南アルプス - Hiking in Southern Alps

Though pretty impressive Minami Alps are by far harder to access than Kita Alps. One-Day trips from Tokyo are basically impossible although they seem to be close (compared to Kita-Alps). With a fair amount of planning, rent-a-car and overnight stay Minami Alps provide stunning view and easy to hike environment thanks to the fact that even starting points of a hike are often about 1600m to 2000m high. Hence within easily managable 800m-1000m of difference in elevation for a hike you're on top of even the highest mountains with breathtaking views. Access remains the main problem as Minami-Alps are closed for private traffic from spring to fall. Here's an example for Mount Senjogadake.

Location and access: Best way toaccess seems to be by car to Senryuso Parking Lot. There is a well organized bus stop for all who want to access Minami Alps. Take a bus to start your Senjogadake hike as indicated in the map below. Don't forget to book a mountain Hut on Senjogadake in advance. Have in mind that the bus ride will take more than one hour. Start early (very early) in Tokyo by car to make sure to arrive at Senryuso Parking Lot at a reasonable time that allows for hiking Senjogadake after changing to bus and bus ride plus buffer for traffic jam and things.

Parking Lot to Senjogadake trailhead (by bus)

General Location: