Hi all,

I'm planning on hiking this circuit over 3 days during the week Oct 21-26 (flexible during those days). Just wondering if anyone has the same idea, or is looking for a partner, as at this stage, I'm solo.

I'm a mid-30's, fit Western guy, with plenty of trekking experience, very easy-going and self sufficient; plan on bivying as I go around the circuit.

Cheers.

Scott,

Sounds like a nice plan. Wish I could join you.

Do you have experience with winter mountaineering? There's a very good chance that the route will be covered in snow, which means you'll definitely need 12-point crampons, an ice axe and ropes. The first snowfall came at the end of September, but it has already melted. The hut at Yari is open until the beginning of November, so my advice would be to keep checking the weather conditions/live cams to see the conditions. If you're not comfortable in doing the Daikiretto in the snow, then you can consider just climbing Mt. Yari. From Kamikochi it's a 22km hike to the summit (via Yari-sawa)

Anyway, here are some useful links:

Yari hut
http://www.mcci.or.jp/www/yarigatake/

Yari web cam
http://www.mcci.or.jp/www/yarigatake/

Good luck with the trek. Don't let the snow discourage you. Just plan ahead.

Thanks for taking the time to reply Wes, all good advice.

I have a reasonable level of snow/ice skills, but it never hurts to consider all the "What if" cases. I'm hoping that some realistic forward planning will negate a few of the issues if the route does get an unexpected snowfall. And as you mentioned, if the circuit gets snowed in, I'll make it a couple of day hikes, and retreat to the comfort of the onsens at Hirayu overnight!

Cheers for the links also, and the advice for the Yari hut.

hey Scott,

I hope you're gearing up for your trip. There's still no snow on the ridge line, so it should be a go for your traverse. The weather should hold out all week, so have fun and take lots of pictures

Here's a link to a useful weather site

http://www.jma.go.jp/en/week/