Kamikōchi mountains and lakes

Hotaka Peaks & Alpine Lakes

This collection encompasses the high-altitude terrain of the Northern Japan Alps within Chubu Sangaku National Park. It features the 3,190-meter Mt. Okuhotaka, Japan's third-highest peak, alongside the technical rock tower of Gendarme. The list also includes the glacial waters of Kamikochi valley, such as Taisho Pond—formed by the 1915 eruption of Mt. Yakedake—and the sacred Myojin Pond, home to the Hotaka Shrine Okumiya. These landmarks define the region's volcanic history and alpine geography.

Hotaka Peaks & Alpine Lakes — Map

Alpsdake / Public domain

A

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…

Qurren / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Taisho Pond

Formed in 1915 following the eruption of Mt. Yakedake, which dammed the Azusa River. The pond is characterized by submerged, decaying trees and provides clear reflections of the surrounding Hotaka Range.

Alpsdake / Public domain

C

Mt. Aino

A 2,907-meter peak situated on the rugged ridge line between Mt. Nishihotaka and Mt. Okuhotaka in the Northern Japan Alps.

D

Mt. Nishihotaka

A 2,909-meter peak in the southern Hida Mountains. Located within Chubu Sangaku National Park, it is recognized for its diverse alpine flora and challenging ridgeline trails.

Alpsdake / Public domain

E

Gendarme

A 3,163-meter dome-shaped rock tower located southwest of Mt. Okuhotaka. It is considered one of the most technically difficult and dangerous sections for climbers in the Japanese Alps.

F

白出大滝

A waterfall situated along the Shiradashi trail, which serves as a primary climbing route from the Kamikochi valley toward the Hotaka peaks.

G

Tashiro Pond

A shallow, marsh-like pond located in the Kamikochi valley. It is fed by underground springs and remains clear throughout the year, surrounded by larch and azalea forests.

H

Myojin Pond

Located at the base of Mt. Myojin, this pond consists of two sections formed by ancient rockslides. It houses the inner shrine of Hotaka Shrine and is used for the annual Omizugaeshi ritual.

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