Mt. Tsubakuro (Tsubakuro-dake) is in the eastern part of the Northern Japanese Alps. A number of trails service the mountain and it's also the starting point of the Omote Ginza trail. Here we'll showcase the Kassen-one Ridge Trail, which comes recommended for beginning hikers. The mountain's summit is a beautiful mix of creeping pine and granite outcrops, and the nearby Enzan-so mountain hut is extremely popular with hikers.
Mt. Tsubakuro Begins at Nakabusa Onsen hot spring. Round trip via Kassen-one Ridge
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- Duration
- 2Days / 7.5Hours
- Highest Point
- 2763m
- Elevation Gain
- 1210m
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- Skill Level
- Fitness Level
- Gear Level
Get off the bus and you'll see the start of the trail in front of the Nakabusa Onsen (Hot spring). It begins with a steep hike through the forest. There are wooden benches that are great for a break every 30 to 40 minutes along the route. The steep ascent continues for approximately 3 hours until you reach Kassen-goya mountain hut which sells water, trail food, and fruit, as well as light meals.
From there the trail leaves the forest and hikes gently. After a while, it passes an area with chains installed to help you along. Once you finish with the chains and ascend another gentle slope, you'll reach the red-roofed hut, Enzan-so mountain hut.
In summer, alpine plants like dicentra peregrine (Komakusa) bleeding hearts come into bloom, and you may even spot a ptarmigan. From there it's an easy hike along a gravel trail with occasional stairs to the top of the mountain with its beautiful scenery of granite rock formations and creeping pines. The small summit area is marked by a simple stone indicator. From there return to Enzan-so where you spend the night. Follow the same route back down the mountain the next day.
Gallery
Other Info
Kassen-goya offers watermelon, a local specialty, from July to September. From Enzan-so to the summit there are a number of interesting granite rock formations. Two of the more well-known ones are known literally as Iruka-iwa (Dolphin Rock) and Megane-iwa (Glasses Rock).
Nakabusa Onsen at the trailhead is a hot spring inn with several indoor baths that welcomes day guests.
High Season:July to September
Notes
Route Map
Elevation Map
Spec
- Duration
- 2Days / 7.5Hours
- Highest Point
- 2763m
- Elevation Gain
- 1210m
- Horizontal Distance
- 9.6Km
- Skill Level
- Fitness Level
- Gear Level
On the Trail
- Sleeping
Kassen-goya, Enzan-so
- Eating
Kassen-goya, Enzan-so
- Hot-Springs
Nakabusa Onsen , Ariake-so (Japanese-style hotel)