2024.11.09 – 2024.11.10
This event has been held in one go for two consecutive years, but due to the organizer Kenichi Yamamoto’s knee condition not being fully recovered, this year it was held over two days.
On the first day, we cleared away fallen leaves, stones, and branches from the Minebari Ridge in Ashiyasu, which had been difficult to walk on last year, to make it more accessible. Everyone worked together, using both hands and words, as we headed towards Mt. Karamatsu. The distance was 5km, with a cumulative elevation gain of 1,000m, and the path became very easy to walk. It was a wonderful time, deepening our connections with one another. Thank you very much!
It seems that it has become easier to access Mt. Kushigata from Ashiyasu, but since fallen leaves continue to accumulate each day during this season, they may cover the path again. I plan to visit soon.
At the trailhead, there are Kanayamazawa Onsen and Iwazono Onsen, where you can enjoy a relaxing hot spring bath. This time, we all enjoyed a dip at Kanayamazawa Onsen. It was the perfect way to end the day.
After cleaning up the Minebari Ridge, it was time for dinner at Keisetsu Ryokan in Nirasaki, soaking in the afterglow🍽️
A free meal by Yamazaki-san from the local Yeti Gelato Yatsugatake and Yes Bagel Hakushu 🥘🥗🍲☕️🍊
@yetigelato & @yesbagel
When these two come together, delicious and stylish food appears. Thank you 🙏
Thank you as always.
The paella completion ceremony was so much fun!
Day 2: Southern Alps Front Trail – Minebari Ridge Touring
The group consisted of 12 people who had remained from the previous day’s cleanup.
Starting from Kanayamazawa Onsen in Ashiyasu, which was our base for this trip, we went to Yashajin Pass – Kanbahira – Donokoya Pass – Ikenochaya Parking Lot – Mt. Kushigata – Ayamedaira – Mt. Karamatsu – Minebari Ridge – Kanayamazawa Onsen
This is a bit of an adventure route. It is about 25 km in circumference and 2500 mD+, so it is a challenging walk.
The Southern Alps Front Trail is right in Section 1.
In the first Jun Cup, we went north, but this time we went south. (Route) As always, there are rope zones and scree areas waiting for us, so we never get bored.
At Mount Kushigatake, a primeval forest awaits. You will be soothed by the sight of the Usnea.
Finally, we had a pleasant descent along the Minebari Ridge, which we had started on the previous day. The fallen larch leaves had already softened the course, making the descent even more pleasant. We were able to complete a very enjoyable loop course.
*Some parts of the trail have cliffs. Route finding is required in places. We recommend hiking with at least two people. No matter how many times we go, we always end up getting lost a few times.
Finally, the good thing about this route is that it starts from Kanayamazawa Onsen.
It’s great to be able to walk up the mountain and then take a dip in a hot spring. The water is really nice.
📸 Thank you to cameraman Hirano for being so mobile and joining us throughout the entire process.@ryo.hira 🙏🙏🙏
