Ski Japanese Haute Route

Overview

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Introduction

The traverse of the Northern Alps of Honshu from Murodo to Kamikochi is arguably the best ski mountaineering journey Guide, Jim Blyth has done. We were the first group of foreign skiers to complete the journey when we did it in 2008 and we have since repeated it twice, most recently in April 2024.

With magical sunrises, long days, heavy packs, steep terrain, and snow camping it doesn't come easy. For those up for the challenge the JHR gives one of the most memorable ski mountaineering experiences there are. Summits include Yarigatake 3180m and Japan's third highest mountain 3190m Okuhotaka. We aim to finish with a ski descent of 3776m Fuji-san.

What to expect

Ski touring in Japan gives similar challenges in terms of terrain, conditions and climate, to the European Alps.

The terrain is unglaciated but you need a harness, light crampons and axe for the mountaineering parts of the trip. Days vary in length from around seven to fourteen hours. There are four long days back-to-back which will require a high standard of fitness if they are to be completed with one's sense of humour intact. The vertical ascent per day varies from 800 - 1850m.

Accommodation is in tents, mountain huts, comfortable guesthouses and hotels. We have one special night at a Shukubo temple. Food (when in the valley) will be of a very high standard.

Weather and conditions

Temperatures in the mountains should range from -5°C to plus 15°C. Cold is not an issue on this trip. Rainfall is relatively low and the days are often clear.

Start point: Tokyo
Grade: 10D (Please contact us to discuss your skiing ability with Guide, Jim Blyth)

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Tailor Made Trips

We can organise this expedition on a ‘tailor-made’ private basis for groups of friends, families, clubs, charities or any other group. The cost of going private can be surprisingly reasonable. Please contact us to discuss the itinerary and your preferred dates. We will then send you a quote, with no obligation.

Additional Information

If you wish to discuss any aspect of the expedition or your suitability for it, please phone +44 (0)114 276 3322 or contact us.

Know Before You Go

Jagged Globe supports the British Foreign Development and Commonwealth Office (FCDO) ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign. We recommend that you read the FCDO Travel Advice for Japan on the FCDO Website.

What the price includes

• Guides' fees and expenses.
• Hotel, guest house and mountain hut accommodation on a half-board basis
• All road transport in Japan

What the price does not include

• International flights to Tokyo
• Flights to Toyama
• Visa Fees
• UK and Foreign Airport taxes
• Lunches
• Sightseeing tours
• Travel Insurance
• Bar bills and laundry
• Tips

Insurance

You will need a travel insurance policy that caters for the activities you will undertake on your trip with Jagged Globe. It is a requirement of our booking conditions that you have such a policy. For a list of insurers who specialise in mountaineering, trekking and skiing, please see our Travel Insurance page »

Itinerary

Here is an outline itinerary for this trip.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1:	Fly to Tokyo.
Day 2 - 15:	Ski touring - please contact us for a detailed itinerary.
Day 16:	Fly home.

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