Best of Hida Mountains

Hida Mountains: The Absolute Essentials

The Hida Mountains, or Northern Alps, encompass a dramatic landscape of volcanic peaks and alpine valleys across Nagano, Toyama, and Gifu. Key landmarks include the 186-meter-tall Kurobe Dam, the high-altitude Kamikochi highland, and the active volcano Mount Yake. The region is notable for its unique transportation systems, such as the double-decker Shinhotaka Ropeway, and remote geothermal sites like Takamagahara Onsen. This collection highlights the geological diversity and engineering feats found within one of Japan's most rugged mountain ranges.

Hida Mountains: The Absolute Essentials — Map

A

Nabedairakogen

Intermediate station for the Shinhotaka Ropeway featuring a visitor center, nature trails, and a public footbath.

Alpsdake / Public domain

B

Mt. Kengamine

Mount Norikura is a potentially active volcano located on the borders of Gifu and Nagano prefectures in Japan.

663highland / CC BY 2.5

C

Kamikochi

Kamikōchi is a remote mountainous highland valley within the Hida Mountains range, in the western region of Nagano Prefecture, Japan.

663highland / CC BY 2.5

D

Shinhotaka Ropeway

The Shinhotaka Ropeway is an aerial lift system in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, Japan, and is operated by Okuhi Sightseeing Development.

lienyuan lee / CC BY 3.0

E

Hirayu Waterfall

A 64-meter-tall cascade ranked among Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls. In February, the falls freeze into a massive ice pillar celebrated during a local winter festival.

Yasu / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Takamagahara Onsen

A remote hot spring located deep within the Northern Alps, accessible only by a multi-day hike. It features basic open-air baths situated near the headwaters of the Kurobe River.

G

Kurobe Dam

Japan's tallest dam at 186 meters. Completed in 1963, it is a major landmark of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, famous for its dramatic water releases from June to October.

Alpsdake / CC BY-SA 3.0

H

Mt. Yake

Mount Yake literally, "Burning mountain" is an active volcano in the Hida Mountains, lying between Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, and…

Alpsdake / Public domain

I

Mt. Okuhotaka

Mount Hotaka, also known as Mount Hotakadake, is one of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains as coined by the media, reaching a height of 3…

663highland / CC BY-SA 4.0

J

Tateyama Caldera Sabo Museum

This facility documents the history of erosion control (sabo) and the geological formation of the Tateyama Caldera, showcasing the engineering used to manage the region's frequent landslides.

Alpsdake / Public domain

K

Mt. Ontake

Mount Ontake, also referred to as Mount Kiso Ontake, is the 14th-highest mountain and second-highest volcano in Japan at 3,067 m.

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