This is a tough, but exceptionally rewarding loop hike, loaded with epic views, spectacular summits and satisfying ridge walking. During the course of three full days on the trail we'll summit a whopping 6 peaks, each standing in excess of 2,600 meters. And if you are feeling good (or greedy), we can add two more to the list by tacking on short out-and-back side trips, one for sunset, and the other for sunrise. Incidentally, 6 of those 8 mountains rank on the list of Japan's 100 tallest, so you'll earn sufficient bragging rights for your efforts.

 

There's a nice variety of terrain here as we start in forest, climb up a deep snowfield* (*summer only), emerge onto a rocky ridge and scramble up and down craggy peak after craggy peak before once again descending into pleasant forest. Not only is the landscape we are traveling through worthy of your attention, but the views of parallel and distant mountain ridges, as well as the massive Kurobe Dam and tiny cities in the valleys below are truly awe inspiring. The ups and downs along the ridge on day two will test your legs, but the scenery should give you all the motivation you need to keep pushing. You'll almost certainly have the opportunity to see what the Japanese call "unkai", the sea of clouds stretched out below your feet from a lofty mountain perch, at least once - and this phenomenon in conjunction with the morning sunrise is a special experience.

 

This trail can be semi-technical and exposed in places, and with the healthy elevation gain we can expect to be on the trail around 8 hours each the first two days and 5 to 6 hours on day three. These times as well as the "Activity Data" in the graphic above include the side trips to the two additional peaks.