Daikiretto Gap.
大キレット
The most exhilarating non-technical hiking in all Japan.
What is the Daikiretto Gap?
The Daikiretto Gap is a 2000m or 6500ft long section of trail along the Hotaka ridgeline in the Northern Japanese Alps of Nagano in Japan, which bridges Mount Minami at elevation 3033m/9,951ft (17th highest in Japan) and Mount Kitahotaka at elevation 3106m/10,190ft (9th highest in Japan), where the ridgeline and trail shrinks to a width so narrow that it is termed a “gap” or break in the ridgeline.
The term “knife edge” is used to describe the Daikiretto Gap, referring to the jagged rocky trail, and the steep terrain either side. A majority of the terrain alongside the Daikiretto trail drops away sharply, upwards of 300m or 1000ft either side, requiring careful balance.
Is Daikiretto dangerous?
Safety is not a major concern while traversing the Daikiretto Gap. You will only need a sense of caution coupled with adequate hiking fitness to safely complete this hike. While there have been 9 recorded deaths along the Daikiretto, this course is popular amongst hiking enthusiasts of all ages, including the elderly. No rock climbing experience or gear is required to safely complete the traverse. If you exercise weekly there should be no trouble with completing this traverse. It can take from 2 to 4 hours to complete depending on weather conditions and your skill level.
The following Go Pro footage from YouTube will help you grasp the nature of the trail, which will help inform your decision about whether to visit the Daikiretto.
Where is the Daikiretto Gap?
The Daikiretto Gap is a section of hiking trail in the Northern Japanese Alps of Nagano in Japan. Situated along the Hotaka ridgeline, that is only accessible by hiking along the ridgeline itself. This ridgeline is the major spine of the northern of Northern Japanese Alps, with a handful of trails that ascend the mountain range to join it. The most convenient ascent trails begin at:
Kamikochi
Nakabusa Onsen
Shinhotaka
Hiking to and from the Daikiretto requires at least 2 nights stay at altitude. Camping and mountain hut accommodation options are available, with bookings required for groups of 4 or more.
Nearest Town
Matsumoto, Nagano
Getting to Matsumoto by train
Tokyo 3 hr
Osaka 4 hr
Kyoto 3.5 hr
Matsumoto is not only a good base for trips to the Japan Alps, it is also easily accessible from major cities by bus and train. Matsumoto is also famous for one of Japan’s most beautiful original castles - Matsumotojo.
Traverse the Daikiretto Gap with us.
The most exhilarating non-technical hiking in all Japan.
What to expect?
By Matthew Guy - Trek Mountain Guide
The Daikiretto Gap is known by Japanese as one of the most thrilling experiences in Japan. After a glimpse, I could understand why.
I planned a full day where I would push myself to get from Kamikochi basecamp up to Kita Hotaka mountain hut to spend the night. I knew it would be physically challenging, starting out at around 1600m altitude, and ending up at around 3000m. I also know myself well enough to understand how distracted I get when I hike alone and almost never stick to the main trail. While I was carefully studying the trail map I could see a plethora of temptations.
The environment from Kamikochi is lush green rivers mixed with sparkling clean swampy wetlands where life surely thrives on the pristine mountain snowmelt. It all quickly changes when transcending the altitude and moving towards the peak to peak trails that Northern Japanese alps is renowned for. When the tree line disappears at around 2200m, there is a shift in the mysterious and peaceful sensation that nature carries. All of sudden the mountains display their awesome power, and while there is a feeling of intimidation, their beckon call is irresistable: get to the top to feel and see the outlook.
After hours of vertical gain I had arrived at the Japanese mountain hut. The huts are spotlessly clean and warm heating welcomes weary wanders. By Japanese standards, my arrival in the early evening was a little late with the sun already setting. Yet my timing was impeccable with the scent of food being prepared in the kitchen. The other hikers had already taken their post outside the mountain hut with their cameras looking towards the north. I was drawn to the warmth of the sun and play of light so found my spot on the smooth worn wooden counter.
