The Panorama Ginza route is as one can imagine from its name, a very panoramic and very popular route in the Northern Japan Alps. It treats hikers to astounding views along the long ridgeline of the Jonen mountain range each day and includes one of what is known as the “Hyaku-meizan” or “100 famous mountains of Japan” - Mt. Jonen as well as the beautiful peaks of Mt. Chogatake, Mt. Otensho and Mt. Tsubakuro. The route is long but the trails are well maintained and easy to walk. There are also mountain huts and camping areas along the way where you can obtain food and water or stay the night.

Start your hike from the Mitsumata trailhead and climb north towards Mt. Chogatake. It’s a long climb up that will take you about 5 hours but your efforts will be well rewarded upon reaching the Chogatake mountain hut and the peak of Mt. Chogatake which is just another short 5 minutes climb from the hut. From Chogatake, the route follows an undulating ridgeline with incredible views of Mt. Yarigatake and Mt. Hotaka to the west and the cities of Azumino and Matsumotodaira to the east below. When doing the hike over 3 days, you’ll pass by Mt. Jonen and continue along to Mt. Otensho and the Daitenjo Mountain Hut (the mountain is referred to by both names). If doing the hike over 4 days, you may want to plan an additional stay at the Mt. Jonen mountain hut. From Daitenso, head towards Mt. Tsubakuro. This mountain is famous for its unusual rock formations such as the “Dolphin Rock” as well as the lovely pink Komakusa flowers which bloom during the summer. The Enzansou mountain hut is one of the largest in the Northern Alps and is your last stop before descending the long Kassen Ridge towards the Nakabusa trailhead. If time allows, treat yourself to a well-earned dip in the Nakabusa Hot Springs after your hike.