If I recall, the trail goes back down into the forest, and you don’t get out until you reach the Nishi hut. Obviously it’s not a level hike across though, it’s up and down all the way, amongst dense forest, with some scrambling along the sides of cliffs.

I reached the hut, had a bite to eat and enjoyed the view, and then on my way back to Yake-dake I managed to put out both of my knees. A thick, cold mist rolled in so that I could barely see the path in front of me, and I started hearing voices – all the while hobbling back up the trail at a snail’s pace. I’ve never been so thankful for hiking poles, nor so desperate to get out of a situation.

What was supposed to be fun day hike turned into an eerie, painful, hours-long trek through an overgrown, mist-filled forest. I was pretty freaked out but the most I could do was limp along one step at a time. I would hear men talking, and then their voices would suddenly stop, mid-sentence, like a radio being turned off (that’s how I thought of it at the time). I started seeing things out of the corner of my eyes – it was pretty damn unsettling! But thanks to my bum knees I couldn’t go any faster than a limp – even though I desperately wanted to.

After hours of this I eventually made it back to Yake-dake, and then back down to the parking lot as late evening approached. My tiny, red Subaru had never looked so friendly and welcoming.

So yes, Yake to Nishi: an interesting experience.

And of course, Yake-dake itself is a fantastic day-hike. I did it many times when I was in Japan, although I never did go down and check-out the lake.

I personally haven’t attempted the Yake to Nishi-Hotaka route, but based upon my research of Japanese sites, it seems like the best　place to stay would be Yake-dake goya if you’ve gotten a late start. From Yake-dake hut to Nishi-hotaka sansou, it takes about 5 hours or so, depending on your speed, so technically speaking, if you got an early enough start, you could make it from Kamikochi, up and over Mt. Yake, and onto Nishi-hotaka all in one day. Of course, in October, you have to take into account the limited daylight hours.

Be careful of snow on the approach to Nishi-hotaka. Snowfall is not unheard of in mid-October.

After you reach the hut at Nishi-hotaka, it’s a 3-hour rock scramble to the summit of Nishi-hotaka (elevation 2900m). From there, you can retrace your steps and either descend to Shin-hotaka hot spring via gondola, or take the spur trail just past the hut down to Kamikochi, making for an interesting loop.

Let me know if you have any other questions

Wes

I’m planning on going to Kamikochi in mid-October. Can you please supply some more information on making the Yake a 2-day trip? Such as the huts on the way to the second mountain you mentioned, when they are open, how long the track etc. Assuming I start at Kamikochi.

Thank you very much.