Stroll Kitayatsugatake

Kita Yatsugatake Snowshoe Course

Snow-shoe trekking with a panoramic view from 2300m above sea level!

Snowshoe trekking with a panoramic view of the central, southern and northern Alps from 2300m above sea level!
The original routes were pioneered by our guides, so you can often enjoy the fluffy, untrampled snow.
Whether you’re kicking up and down in the powdery snow or looking for animal tracks, there’s plenty of fun to be had in the snowy mountains.
When you lie down in the snow and close your eyes, all the sounds disappear and you can hear all kinds of sounds. The sound of the wind in the trees, the snow on your cheek, and the feeling of being one with nature.
Click here to register.

  1. Course Outline
  2. Time schedule
  3. Fee
  4. Cautions
  5. Personal effects
  6. Access

Course Overview

Time required Approximately 6 hours
Meeting Time 9:30
Eligible Age Group 10 years old and up
History Period Late December to late March
Gathering Place North Yatsugatake Ropeway Sanroku Station, Kitayama 4035-2541, Chino City, Nagano Prefecture

Time schedule

  1. 01Assembly

    Assembly

    Meet at Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway Sanroku Station. You will be asked to fill out a payment and insurance form.

    There are restrooms and changing rooms at the assembly point. Please change your clothes before the meeting time.
    Please pay by cash or credit card (VISA, AMEX, MASTER and JCB).

  2. 02Ropeway Ride

    Ropeway Ride

    Take the ropeway to 2230 meters above sea level! (The ride takes about 7 minutes.)

    The time schedule below is an example of the main course. The time schedule, routes and ways to play will vary depending on weather and course conditions.

  3. 03preparation for departure

    preparation for departure

    At the top of the ropeway station, we will take a restroom break, do some calisthenics and check our clothes before heading to the snow field!

  4. 04Start snow trekking!

    Start snow trekking!

    From the top of the ropeway station, you can see the magnificent view of the Southern and Northern Alps. When there’s a blizzard, you’ll get a gust of wind that will make you proud of what it’s like to see your body fly!

  5. 05Standing dead and icy view

    Standing dead and icy view

    This is the only place in Japan where you can see the “Tatekare phenomenon” in a few places other than Kitayatsugatake.

  6. 06Enter the original course!

    Enter the original course!

    We’re going into the original route our guide pioneered! We descend over the snow with no footprints, taking a course of our own accord.

  7. 07Running down!

    Running down!

    Let’s kick up and run down the fluffy powdery snow.

  8. 08Time to sleep in the snow?

    Time to sleep in the snow?

    Walking is not the only way to go on a snowshoe tour. You can create your own space for a moment in the snowy forest where no one comes. As I lie down in the snow and close my eyes, all the sounds disappear and I hear all kinds of sounds. The sound of the wind blowing over the trees, the snow falling on my cheeks, and the feeling of being one with nature is one of my favorite moments.

  9. 09lunchtime

    lunchtime

    It’s lunchtime in a tent in a wooded area where no one comes (and other places are available). Hot and cold with cheese fondue and hot beverages in a stove-heated tent. I don’t want to leave anymore!

  10. 10A walk in the snow again

    A walk in the snow again

    The course after lunch was mostly downhill. We will go through a forest, wading through the powdery snow, and find ourselves in a big snowfield. Let’s have a good time while looking at the surrounding mountains and the city below.

  11. 11playing in the snow1

    playing in the snow1

    Kicking and running down the powder snow, skiing on your belly, looking for animal tracks…

  12. 12playing in the snow2

    playing in the snow2

    There’s a lot of fun to be had in the snowy mountains!
    The games can be enjoyed depending on the weather conditions and course conditions on the day.

  13. 13Photography is available.

    Photography is available.

    The best part of the Hitoikisou tour is the photo shoot! If the weather is fine, we will take a large panorama photo with the blue Yatsugatake backdrop. Of course, even in a blizzard, you will be able to capture the “smile” on your face afterwards.

  14. 14End of the tour and dismissal

    End of the tour and dismissal

    We will dismiss at the ropeway station where we will meet. If you need a shuttle, we will take you to the place of your choice (please contact us in advance).

Participation Fee

Junior High School and up 9,900 yen
Elementary School (10 years old and up) 6,500 yen

For those who bring snowshoes

1,000 yen discount for those who bring their own snowshoes.
However, you must contact us in advance and confirm the manufacturer’s name, etc. before you bring your snowshoes.

What is included in the price

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Guide fee, snowshoe, insurance, lunch, ropeway fee, tax

Things not included in the price

Various rental fees (*only on request)

Payment Method

Please pay in cash or by credit card (VISA, MasterCard, AMEX, or JCB) at the registration desk on the day of your participation.

Cautions

Opening Period

Late December to late March (depending on weather conditions)

Conditions for Participation

It is suitable for people who exercise regularly. (Calorie consumption: approximately 2,000 calories.)

