(穂高岳) Mt. Hotaka Hike

Famed as having one of the most dangerous/difficult trail in Japan (if not the most), I have been warned by hiker friends who are in no way newbies and have explored all over - so this is NOT to be underestimated. 

But, there are numerous, numerous ways to summit Mt. Hotaka, so I'd rather avoid that dangerous section and not risk my life beyond the normal risks that come with hiking. 

Also, there is another mountain amongst the Hyakumeizan called Mt. Hotaka (武尊山) in Gunma, and they are in no way related as far as I know. 

Budget: JPY9,000 (~USD86)

• JPY8,000. Roundtrip bus, allocated using Willer Bus Pass (JPY4,000 one way)
• JPY1,000. Camping fee. 

Hike Date / Difficulty (Elevation: 3,106m / 10,190ft)

• Target: October 2021
• Difficulty: 5 out of 5. 
• Route below is around 25.3kilometers, with an elevation change of ▲2,276m/ ▽2,275m
• PDF Map Link 

When to Go
Buses from Tokyo to Kamikochi only run from mid April to early November, but the buses to Hirayu Onsen run throughout the year. 

However, to get good weather and autumn foliage, early October is recommended. 

Special Notes

• Trailheads. This hike definitely requires advanced consideration, as it can be quite dangerous. 
• Kamikochi (上高地).  Direct to the summit, and more importantly, safer. 
• Direct Bus, Tokyo (Shinjuku) to Kamikochi. JPY4,000 one way, using JBL bus pass. Otherwise, depending on the season, JPY6,500 to JPY8,600 one way, reserve here.

Bus schedule, Tokyo < > Kamikochi

• Shin-hotaka Onsen (新穂高温泉). Some of the trails are not passable due to an earthquake, the passable trail is either via Yarigatake or going up Shinhotaka Ropeway - which is the dangerous trail. Access wise, this is bus stop H065 in the schedule below. Take note that you would want to stop at the last stop - Shihotaka Ropeway, NOT Shinhotaka Onsen.  
• Bus, Tokyo to Hirayu Onsen (平湯温泉). JPY4,000 one way, using JBL bus pass. Otherwise, JPY6,200 one way, reserve here.
• Bus, Hirayu Onsen to Shin-Hotaka Onsen. JPY690 one way.

Bus Schedule, Tokyo < > Hirayu Onsen

Bus Schedule, Hirayu Onsen < > Shinhotaka Ropeway

• Mountain huts. There are quite a lot of camping spots and huts depending on the route, so I'm only writing the ones I'm considering for the route described in the map above. 
• Paid. Hotakadake-sansou (穂高岳山荘). Pretty expensive, a stay with no meals cost JPY7,300. Reservations at 090-7869-0045 or their website. Huts are open from July to October 24 for 2020. 
• Free. None. Outside of the hiking season, Hotakadake-sansou serves as an emergency hut, with an honesty basis JPY1,000 fee to be paid to their office upon use. 
• Camping. Near the summit - Hotakadake-sansou, JPY1,000 per person. The area was described as exposed at this blog, so that is a risk with camping, reservations required for 2020. 
• Camping. Karasawa Hut (涸沢ヒュッテ), JPY1,000 per person. Just in case the camping spot in Hotakadake-sansou gets too windy or too crowded.  

Itinerary
Friday

• 10:35pm. Bus, Shinjuku Bus Terminal.

Saturday

• 05:20am. ETA: Kamikochi Bus Terminal.
• 06:00am. Start hike. 
• 08:30am. ETA: 岳沢小屋
• 01:30pm. ETA: Summit: 奥穂高岳
• 02:10pm. ETA: Hotakadake-sansou. Camp for the night if possible. 

Sunday

• 05:30am. Start hike down.
• 07:00am. ETA: 涸沢
• 09:00am. ETA: Yokoo 横尾
• 12:05pm. ETA: Kamikochi. Explore the area. 
• 03:00pm. Bus, Kamikochi Bus Terminal.
• 07:47pm. ETA: Shinjuku Bus Terminal.