When I stood back and looked at the scenery from the Kita Hotaka mountain hut, I could see a spear shaped mountain on the horizon that every other hiker honed into with their camera. The glorious Mount Yari. One of Japan’s top 100 mountain peaks and possibly the most famous among the Japanese hiking community for its dramatic landscape and 360 degree views after a technical steel ladder and chain ascent. The final push is considered just one step below mountaineering and takes patience and stamina to conquer.
Then my focus shifted to the foreground to survey tomorrow’s path leading to Mt Yari. What is that?! Peak to peak along a knife edge with sheer drops in some sections. A smile broke out. This is it. This is the Daikiretto Gap.
The Daikiretto Gap is known in Japan as one of the most thrilling experiences to be had in Japan. After a glimpse, I could understand why.
The adrenaline instantly kicked in and soft speech from the Japanese hikers became muffled in my ears. The next day I would be hiking along that knife edge that I had been waiting to enjoy for years.
Mesmerized, I watched the sun set into the creamy clouds that draped over the alps. The blanket of clouds drifting over the Daikiretto Gap were tucking her in for the night, putting her to sleep, ready for a big day. So I was to follow suit. I collected the soft futon and cosy blankets ready for sleep. Before laying to rest I checked the weather for the next day.
The forecast a few days prior was still tracking the same information. Typhoon.
The night was loud and wet but just as I would expect, the quality built Japanese mountain hut didn’t budge. The sound of the heavy rain and 130km/hr winds woke me at around 2am. I decided to sit up and watch the rain, still excited for the next day.
Hiking culture in Japan is to sleep early, at around 8pm, and wake early, at around 3 to 4am. Breakfast in the mountain huts is usually served from 430am.
After a morning chat with my fellow adventurers, my belly was full and I was ready to leave. The rain had become very light but the wind was still roaring. The clouds tore across the Daikiretto Gap and as I watched others turn their backs towards it, I noticed I was the only one aiming to tackle the Daikiretto trail.
I looked down at my feet and legs, clenched my toes, and felt the weight of my pack. While the wind seemed to howl at me as a threat, I felt nothing but confidence in what I was about to do.
The Daikiretto is made up of jagged rocks that jut out of the mountain peak at around 3000 meters in altitude. Some of the sections along the trail require hands on climbing and careful balance. Until now there have been around 9 recorded deaths, which is high for Japan’s standards as people generally take serious precautions to avoid any issues, like for example, not hiking during a typhoon.
Knowing my skills well and ready to turn back if things became uncomfortable, I carried on. The Diakiretto was both frightening and awesome.
The intense winds had mostly cleared the skies above, leaving a sea of clouds below, which lapped the steep rocky mountain face either side of the ridge I traversed, which in some sections showed signs of recent landslide activity.
I was rewarded with 360 degree views for the entire traverse and sheer drops that kept me serious, my adrenaline level high, and my love of life fulfilled.
I feel these are the kind of experiences that improve my focus on the task at hand, as well as living in the present, drawing life in every breath. Being grateful for now.As I look back on this accomplishment, my first time traversing the Daikiretto Gap and then summiting Mount Yari on the same afternoon during a typhoon, I understand where a huge source of my motivation and inspiration to be a mountain guide stems from. It also makes plain the potential of such experiences, connecting us with nature and oneself in achieving a physical goal while stimulating the senses in the Japanese mountains.
I look forward to -safely- guiding others to the intricate Mount Yari and traversing the enthralling Daikiretto Gap within some of the most beautiful scenery in the world in the Chubu Sangaku National Park located in the Japanese Alps. This is a wonderful chance to connect people with such a rare adventure, where everyone gains more than a story or a photo. They gain the self satisfaction of accomplishment and the priceless souvenir of gratitude for life itself.
Photography.
A big thank you to Mushashi Kojiro and Matthew Crompton for the epic photography.
Click to see more of his portfolio.