is the second tallest mountain in Japan, after Mount Fuji, and is known as "the Leader of the Southern Alps". It is included in the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains. It is situated in the the city of Minami-Alps, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. It is part of the Akaishi Mountains, which are known as the "Southern Alps" (南アルプス Minami-Alps).

Geography

The is a tall rock face on the eastern side of the mountain.

Alpine plants grow abundantly, especially on the mountain's southeastern slope along the route to and along the and courses along on the mountain's northern side. Large clusters of plants can be seen from huts near the top. The species is endemic to this mountain.

Origin of the name

The main mountains of the Akaishi Mountains are Mount Kita, Mount Aino and Mount Nōtori. The three mountains together are called , which means "Three White Summits". The name Mount Kita literally means "northern mountain," referring to its being the northernmost of the three mountains.

Climbing

The mountain area around Mount Kita is one of the most popular in Japan, reputedly second only to the Mount Yari and Mount Hotaka area. Access points for climbing are at to the east and to the west; however, most people choose to climb from Hirogawara, where facilities are better. Two mountain huts near the top provide accommodation for up to 150 people and there are campground facilities nearby.

There are three main access routes to the summit of Mount Kita. The first starts out in Hirogawara and follows the up through the . Another route leaves the river valley earlier and emerges from the forest at Shiraneoike-Kusasuberi. A third trail runs from Ryōmata at the trail head near to the summit of the mountain.

From the summit, a trail runs along the ridge via Nakashiranesan to Mount Aino, , Mount Nōtori, and continues further south. An alternate route, has been built, which connects the viewing platform at to the summit, via the head at . This approach is not very popular, except in winter, when the path gets greater use. Kitadake Buttress is a classic route for free climbing in Japan.

The main mountain huts in the vicinity of Mount Kita are the , the , the and the .

External links

• Topographic map (1:25,000)

Images

References