Mountaineering at Gujo!
Gujo-shi is surrounded with a number of mountains, including Mt Hakusan, Mt Dainichigatake, Mt Washigatake, and Mt Choshigamine where you can enjoy mountain climbing and trekking. Particularly at Mt Dainichigatake has a well-maintained mountain trail, having several courses for beginners to advanced users to enjoy climbing. At the mountaintop, which is over 1,700 meters above sea level, there is a spacious observation space with a 360-degree panoramic view of Mt Hakusan, Northern Alps, Mt Ontake, and Mt Norikuradake. Please make sure to prepare in advance, enjoy mountaineering, and see the great view from the mountaintop.
Field Introduction
Introducing the most representative mountaineering field at Gujo
Shirotori Takasu Area
Mt Dainichigatake
Mt Dainichigatake, located at the southeast of Mt Hakusan with altitude of 1,709m, is part of Hakusan National Park. Monk Taicho opened the mountain in year 717 which is known as a mountain of worship. Depending on different routes, it usually takes about 5 to 7 hours for a round trip. You can enjoy mountaineering from beginners to advanced climbers.
Takasu Area
Mt Washigatake
Heading for the mountaintop at an altitude of 1,672m. Since the forest road is relatively well maintained, even beginners can climb easily. It is one of the 300 famous mountains in Japan that many climbers from all over the country. From open space “Ippukudaira” at an altitude of 1,460m, you can see the shape of the mountain just like its name, Washi means eagle. It takes about 4 to 5 hours for a round trip. However, please make sure to check the forest road information in advance after heavy rain, before climbing. Since there is little shade in summer, it is necessary to take measures against heat stroke. It is recommended to climb during the fresh green season from May to June and the autumn leaves season from September to October. Special equipment is required during winter, and it is for people who have knowledge of mountain climbing only.
Shirotori Area
Mt Choshigamine
Mt Choshigamine is the highest mountain in Gujo-shi with an altitude of 1,810m. It is a mountain that was filled with climbers of Hakusan-shinko since ancient times. One of the highlights is Itoshiro Osugi (Itoshiro big cedar tree) of over 1,800 years old is located near the trailhead. Autumn leaves are beautiful and the view from the mountaintop is excellent too. It takes about 7 hours for a round trip. However, mountain trail has some slopes for intermediate and above with some mountaineering experience. Also, since there are few water places, it is necessary to prepare before you come.
Ask mountain climb guide
about the attractiveness of mountains in Gujo
We asked Mr Daisuke Wada of Earthship, a mountaineering guide of Japan Mountain Guide Association, about the attractiveness of mountains in Gujo.
I’m from Gujo-shi, and now I’m a guide of various tours at EARTH SHIP, which offers outdoor activity tours in Gujo. The reason I started climbing was actually snowboarding. When I go climbing in summer to see the snowboarding slopes and slopes behind them, I am interested in climbing. So, I made it my career as a mountaineering guide. The attractiveness of mountaineering is I can think of various things while walking in the quiet mountains. I can feel time passes in a different way than usual. It can make you feel returning to basic. Especially in Gujo, there are many quiet mountains rather than mountains that are crowded with many climbers, and it feels like you are entering into the nature. You may see some serows too!