Rising 2763m above sea level, the shining white granite mountain called Mt. Tsubakuro is also known as the Queen of the Northern Alps. As you walk along the ridge towards the summit, highlights include unusual rock formations called glass rock or dolphin rock and alpine flowers called komakusa which bloom abundantly in this area. The “Enzansou” Mountain Hut built in 1921 is one of the most popular mountain huts in Japan offering lodging, a tea house as well as a souvenir shop.

From the trailhead, the Kassen Ridge trail ascends 1250m up to the hut and is considered one of the three steepest ascents in the Alps. The trail is long and steep but is well maintained making it a good introductory course to the Northern Alps for beginner to intermediate hikers. Stop by Benches No 1, 2, 3 and Fujimi bench to rest along the way as well as the Kassen Hut which although it doesn’t have accommodations, offers food including a local “mountain” specialty – watermelon! Upon reaching Enzansou, check-in and make one more push up to the summit and back.