Central Alps Fastpacking Trip

A full north-to-south traverse of the Central Alps, starting from the forest floor and finishing on one of the most celebrated ridgelines in Japan.

We have accommodation booked in Kiso Hirosawa, Shiojiri on Friday night so the group can catch the first local train to Agematsu and taxi to the trailhead. It is an early start with a reason.

Day one is defined by the climb. The Uematsu A Course is one of the most direct and demanding approaches in the Central Alps - 2,095m of ascent over 8.8km through dense Kiso cedar forest, with no shortcut and no ropeway. The route passes through the treeline and over the summit of Kisokoma-gatake (2,956m), the highest peak in the Central Alps. From the top on a clear day, the views take in the Northern Alps, the Southern Alps, Mt Fuji, Mt Ontake, and Yatsugatake all at once. We finish the day at Houkensanso (宝剣山荘), perched just below the rocky spire of Hoken-dake.

Day two starts at 3:30am on what is described as the golden course of the Central Alps - the main ridgeline running south with the Southern Alps on one side and Mt Ontake on the other. The ridge involves chains, exposed traverses, and sustained rocky terrain before the final climb to Utsugidake (2,864m), one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains. The descent from there is long but well-graded, finishing at Suganodai Bus Center.

This is a self-guided trip. Everyone is on the same course and staying at the same campsite, but we won't always move together. Goodpace are community facilitators, we are not mountain guides or leaders. All participants are responsible for their own safety, their own gear, and their own decisions on the mountain. If you are unsure whether the route is within your abilities, please get in touch before signing up.

Both Japanese and English speakers are welcome - we will do our best to support both languages throughout the trip.

Date: Saturday 8 - Sunday 9 August 2026
Meet: Kiso Hirosawa Friday Night
Train: Sat Morning - Kiso Hirosawa 07:11 - Agematsu 07:44
Night: Houkensanso Campground (宝剣山荘)
Finish: Suganodai Bus Center (菅の台バスセンター)
Day 1: 8.8km, 2,095m up, 311m down
Day 2: 18.6km, 1,320m up, 3,340m down
Level: Upper Intermediate (4/5)
Price: ¥20,000 - covers Friday night accommodation, campsite fee, taxi to trailhead, and logistical admin costs. Always bring emergency cash - food and supplies cost significantly more in the mountains than in town.

Mandatory Gear

• Helmet - chains and exposed sections throughout day two

• Headlamp - 3:30am departure on day two

• Fastpack or pack of at least 25 litres

• Tent or shelter

• Sleeping bag or quilt

• Sleeping pad

• Warm layers - temperatures at altitude can drop significantly overnight even in summer

• Emergency bivvy or sheet

• First aid kit

• 1.5 litres of water minimum

• Enough food including lunch and dinner on day one and breakfast on day two

• Mountain insurance

If you are missing anything on this list, let us know and we can help with lending, buying, or renting recommendations.

Cancellation by Participant
More than 7 days before: Full refund minus 10% admin fee
7 days to 72 hours before: 50% refund
Under 72 hours before: No refund

Spot transfers: a participant may transfer their spot to another person at any time, subject to vetting approval by Goodpace. The transfer is the participant's responsibility to arrange - Goodpace do not facilitate peer-to-peer payments.

Cancellation by Goodpace
Force majeure (severe weather, trail closure, natural disaster, safety concern beyond our control): Full transfer to a future Goodpace event, or partial refund after deducting any unrecoverable costs already paid. We will be fully transparent about what has been spent.
Organisational failure within our control: Full refund, no deductions, no questions.