoguchi

※ Mainichi Alpen-go 2026 Season Information: Kanto-departure services (Takebashi / Shinjuku) will go on sale as 2026 operating information is confirmed (as of 2026-05-11). Check the latest operating calendar on the official site. The information below is from 2025.

From Tokyo’s Takebashi / Shinjuku and elsewhere, the Mainichi Alpen-go by Maitabi (Mainichi Newspapers Travel) runs directly to Minotoguchi (in front of Yatsugatake Sanso) (seasonal, reservation required).
Travel time: about 6 hours Fare: about ¥8,000–10,000 (varies by plan)

Main times (reference): Takebashi 22:30 dep / Shinjuku 23:00 dep → Minotoguchi arrival around 4:30–5:10
Some services include a late-night nap plan or vary in stopover by date.
Operating period: Typically July – November (2026 dates expected around April)

Reference: [Mainichi Alpen-go Official Site]

3. [Going] 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

Direct service to Shinjuku via Maitabi’s Mainichi Alpen-go (reservation required).
Travel time: about 3 hours
Main times (reference): Minotoguchi dep 15:30–15:45 → Shinjuku Station arr 18:30–18:45
Operating period: Typically July – November (2026 dates expected around April)

Reference: [Mainichi Alpen-go Official Site]

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]