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 Tokyo’s Food Culture]( "Exploring Tokyo’s Food Culture")
1Exploring Tokyo’s Food Culture
Tokyo - Sponsored -
![Explore Hakodate’s Gourmet Food and Markets]( "Explore Hakodate’s Gourmet Food and Markets")
2Explore Hakodate’s Gourmet Food and Markets
Hokkaido - Sponsored -
![Izu Kogen: Japan’s Most Dog-Friendly Destination]( "Izu Kogen: Japan’s Most Dog-Friendly Destination")
3Izu 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")
4Nature, Art, and Culture Along an Ancient Route
Culture - 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")
5A Spring and Summer Guide to Lake Tazawa, Complete with the Perfect Stay
Akita - Sponsored -
![Kamenoi Hotel Aso: A Grand Nature Resort in Aso]( "Kamenoi Hotel Aso: A Grand Nature Resort in Aso")
6Kamenoi Hotel Aso: A Grand Nature Resort in Aso
Kumamoto - Sponsored -
![Inside Nagasaki’s Tea World with Nagasaki Ikedoki Tea Tours]( "Inside Nagasaki’s Tea World with Nagasaki Ikedoki Tea Tours")
7Inside Nagasaki’s Tea World with Nagasaki Ikedoki Tea Tours
Nagasaki - Sponsored -
![Nara Beyond the Crowds With Two Peaceful Retreats]( "Nara Beyond the Crowds With Two Peaceful Retreats")
8Nara Beyond the Crowds With Two Peaceful Retreats
Nara - Sponsored -
![A Vegan Visit to Fukuoka]( "A Vegan Visit to Fukuoka")
9A Vegan Visit to Fukuoka
Fukuoka - Sponsored -
![Ultimate Fukuoka Food Guide: Hakata Ramen, Yatai Culture & Beyond]( "Ultimate Fukuoka Food Guide: Hakata Ramen, Yatai Culture & Beyond")
10Ultimate Fukuoka Food Guide: Hakata Ramen, Yatai Culture & Beyond
Fukuoka - 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
