Do you have a recommended guiding company for excursions out of Kamikochi in early June 2024

by Lisanne
(Toronto, Canada)

We're not sure of conditions at that time this year. We are experienced hikes/trekkers with some mountaineering experience and will have poles and microspikes.

So, we're wondering if having a guide would be advisable and would like to talk to one but we're having trouble locating someone.

Thanks,
Lisanne


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Sorry, Lisanne, government officials are clamping down on off-season climbing this year & I’m not currently aware of anyone, even guides, who would want to risk their lives challenging the snow depths still there in Japan's alpine country in early June.

I know a certified mountain guide who once specialized in the Northern Japan Alps, but has recenty retired.

Although a number of mountain huts in the Kamikochi area open as early as late April, most responsible climbers wait till July after all the snow melts.

Nearly every year climbers meet their maker while attempting Japan's tallest peaks too early in the season.

Foreigners, especially tourists, are overrepresented in Japanese mountain climbing accident statistics, and here's just the latest example from a few weeks ago: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZB9fnC614Q

Happy trails and thanks for visiting my site…

Cheers,
Gary