Eligible Age Group

10 years old and up.

Number of applicants

1 to 10 people

Minimum number of participants

Two.
Please note that the tour may not be able to be held in the event that the number of participants is less than the minimum number.
In this case, we will let you know one week in advance.
If you wish to continue your participation, the tour can be held for two people by paying the fee for two people.

Cancellation Policy

In case of cancellation, the following cancellation fee will be charged.

One week to two days before the tour 20%
The day before 80%
The Day 100%

About the schedule change

If you want to change the date to one of the available slots, there is no cancellation fee.
Please note that if you cannot change your reservation, a cancellation fee will be charged.
Please contact us as soon as possible.

About the cancellation of the event

The tour will be held in case of snowfall, but may be cancelled in case of no snowfall or in case of rain or stormy weather. In the event of cancellation, we will notify you by 6pm the day before the event.

Please be aware of the following precautions when participating in the tour

Only those who have agreed to the following terms and conditions can participate in the tours of Hitoikisou.

  1. In the event of cancellation due to inclement weather, no charge will be made, but a cancellation fee will be charged for cancellations made by the customer. Cancellation fees will be as listed.
  2. While careful consideration will be given to the weather conditions, we may have to cut the schedule and cancel the tour in the middle of the tour due to unexpected sudden changes in weather conditions. However, in the event of a sudden change in weather or severe weather conditions, the decision to cancel a tour may be made at the last minute. However, in the case of a sudden change in weather or severe weather conditions, the decision may be made at the last minute. Please understand that this is a measure for the safety of the tour.
  3. While participating in the tour, please follow your guide’s instructions and advice, and pay close attention to your own safety.
  4. If you are injured or have an accident while participating in the tour, you will be compensated within the limits of your insurance policy.
    Coverage for death and permanent disability: 2 million yen per day Hospitalization: 3,000 yen per day Hospital visit: 2,000 yen per day Liability (per accident): 100 million yen
  5. We are not responsible for accidents caused by causes other than the intentional or gross negligence of the organizers and guides. (This may be due to unpredictable causes such as natural disasters or due to the intention or negligence of the individual participant)
  6. The images taken during the tour may be used commercially in advertising materials in general and in the press and information media without permission from the client. If you do not wish your image to be used, please contact us in advance.

Other special notes

Introduction of affiliated lodging facilities

Participants of our snowshoe tours are entitled to an overnight stay package with a partner accommodation. Please let us know if you would like to stay at one of our partner lodgings when you make a reservation.

About the free rental of snowshoes

Snowshoes are free to rent. Stocks are not used. If you would like to use them, please let us know on the day and we will do our best to accommodate you. We have a limited number of snow shoes available. We have a limited number of stock available for use.

Luggage and Clothing

About the clothes you wear at the event

  • Winter clothes, upper and lower (ski wear and other winter/waterproof outerwear)
  • Hats (that can cover the ears)
  • Gloves (warm/waterproof gloves for skiing, etc.)
  • Trekking or snowboarding shoes (high cut, above the ankle, warm and waterproof)
*I wish I had
  • Muffler Neck Gator
  • Goggles and Sunglasses

Please prepare

  • Backpack (about 20 liters)
  • Warming Pot (must be used to rehydrate during activities. PET bottles are freezing)
  • Movement food (energy on the move, candy, chocolate, etc.)
Whatever you have
  • Down jackets (for use at rest)
  • Army gloves or fleece gloves (for use with meals)
  • Cairo

About Rentals

《Free Rental Equipment》

Snowshoes are free to rent. Stocks are not used. If you would like to use them, please let us know on the day of the tour and we will do our best to accommodate you. If you want to use them, please let us know on the day and we will rent them for free.

But we have a limited number of equipment for rent.
Since the number of rental equipment is limited, please contact us.

  • Winterproof and waterproof trekking boots *Booking required (23cm-28cm/1cm increments)
  • Outer wear top and bottom for adults: ¥4,100 *Reservations required (SS and up), ¥2,500 for elementary school students (90cm and up)
  • 1,000 yen per pair of gloves (size S, M, and L)
  • Overalls 500 yen (S, M, and L sizes)

Access

Driving by car

From Suwa Minami I.C. on the Chuo Expressway, 25km (40-50 minutes)
In winter, chains and other non-slip devices are required. It’s a good way to get a feel for what it’s like to be in the world. Please drive safely and at a lower speed.
Click here for a reference map (link to the Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway website)

by public transport

Get off at Chino Station on the JR East Chuo Line

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Bus stop #2 at the west exit of Chino Station for “Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway” (about 60 minutes)

If you are coming by public transportation, we cannot arrive on the day of the tour in time for the tour. Please make sure to stay at a hotel near Tateshina or near Chino Station.
Timetable of Alpico Transport (bus)

Equipment and Facilities

Changing rooms

Free changing rooms are available. Coin lockers are available for a fee.

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