Hello, this is Kyon.
How did everyone spend their Golden Week holidays? I took some time off and spent three days and two nights at Mount Okuhotaka during the late-snow season.
Mount Okuhotaka is a mountain I love and visit often during the summer, but since this was my first time visiting during the late-snow season, I was a bit nervous.
I arrived at Kamikochi around 7:00 AM, packed my bags, and set off. The three-hour trek to Yokoo is mostly a flat path. The weather was unfortunately poor that day with light snow, but carrying a 20kg pack meant I was soon warmed up and sweating profusely.
After arriving at Yokoo and taking a short break to properly refuel, I headed toward the Karasawa campsite. There was still snow on the path, but since a few parties had gone up ahead of us, it had been packed down and was in good condition for climbing.
I took several breaks along the way while climbing slowly, but the humidity was incredibly high and the sultry heat meant my sweating just wouldn't stop. Visibility was poor and there was no scenery to enjoy, so my only pleasure was the alcohol waiting for me at the campsite... I kept climbing step by step with only one thought in mind: I want a beer, and I want it now.
I arrived at the campsite before 2:00 PM, and after setting up my tent, I finally got my hands on a beer—it was simply delicious! It’s one of the main things I look forward to while climbing.
For dinner, I had a hot pot. I rediscovered how convenient it is to go climbing during this season, as fresh meat and fish don't spoil as easily, making them easier to bring along.
The weather deteriorated rapidly around the time I reached the campsite, with intense snow and wind, much like the conditions in the dead of winter. The hot pot, eaten in such conditions, warmed me to the core.
Since I had to climb Mount Okuhotaka the next day, I finished up early and went to bed. However, the wind was so strong that the tent was bending, and I kept worrying that the poles might snap just like they did during my trip to Mount Goryu a month ago, making it hard to fall asleep. Time passed and morning arrived before I knew it; in the end, I barely got any sleep.
Yet, when I stepped out of the tent in the morning, the clear blue sky instantly blew my drowsiness away. Coming to Karasawa isn't complete without seeing this.
The *morgenrot* (morning glow) I had been looking forward to.
No matter how many times I see it, I never grow tired of it. It was truly beautiful and deeply moving.
Because it had been snowing all through the night, there was about 50cm of fresh snow near the summit, making the avalanche risk extremely high. Karasawa Hut also issued a warning about the high danger of surface avalanches, so we chose our route to minimize that risk.
The climb from the campsite to the Hotakadake Sanso mountain hut was a continuous, steep ascent, so we took it slowly. I love the way the scenery changes as you gain altitude. It was a clear, warm day, so I climbed wearing only my base layer and a Patagonia hoodie. We took a break halfway for a quick recharge.
That’s when Acchan’s Energy Cake always comes in handy. Its moist and delicious texture makes it a must-have for my climbs.
We safely reached Hotakadake Sanso for a rest. Since the wind was picking up from there, we adjusted our layers and fueled up properly once more. The climb from the mountain hut to the summit involves a mix of rock and snow, which increased the tension, so we climbed with extra caution.
Suddenly, I looked up at the sky and saw something I had never seen before in all my years of mountaineering. I was simply overwhelmed. It appeared to be a simultaneous occurrence of a circumscribed halo (a circle of light) and a circumhorizontal arc, which happens when ice crystals in the atmosphere refract sunlight.
Being able to witness such a fantastical scene on Mount Okuhotaka was a joy beyond words.
We arrived safely at the summit. The 360-degree views were breathtaking, and the snow-covered Jandarm looked so cool that it made me want to take on a winter challenge there as well.
Resisting the urge to stay forever, we began our descent. After reaching Hotakadake Sanso, I had planned to climb Karasawadake, but given the high temperatures and avalanche risk, I decided to head back to the campsite instead. My legs felt the fatigue from the steep descent, but the trip down felt like an instant. My mind was already filled with thoughts of beer—and in Karasawa, they serve draft beer, which is pure luxury!
After descending safely, I heard from some people at the campsite that about 15 people who were behind us had been caught in an avalanche. It really hit home how thin the line is between life and death in the mountains, and it left me feeling humbled and cautious.
Then came the long-awaited beer time. After a descent and in this location, the beer was absolutely the best!! So good!!
Since all we had left was the descent the next day, the drinks kept flowing. We finished off almost all the alcohol everyone had brought, and feeling pleasantly buzzed, we headed to sleep. Since I hadn't slept the night before, I fell asleep the moment I crawled into my sleeping bag.
I woke up at 5:00 AM, ate breakfast, and packed up my tent. The weather was beautiful again today, so it was with a heavy heart that I began the final descent. There were no dangerous spots, just a long walk down. I kept looking back and taking photos, not wanting to leave.
The only thing left to look forward to was the soft-serve ice cream at Tokusawa; I walked faster and faster just thinking about it. We arrived safely at Tokusawa and finally got our hands on the ice cream.
It was absolutely delicious. It felt amazing on my tired body.
We arrived in Kamikochi at 1:00 PM, soaked away three days of fatigue at Hirayu Onsen, and headed home.
Witnessing such beautiful scenery at the very end of the Heisei era made for a truly incredible trip.
And now, an invitation for the first time in the Reiwa era.
On Tuesday, May 14th, we will be holding another "Climb the Wall Night" at Climbing JAM. Just like last time, those going by bicycle will depart from Circles at 8:30 PM. For those heading directly to the gym, I’ll see you there around 9:00 PM.
I’m really looking forward to climbing and having a great time with everyone.
And if the opportunity arises, I hope to go out and enjoy the magnificent nature with you all again sometime soon!