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
A popular Northern Japanese Alps peak in 2 days.
-
- Duration
- 2Days / 7.5Hours
- Highest Point
- 2763m
- Elevation Gain
- 1210m
-
- 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
The popular Enzanso mountain hut is just below the summit of Mt. Tsubakuro
Dolphin Rock and Enzanso
Enzanso's dining room, a good spot for a lunchtime rest
On the way to Mt. Tsubakuro, Kassen-goya hut only serves light meals
Kassen-goya hut is famous for its watermelon in summer
Nakabusa Onsen at Mt. Tsubakuro's trailhead welcomes day-use bathers
Nakabusa Onsen has several hot spring sources as well as many baths only available to staying guests
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.
Best Season:July to September
If you go to this trail outside of the best season, you should pay attention to weather and trail conditions, as the mountain is located in a snowy area; there may still be snow on the trail in June, and it may start snowing from October. Snow mountaineering equipements and experience are required during the winter season.
Notes
Route Map
Elevation Map
Height (m)
Horizontal Distance (km)
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)
