Mt. Yokodake (横岳)

Mt. Yokodake is a prominent 2,829m peak in the South Yatsugatake range. It extends north of the highest peak, Mt. Akadake (2,899m), and is known for its rugged rocky ridgeline and rich alpine flora. The ridgeline includes some sections with chain-assisted passages and eroded areas, making parts of it suited for intermediate-level hikers and above (snow-free season). The most common starting point is Minotoguchi, accessible by seasonal bus from Chino Station. From the east side, the “Kiyosato Picnic Bus” from Kiyosato (Sun Meadows Kiyosato) can be used for a traverse plan via Mt. Gongen and Mt. Akadake.

This page shows how to get to Minotoguchi and Sun Meadows Kiyosato, the trailheads for Mt. Yokodake.

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

Map

1. Going: Chino Sta. → Minotoguchi

From JR Chuo Main Line Chino Station (West Exit, Bus Stop No. 4), take the Alpico Kotsu “Minotoguchi Line” bus to the terminus Minotoguchi.

Operating days: Weekends & holidays (additional services in summer)
Travel time: Approx. 38 min

Bus Timetable: Chino Sta. → Minotoguchi

Reference: Alpico Kotsu (PDF)

2. Going: Takebashi Sta. → Minotoguchi (Mainichi Alpen-go Night Bus)

From Tokyo (Takebashi / Shinjuku), the Mainichi Alpen-go overnight bus operated by Maitabi (Mainichi Shinbun Travel) runs directly to Minotoguchi (Yatsugatake Sanso-mae) (seasonal, reservation required).

Reference: Mainichi Shinbun Travel “Mainichi Alpen-go”

3. Going: Kiyosato Sta. → Sun Meadows Kiyosato

From JR Koumi Line Kiyosato Station, take the “Kiyosato Picnic Bus” (Southern Loop Route) to Sun Meadows Kiyosato. Convenient for the Shinkyoji Ridge / Sai-no-Kawara approach (advanced route).

Operating period: April 26 to November 10, 2025

Bus Timetable: Kiyosato Sta. → Sun Meadows Kiyosato (Single-bus Days)

Bus Timetable: Kiyosato Sta. → Sun Meadows Kiyosato (Double-bus Days)

Reference: Kiyosato Picnic Bus

4. Return: Minotoguchi → Chino Sta.

From Minotoguchi, take the Alpico Kotsu bus back to Chino Station.

Operating days: Weekends & holidays (additional services in summer)
Travel time: Approx. 38 min

Bus Timetable: Minotoguchi → Chino Sta.

Reference: Alpico Kotsu (PDF)

5. Return: Minotoguchi → Shinjuku Sta. (Mainichi Alpen-go Night Bus)

From Minotoguchi, the Mainichi Alpen-go overnight bus returns to Shinjuku / Takebashi (seasonal, reservation required).

Reference: Mainichi Shinbun Travel “Mainichi Alpen-go”

6. Return: Sun Meadows Kiyosato → Kiyosato Sta.

From Sun Meadows Kiyosato, take the Kiyosato Picnic Bus back to Kiyosato Station.

Bus Timetable: Sun Meadows Kiyosato → Kiyosato Sta. (Single-bus Days)

Bus Timetable: Sun Meadows Kiyosato → Kiyosato Sta. (Double-bus Days)

Reference: Kiyosato Picnic Bus