Hello all,

I have recently arrived in Tokyo and am planning a hiking/ camping trip in Gunma in a week or so.

Does anybody know if this is a good/bad idea? Is there still too much snow on the ground?

Any tips/recommendations/warnings would be greatly appreciated.

Gracias

levele,
Welcome to Japan. What part of Gunma were you thinking? The snow levels vary depending on where you want to go. Oze is currently buried under 1 meter of snow, and Mt. Tanigawa has over 3 meters! Lower elevations should be relatively clear of the white stuff with all of the warm weather we've been having. If you're up for a 2-day hike then I'd recommend Mt. Kumotori near Chichibu. It's not Gunma but in Saitama. I climbed it in March a few years ago. There was over a meter of snow, but I never used the crampons I brought. Mt. Tanzawa in Kanagawa Pref. is also a great hike, and there shouldn't be so much snow. Both of these hikes have fantastic views of Mt. Fuji. I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any more questions.

Do either of those places have any natural onsen nearby that I can perhaps enjoy during/after my hike?

Also, if I were to camp for a night or two, are there specified grounds where camping is allowed or am I able to freely camp wherever I please?

Obviously I am completely new at this and am clueless.

Thanks for the help!

Mt. Kumotori has a hot spring at the end of the hike (in Okutama). It's quite nice for an after hike soak. Both the kumotori and Tanzawa hikes are the in the Lonely Planet "Hiking in Japan" book. As far as pitching a tent, you're supposed to camp in designated areas, but in the snow you anywhere. Most camp sites are situated next to mountain huts. You'll have to register at the hut and pay a nominal fee (usually between 500 and 1000 yen). If you're not camping on a mountain but in a rural area, some places have "No Camping" signs but they're usually written in Japanese. I've done tons of "illegal" camping and never had a problem.

Thanks Wes!

I think I will check out Mt. Kumotori in a week or so. Hopefully alot of the snow will be more or less receding by then.


Cheers