Trip Preparation

Honest information about gear, fitness, and weather. Read this before booking.

Gear

You Bring

  • Hiking boots (B1 minimum for alpine)
  • Waterproof jacket & pants
  • Warm layers (fleece + down)
  • Base layers (synthetic or wool)
  • Hiking socks (2-3 pairs)
  • Headlamp + spare batteries
  • Sun protection (alpine UV is intense)
  • Personal first aid & meds
  • Earplugs (for hut sleeping)

We Rent

  • Packs (30L-40L with rain cover)
  • Trekking poles (collapsible)
  • Hard shells if yours leaks
  • Crampons & ice axe (Fuji only)
  • Gaiters

Fitted the day before your trek at our Nagano office.

Hut Provides

  • Dinner & breakfast (basic)
  • Blankets (no sheets at most)
  • Hot water for drinks
  • Drying space for wet gear

You still need your sleeping bag liner for hygiene. Some huts provide sleeping bags (Yakushima does).

Fitness

Minimum Standard

8 km / 5 miles

With 1,000 meters (3,300 ft) of elevation gain, on uneven terrain, carrying a 6-8kg pack, in under 5 hours. If this sounds hard, train before you come. We have turned people back at the trailhead who overestimated their fitness. It is dangerous for the group.

Level 2 (Moderate)

Kumano Kodo, Yakushima. 5-7 hours walking per day. Some uneven terrain. Regular walking fitness sufficient. Rain makes it harder.

Level 3 (Challenging)

Northern Alps, Fuji off-season, Tateyama. 7-9 hours. Steep sections. Exposure to heights. Previous multi-day hiking strongly recommended.

Level 4 (Advanced)

Daisetsuzan Traverse. 8+ hours daily. Loose rock, navigation in fog, possible bear encounters. Proven multi-day experience required.

Weather

Spring (Apr-May)

Fuji off-season prime time. Snow line around 2,500m. Cold mornings, stable afternoons. Trails in Alps still closed.

Summer (Jul-Sep)

Alp season. Afternoon thunderstorms common above 2,000m. Start early (5am). Humid in forests. Best for Northern Alps and Tateyama.

Autumn (Oct-Nov)

Best all-round season. Stable weather, clear views. All alpine trails open until snow. Kumano Kodo perfect. Fuji off-season starts.

Winter (Dec-Mar)

Fuji off-season in early Dec and late March. Most alpine trails closed. Yakushima works year-round. Hokkaido ski season, not trekking.

About rain: It will rain on at least one day of your trek. Japanese mountain weather changes fast. Your rain gear needs to actually work (20,000mm waterproofing minimum). Pack your spare clothes in dry bags. A wet hiker in cold conditions is an evacuation risk.

Gear Rental

ItemPrice
Hiking Boots¥2,500/day
Rain Jacket¥1,500/day
Trekking Poles¥800/day
30L+ Pack¥1,200/day
Headlamp¥500/day

Tell us what you need in the booking form. We fit gear the day before the trek.

FAQ