Flanked on all sides by ski resorts, Hotakasan rises high above Minakami and pierces through the clouds. From the peak you can gaze down into Numata to the south or over to its more popular neighbor Tanigawadake to the northwest. Although not as famous as some other mountains in the area, it still has fantastic views without all the crowds. The trail meanders its way through the forest until it climbs steeply up to the ridge line. From there its a mild climb punctuated by a couple of chain assisted rock climbs, then within a short time you're at the peak.
- 1 min read
Hotakasan Above the Clouds
Great views are worth the wait
Top Articles
-
![Exploring Japan Through the Seasons: Three First-Time Classic Tours]( "Exploring Japan Through the Seasons: Three First-Time Classic Tours")
1Exploring Japan Through the Seasons: Three First-Time Classic Tours
Culture -
![Shopping in Ginza: 10 Unexpected Finds at Matsuya Ginza]( "Shopping in Ginza: 10 Unexpected Finds at Matsuya Ginza")
2Shopping in Ginza: 10 Unexpected Finds at Matsuya Ginza
Tokyo - Sponsored -
![A Spring and Summer Guide to Lake Tazawa, Complete with the Perfect Stay]( "A Spring and Summer Guide to Lake Tazawa, Complete with the Perfect Stay")
3A Spring and Summer Guide to Lake Tazawa, Complete with the Perfect Stay
Akita - Sponsored -
![Exploring Tokyo’s Food Culture]( "Exploring Tokyo’s Food Culture")
4Exploring Tokyo’s Food Culture
Tokyo - Sponsored -
![Nara Beyond the Crowds With Two Peaceful Retreats]( "Nara Beyond the Crowds With Two Peaceful Retreats")
5Nara Beyond the Crowds With Two Peaceful Retreats
Nara - Sponsored -
![Explore Ishigaki From Town to Shore on a Two-Hotel Escape]( "Explore Ishigaki From Town to Shore on a Two-Hotel Escape")
6Explore Ishigaki From Town to Shore on a Two-Hotel Escape
Okinawa - Sponsored -
![Izu Kogen: Japan’s Most Dog-Friendly Destination]( "Izu Kogen: Japan’s Most Dog-Friendly Destination")
7Izu Kogen: Japan’s Most Dog-Friendly Destination
Shizuoka - Sponsored -
![Nature, Art, and Culture Along an Ancient Route]( "Nature, Art, and Culture Along an Ancient Route")
8Nature, Art, and Culture Along an Ancient Route
Culture - Sponsored -
![Ultimate Fukuoka Food Guide: Hakata Ramen, Yatai Culture & Beyond]( "Ultimate Fukuoka Food Guide: Hakata Ramen, Yatai Culture & Beyond")
9Ultimate Fukuoka Food Guide: Hakata Ramen, Yatai Culture & Beyond
Fukuoka - Sponsored -
![An All-Inclusive Osaka Escape With KAMENOI HOTEL TONDABAYASHI ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT]( "An All-Inclusive Osaka Escape With KAMENOI HOTEL TONDABAYASHI ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT")
10An All-Inclusive Osaka Escape With KAMENOI HOTEL TONDABAYASHI ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT
Osaka - Sponsored
-
![Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan]( "Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan")
1Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
![Guide to Suica Cards in Japan]( "Guide to Suica Cards in Japan")
2Guide to Suica Cards in Japan
Transportation -
![Akishinodera Temple]( "Akishinodera Temple")
3Akishinodera Temple
Nara -
![Tax-free Shopping in Japan: 2026 Changes]( "Tax-free Shopping in Japan: 2026 Changes")
4Tax-free Shopping in Japan: 2026 Changes
Planning -
![The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo]( "The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo")
5The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
![Punch the Monkey: Japan's Viral Baby Macaque]( "Punch the Monkey: Japan's Viral Baby Macaque")
6Punch the Monkey: Japan's Viral Baby Macaque
Chiba -
![May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)]( "May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)")
7May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
![Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo]( "Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo")
8Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
![Ghibli Museum: How To Get Tickets (2026 Guide)]( "Ghibli Museum: How To Get Tickets (2026 Guide)")
9Ghibli Museum: How To Get Tickets (2026 Guide)
Culture -
![Japanese Urban Legends]( "Japanese Urban Legends")
10Japanese Urban Legends
Culture
