Hotakasan Above the Clouds

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.