The No. 1 mountain in popularity in the Southern Alps
The Akaishi Mountains, known affectionately as the Southern Alps, straddles the three prefectures of Nagano, Yamanashi and Shizuoka with 14 3000m-plus mountains within its 120km north-south distance soaring high up into the air as Japan’s No. 1 mountain range. Among them, the highest peak of Mt. Kita is located in the western part of Yamanashi Prefecture at a height of 3193m. With good access from areas such as Kofu City, it is a tall peak second only to Mt. Fuji which attracts a lot of climbers in the quiet Southern Alps. Like its brethren, Mt. Kita is enveloped in a green belt which goes well up the mountain. And another reason for its attractiveness is the variety of routes which include steep climbs through the Kusasuberi, the rock ridges by the top of the mountain, a walk through the Ohkanbazawa snow valley, and the climb up the Mt. Kita Buttress.
The huge rock walls and highland plant life typical of Mt. Kita
The Mt. Kita Buttress is a huge rock wall on the eastern face of the mountain. It is a symbolic rock formation of the Southern Alps which extends 600m in altitude from the peak. It is a rock climbing venue with 6 rock formations. Mt. Kita, which is located in a wide high mountain zone, is a treasure trove of some of Japan’s foremost examples of highland plant life and there are fields of flowers everywhere. The Kitadakesou flower, which is a species unique to the mountain, blossoms once the snow melts away, and its peak season is between late June and early July. With the surrounding topography excellent for water retention and air flow, many highland plants can be found in the area.
Climbing courses with plenty of changes
There are several routes going up Mt. Kita with the most variegated one being the route with the log steps of the Happonha Col. Leaving the snow valley, once you get to the top while taking in the view of the Buttress, you can enjoy the swathes of flower fields on the peak. If you are just a beginning climber, the Migimata Course with its wonderful view and abundance of flower fields is recommended. Crampons may be necessary for the trek through the snow valley so please prepare these in advance.