Thanks to its convenient access and diverse range of peaks, the Central Alps is an excellent destination for climbers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced mountaineers. With numerous mountain climbing routes to choose from, we recommend courses suited to beginners, intermediate climbers, and advanced climbers.
Mt. Kiso-Komagatake, the highest peak in the Central Alps at 2,956 meters above sea level. There is a steep Hacchozaka slope immediately after leaving the hotel, but once you climb Hacchozaka and reach the ridge, the view opens up, and the rest of the trail is a gentle Hiking / Mountaineering trail. It is not too physically demanding and can be enjoyed as a half-day course!
Hiking / Mountaineering is recommended from July to October. (Snow gear is required from November to June.)
Even though the mountain is easy to climb, please do not underestimate it and make sure you are well equipped and submit a Hiking / Mountaineering report before setting out.
| Contact | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|
| Houken Sanso Lodge | Regular Season Tel: +81-90-5507-6345 January–June Tel: +81-90-7804-2185 |
![]() Restrooms available (fee required) |
| Tenguso Lodge | ||
| Summit Lodge | ||
| Kiso Summit Hut | Regular Season Tel: +81-264-52-3882 | ![]() Restrooms available (fee required) |
Senjojiki Cirque is the most famous cirque in the Central Alps, but there are several other cirques throughout the mountain range. Among them, the route around Nogaike, the only glacial lake in the Central Alps, is a challenging course that is longer and requires a good level of fitness. Staying overnight at Hotel Senjojiki and setting out early in the morning allows you to enjoy the beautiful scenery before afternoon clouds roll in. In years with heavy snowfall, patches of snow may remain on the trail until late July, so please take extra care.
Mountain climbing is recommended from July to October. (Snow climbing equipment is required from November to June.) Although Mt. Kiso-Komagatake is relatively easy to climb, mountain climbing always involves the risk of injury or getting lost. Please make sure you have the proper equipment and submit a climbing plan before setting out.
| Contact | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|
| Houken Sanso Lodge | Regular Season Tel: +81-90-5507-6345 January–June Tel: +81-90-7804-2185 |
![]() Restrooms available (fee required) |
| Tenguso Lodge | ||
| Summit Lodge | ||
| Kiso Summit Hut | Normal TEL. +81-264-52-3882 | ![]() Restrooms available (fee required) |
Located west of Mt. Hoken, Mt. Sannosawa is the only standalone peak in the Central Alps. There is no trail leading to the mountain from the Kiso side, and it can only be reached via the main ridgeline. As a result, relatively few hikers visit this area, allowing visitors to enjoy its peaceful and unspoiled natural surroundings.
The route is home to one of the richest displays of alpine plants in the Central Alps, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy alpine flowers. However, the trail features significant elevation changes, and there are no emergency shelters along the route. Please be especially cautious of afternoon thunderstorms. Staying overnight at Hotel Senjojiki and setting out early in the morning is highly recommended. As this is a long and demanding route, it is best suited for experienced mountain climbers.
Mountain climbing is recommended from July to October. (Snow climbing equipment is required from November to June.) Although Mt. Kiso-Komagatake is relatively easy to climb, mountain climbing always involves the risk of injury or getting lost. Please make sure you have the proper equipment and submit a climbing plan before setting out.
| Contact | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|
| Houken Sanso Lodge | Regular Season Tel: +81-90-5507-6345 January–June Tel: +81-90-7804-2185 |
![]() Restrooms available (fee required) |
| Tenguso Lodge | ||
| Summit Lodge | ||
| Kiso Summit Hut | Normal TEL. +81-264-52-3882 | ![]() Restrooms available (fee required) |