Northern Japan Alps Panorama-Ginza Azumino City Hiking Guide & Map

Introductionto the Northern Japan Alps

The “Japan Alps” is made up of three large mountain ranges that include many of the highest peaks in Japan. While each range has a Japanese name, the Hida Mountains (Northern Alps), Kiso Mountains (Central Alps) and Akaishi Mountains (Southern Alps), they are now commonly and collectively referred to as the “Japanese Alps”, a term that was first coined by British mountaineer William Gowland back in 1881 when referring to the Hida mountain range.

The Northern Japan Alps consists of the Ushiro-Tateyama and Tateyama mountain ranges to the north and the Jonen and Hotaka mountain ranges to the south. The hiking and mountaineering routes along these mountains vary widely in terms of difficulty but one of the most popular and highly recommended areas for an excellent introduction to the Northern Alps is the “Panorama Ginza”. Named after the glamorous “Ginza” shopping district, this beautiful alpine area is packed with stunning panoramic vistas and famous mountains (see below). It’s also popular among hikers because of its well established network of mountain huts. Azumino City is also an interesting place to visit both before and after your hike and will complete your amazing Northern Alps experience.

The Plants & Animalsof the Northern Japan Alps

The five famous mountains inPanorama Ginza & Omote Ginza

Mt. Jonen | 2857m The massive pyramid shaped mountain is also the symbol of Azumino City.

Mt. Chogatake | 2677m Named after a butterfly (“cho”) shape that appears in a snow valley in the spring.

Mt. Otensho | 2922m The highest peak between Mt. Tsubakuro and Mt. Yarigatake along the Omote Ginza route.

Mt. Tsubakuro | 2763m Popular for its unusual granite rock formations and beautiful pink alpine flowers.

Mt. Yarigatake | 3180m The pointed peak of "Japan's Matterhorn" is one of the most famous in the Northern Alps.

Azumino Tourism Information Kamikochi Official Website