Long exposure photo at parking lot.
Introduction: When I was in elementary school, my brother took me to a trip during the summer to Mt. Ontake, but failed to reach the summit a number of times. After coming back to Japan, I still had that in my mind and wanted to reach the summit one day then the COVID came. The bus route from JR Hidaosaka has long gone, and the only route available for me now is to drive up to Otaki village and hike up from there. I did some researches and found there is a big parking at the trailhead so I picked a date over my summer holiday.
Leaving home at midnight. I woke up at 11:30pm, stretched my body as usual, carried down 3 bags of items into my car and left home at 0:30am. I headed up north on Route 59 to Kasugai IC. I was surprised that the traffic was not dead yet. Hopped on Tomei expressway at 0:45am, then changed to Chuo Expressway up to Nakatsugawa. I exited the ramp at 1:30am. From here to Agematsu, I took Route 19, making a turn at Motohashi intersection into route 20. It was a route with pitch black.
Before reaching Makino Dam, GPS shows a way to take a left route which goes south side of Ontake Lake, then reached the Otaki Village. From here I am back on Route 256 and continuous steep winding uphill. I am already tired and sleepy, and so many turns just drove me crazy but survived. I can see the beautiful night sky as I was going up to Tanohara Parking. I arrived there around 3:30am, stopped by at visitor center to use restroom, and went back to my car. I can see the faint light on the surface of the Mt. Ontake, assuming there are people going up so they can see the sunrise. It was just chilly so I pulled out a blanket I brought and took a short sleep until 5:00am on the backside of the car.
Long exposure photo at parking lot.
I woke up 4:45am, I can see the whole Mt. Ontake from the parking under morning sun.
Determined the weather is going to hold up until noon, which is my returning time, I reduced the weight of my bag by dropping off some emergency rations, replacing 2L water with a couple of 500mL bottles, and removed dried clothing in case of rain. The outside was pretty chilly so I kept the windbreaker and sweater in the gear.
Everything is set and from now on I am racing against the time. I ate my breakast which is a couple of riceballs and a boiled egg. I finished gearing up and proceeded to the trailhead with my trail shoes.
Starting up at the Ontake Shrine gate at 5:17am
5:17am beginning my ascent
The first part was a flat, dirt road toward the hilly area. It was quiet, and somehow I can small the sulfur and feel warmth on the ground at certain point. There were several groups of people as I walk, since they were slower than me, I took them over and went ahead. Reaching another shrine and from here I am required to carry a helmet.
The trail became hilly and rocky, so I kept walking while controlling my breath so I won't get altitude sickness. There are some turns but soon I have arrived at the 7th of the trail. I look back and I can see the parking lot far way, as well as the sea of clouds covering nearby mountains. This kind of view gives me an impression that I am glad I am here, driving thru the night, waking up crazy early is paying off.
5:58am I can see the parking lot there I parked my car
5:58am Sea of clouds and the rising sun
Soon I have reached the 7th, Oe Gongen statues, one must looked like a warthog.
Oe Gongen at 5:59am
After passing the 7th, the next is the 8th. The rocky trail continues and I occasionally see people going up, as well as coming down.
8th at
6:03am
8th at
6:03am
I continue going up, tithe height of the trees are now lower. Despite it's in the middle of the summer, I feel the air is getting cold.
9th at
6:30am
9th at
6:30am
Passing the 9th mark at 6:30am, and I am almost there. The sky still looks good, and I can see the top part of the mountain getting closer. My body condition still fine so I should be able to make it to the summit.
Almost to the summit at 6:46am
6:55am Mt Fuji
in very far
When I look close, I can see Mt. Fuji in a distance. It has a notable flat top shape so I won't miss it. It's amazing.
Rocks all over the place at 6:55am
Arriving at Otaki peak at 7:00am, the summit do not have anything to protect me from wind so it was just chilly. I think I still can make it to the Kenngamine so I continued on the trail reaching there. There was a warning that certain areas do not have cell phone signal, and it is a risky area from the previous eruption so I'd better get done quick.
Ontake Shrine at Otaki Peak 7:02am
The Tsurugigamine is the peak of the whole Mt. Ontake and it is the place where I was aiming for. The trail is only open for the limited time over the year so I won't miss the chance today. The path was a single gavel road.
7:05am toward the summit
They have placed several shelters since the last incident so it was scary a little. I hope I won't need to use it today.
Looking at the shelter at
7:12am
I have arrived the foot of the last part of the ascent, proceeding the stairs up and I have a clear view of the surroundings.
One last stairs to the top
I asked someone nearby to take my picture at the summit marker. It was breezy and I think I have no need to stay here too long.
7:25am at the summit marker
7:26am Ontake Shrine
I looked around and I have a good view of 1st and 2nd pond both looked to have no water.
7:24am view of 1st pond
7:23am view of 2nd pond and a lodge with rad roof
The summit has no cover from wind, which is chilly and sometimes strong. Due to the status of the mountain as active, I did not stay long. The view from the summit was very nice, I can see distance but time for me go back.
7:29am guard dog at the summit
I began coming down the steps and swing by the memorial which for the people died back in 2014 when Mt. Ontake suddenly erupted in the middle of the day, killing more than 50 people.,
The clouds began to coming up from the foot of mountain so not much time left to enjoy the nice view. I hurried down to Otaki Summit. Again, there is no need to stay at a place where considered a risk.
I began descending from the Otaki Summit, passing the 9th, and 8th while seeing many people coming up. By the time when I reach the entrance, it was already cloudy.
2014 Memorial at (7:30am)
8:25am Clouds coming up
8:53am
9:32am
9:35am hiking down toward the trailhead
No more helmet I need, at 9:40am
9:57am back at the trailhead
I reached the trailhead safely, took a quick break before going back to my car. I saw an elderly lady who I passed while I was on the trail, smiling at the butterfly came to me to take salt off from my sweaty shirt. She was telling me that she went ahead of her husband while coming down and waiting for him since he has the car key. After returning to the car I get changed into casual clothing, and prepared noodles for the lunch. It was a peaceful time because the place was quiet, only occasional car noise.
I unpacked items, put them organized and get ready for the returning trip. I know I am up since midnight so I have to manage the stamina until I come home so leaving sooner is better.
Leaving the parking lot at 10:52am and began 15km of winding with steep hill down. I was going at 40 and 30 kmph as posted but there were three motorcycles following me which was annoying
I came down to the Otaki village and continue toward the prefecture road. I took a break roadside station before joining back to the route. It was already hot and the indicator shows 29C. It's hard to benefit from mountain area surrounded by green trees and fresh stream on the river. I started to feel tired but I should not postpone anything now. I kept driving back where I came. Passing by at Agematsu quick, and reached Nakatsugawa. Passing at expressway gate at 1:30pm, and drove to Kasugai exit for about 1 hour and 45 minutes. After getting off the expressway, I drove on a major road towards home.
While driving home, I thought about how I eat my lunch because I need to eat something before coming home anyway. Stopped at a ramen noddle shop at 2:23pm. Just as I was getting out from the car, I found a bee at nozzle of my hydration bottle. I guess it came in while I was driving back to Nagoya with the windows fully opened. The bee was confused, flying in a circle for a while then flew away. I hope it could go back home.
My lunch at Ramen noodle shop at 2:34pm
Ate the noodle quick, and my stomach is finally feeling fine. Left the restaurant at 2:51pm and continued on the road a little more. Finally arrived at home at 3:11pm.. It was a long day and I needed to take a shower and get rest I wonder how many more years I can do this kind of crazy trip. At least I am done with climbing Mt. Ontake.
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