(皇海山) Mt. Sukai Hike

 

A looooong trek, but hopefully is something I'll get to do soon. 

Budget: JPY6,420 (~USD62)

• JPY6,420. Train, Tokyo  < > Haramuko Station (JPY3,210 one way)

Hike Date / Difficulty (Elevation: 2,144m / 7,034ft)

• 2021
• Difficulty: 5 out of 5. 
• Route below is around 26.3kilometers, with an elevation change of ▲2,470m/ ▽2,470m, 14 hours (source)
• Map Link 

When to Go
Throughout the year it seems, but be safe and avoid December to February. 

Special Notes

• Weather check: English / Japanese. 
• Trailheads. There are two different trailheads, none of which are accessible via public transportation. 
• Ginzandaira (銀山平). Google maps pin here. There is a camping spot here and a free mountain hut. 
• Train. Tokyo to Haramuko Station (原向駅). JPY3,210, 3hrs~ one way from Kitasenju Station. The earliest ETA if coming Saturday morning is 9:00am. 
• Walk/Taxi. Haramuko Station to Ginzaidaira. It'll be at least 1.5 hours, 6kms, 200m gain. 
• Kougai (栗原). No public transportation, and access to the road is even questionable. 
• Updated status of the road is in this website. 
• A blog sharing how to get there is here. 
• For 2020, it is closed due to Typhoon 19 back in 2019. Call 0278-56-2111 for the updated status
• Mountain huts.
• Paid. None. 
• Free:
• 国民宿舎かじか荘. Right at the trailhead. Staying is at JPY2,080. Having your own Bungalow, no sleeping bags provided, JPY5,230 for 4 people. 
• 庚申山荘. Halfway the hike, but still 4 hours from the summit, JPY2,080 per person. I know, I know, it's not free, but it's closer to a free hut than a paid one. It says that there is a restroom and a futon, but bring your own sleeping bag just in case. 
• Camping:
• 国民宿舎かじか荘. Right at the trailhead. JPY1,560 per tent. 

Itinerary
Friday

• Train, Kita-senju to Haramuko Station. Walk to Ginzandaira. 

Saturday

• Start hike. Camp at 庚申山荘

Sunday

• Start hiking to the summit. Return to Ginzandaira.