Washiba-dake (鷲羽岳, 2,924 m) is one of the most remote major peaks in Japan's Northern Alps. The name comes from the mountain's appearance seen from Mitsumata-Renge-dake to the south, where the whole peak looks like an eagle spreading and flapping its wings. It sits at the source of the Kurobe River, deep in the high backcountry, and reaching it requires a multi-day approach across high alpine terrain. Its higher immediate neighbour, Suisho-dake (2,986 m), stands just to the north and is almost always climbed on the same trip.
It is one of Fukada Kyuya's 100 Famous Mountains (Hyakumeizan). The book lists its peaks in a roughly north-to-south geographic order rather than as a ranking, so there is no "official" numbered position.
Why Fukada Chose Washiba-dake
Fukada Kyuya included Washiba-dake among his 100 Famous Mountains for its deep-interior character: it stands at the source of the Kurobe River, far from any road, in one of the most remote corners of the Northern Alps. Reaching it has always demanded several days on high ridgelines, and that sense of distance from the everyday world is central to its appeal.
The Mountain
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Elevation | 2,924 m (9,593 ft) |
| Prefectures | Toyama / Nagano (Northern Alps) |
| Name meaning | "Eagle flapping its wings" — the peak's appearance seen from the south |
| Hyakumeizan | Book order: roughly north-to-south, not a ranking |
| Higher neighbour | Suisho-dake (2,986 m), just to the north |
| Notable feature | Source of the Kurobe River (黒部川源流) |
| Base hut | Mitsumata Sansō (三俣山荘) |
| Typical season | Late July – September (multi-day only) |
The Routes
There is no short or single-day route to Washiba-dake. Every approach is a multi-day trip on high ridgelines, and parties should be experienced in self-sufficient alpine travel.
Ura-Ginza (裏銀座) Traverse — 4 nights / 5 days
Grade: Strenuous (multi-day, alpine)
The classic and most famous way to take in Washiba-dake. The route starts at Takase Dam and crosses a long chain of peaks: Eboshi-dake, Noguchi-Goro-dake, Suisho-dake (2,986 m), Washiba-dake (2,924 m), Mitsumata-Renge-dake, and Sugoroku-dake, before finishing at Yarigatake and descending to Kamikochi. Published figures for the full traverse are about 49.1 km of walking with roughly 4,614 m of cumulative elevation gain.
Huts along the way include Eboshi-koya, Suisho-koya, Mitsumata Sansō, and Sugoroku-koya.
Shorter approach via Mitsumata Sansō
Grade: Strenuous (multi-day)
Washiba-dake can also be reached on a there-and-back climb based at Mitsumata Sansō, which sits in the col just south of the summit. Hikers commonly combine the climb with neighbouring Suisho-dake (2,986 m) on the same trip, since the higher peak is only a short distance to the north. Plan the exact itinerary around hut bookings and your party's pace.
Getting There
Access to the Ura-Ginza trailhead at Takase Dam is by a car-regulated mountain road. Private vehicles cannot drive all the way up: hikers park near Nanakura Onsen and take a share-taxi from there up to Takase Dam (roughly 2,600 yen per person). From the dam, the traverse climbs onto the Ura-Ginza ridge.
The traverse finishes at Yarigatake and descends to Kamikochi, which is reached from Matsumoto by bus. Plan transport as a point-to-point trip rather than an out-and-back.
Mountain Huts
Mitsumata Sansō (三俣山荘): The key base hut for Washiba-dake, standing in the col between Mitsumata-Renge-dake and Washiba-dake at around 2,550 m. Water is available, and reservations can be made through the hut's online booking system or by phone (050-8882-5833, 7:00–16:00). It is part of the Mitsumata Sansō hut group together with Suisho-koya and Yumata Sansō.
Sugoroku-koya (双六小屋): A major junction hut on the wider route network, linking the Ura-Ginza and Shinhotaka approaches. Advance booking is essential.
Flora and Wildlife
Bears: This is Honshu Northern Alps terrain, home to the Asiatic black bear. Carry a bear bell, make noise on quiet stretches, and store food properly at huts and campsites. (Bear spray is the standard precaution in Hokkaido brown bear country, not here.)
Japanese ptarmigan (raicho / ライチョウ): A protected native species of the alpine zone, sometimes seen on the open rocky ridges of this area. Observe quietly and keep your distance.
Alpine wildflowers: The high gravel and rocky ground supports characteristic alpine plants such as komakusa (pink dicentra) through midsummer.
Birdlife: Honshu alpine-zone birds such as the Alpine accentor (iwa-hibari) and swifts (amatsubame) are typical of this high terrain.
Seasonal Guide
Late June – mid July: Snowfields often linger on the approaches. Experienced parties only, with appropriate gear.
Late July – August: The main season for the Ura-Ginza traverse, with the most settled conditions. Huts fill early — book well ahead.
September: Often excellent, with clearer air and early autumn colour on the lower approaches.
Practical Tips for Foreign Visitors
This is a committing trip, not a day hike. There is no quick route to the summit. Allow several days, carry enough supplies between huts, and have the experience to handle long alpine ridgelines and changeable weather.
Book huts early. Mitsumata Sansō and the other huts on the Ura-Ginza fill quickly in season. Reserve well in advance — Mitsumata Sansō takes online bookings and phone reservations (050-8882-5833, 7:00–16:00).
Plan point-to-point transport. The Ura-Ginza start (Takase Dam, via a share-taxi from Nanakura Onsen) and the Kamikochi finish are far apart. Sort out access at both ends before you set off.
Pair Washiba with Suisho-dake. Suisho-dake (2,986 m) is the higher neighbour just to the north and is easy to add on the same trip — a natural two-peak objective for the deep interior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you climb Washiba-dake as a day hike?
No. There is no short or single-day route. Every approach is a multi-day trip on high ridgelines, and you should be experienced in self-sufficient alpine travel.
How do you reach the trailhead without a car?
The Ura-Ginza start at Takase Dam sits on a car-regulated road, so private vehicles cannot drive all the way up. Hikers park near Nanakura Onsen and take a share-taxi up to Takase Dam (roughly 2,600 yen per person). The traverse finishes at Kamikochi, which is reached from Matsumoto by bus, so plan it as a point-to-point trip.
Do you need to book the mountain huts in advance?
Yes. Mitsumata Sansō and the other huts on the Ura-Ginza fill quickly in season, so reserve well ahead. Mitsumata Sansō takes online bookings and phone reservations (050-8882-5833, 7:00–16:00).
When is the best time to climb, and when does the snow clear?
The main season runs late July to September, with the most settled conditions in late July and August and often clearer air in September. From late June into mid July snowfields often linger on the approaches, so that earlier window is for experienced parties with appropriate gear.
What about bears, and is bear spray needed?
This is Honshu Northern Alps terrain, home to the Asiatic black bear. Carry a bear bell, make noise on quiet stretches, and store food properly at huts and campsites. Bear spray is the standard precaution in Hokkaido brown bear country, not here.
Is Washiba-dake suitable for beginners or families?
No. It is a committing, multi-day objective with no quick route to the summit. You need to allow several days, carry enough supplies between huts, and have the experience to handle long alpine ridgelines and changeable weather.
This guide is part of the Japan's 100 Famous Mountains: Complete Hyakumeizan Guide series.
