Nature and OutdoorWinter
Enjoy the freezing winters of Nagano!

Yokoya Gorge Icefall and Snow Hike

Price: JPY 5,500/person Duration: 3 hr

Activities

Let's find frozen waterfalls, a mystery of nature!

When you hear the words "winter mountain," you might think of a ski slope covered in fluffy, white snow. However, snow isn't the only winter attraction in Nagano. One of the best views during the coldest season of the year is icefalls, which are created when waterfalls freeze over.

On this tour, an experienced local guide will show us the beautiful icefalls of Yokoya Gorge. After a lesson on how to use crampons (a traction device attached to the soles of shoes to avoid slipping on icy slopes), we'll set off for the falls. The path is relatively flat, and we'll walk at a leisurely pace, taking in the beauty of winter. During the tour, there will also be time to enjoy roasted marshmallows, a classic outdoor snack.

Join us in exploring a unique and icy winter scenery!

Connecting people and nature

Yatsugatake Tozan Kikaku is a sustainable company that offers guiding services for beginners and intermediate level trekkers and alpinists. The company was founded by Takaaki Ishikawa, a Nagano mountain guide who has climbed mountains all over the world. Ishikawa-san's experience across various countries has convinced him of one thing: that the Yatsugatake Mountains are the best mountains.

There was a time when he was climbing mountains, aiming for the summit without looking back. However, during a round-the-world mountaineering expedition he suffered serious burns on both legs at his accommodation in Spain. Just as he was about to give up mountaineering, he discovered a new passion for alpine flora, and the rich history and culture of the land. Later in his career he moved to Zermatt, Switzerland, where he worked as a trekking guide for two years. There, he continued to learn, this time about ecotourism. He now lives in the foothills of the Yatsugatake Mountains, his favorite mountain range, where he helps visitors to safely climb mountains and connect with nature.

Yatsugatake Tozan Kikaku Mountain Guides

Ishikawa-san and other guides will lead this tour.

INFORMATION

Period ・January 27 (Sat), 28 (Sun)
・February 3 (Sat), 4 (Sun), 10 (Sat), 11 (Sun), 12 (Mon), 24 (Sat), 25 (Sun)
・For other dates, please inquire.
Due Date 7 days before the activity (by 12:00 p.m.)
Duration 3 hr
Schedule

13:00

Meet at the Yokoya Gorge Entrance bus stop
(Notes: Free parking is available at the entrance of Yokoya Gorge. Please eat lunch before arriving.)

13:10

Learn how to walk in snow using crampons and poles.

13:30

Visit the icefalls (Kirifuri Falls → Byobuiwa → Kirifuri Falls→ Otome Falls)

16:00

Tour ends at the Yokoya Gorge Entrance bus stop

No. of participants Min. 3 persons /Max. 5 persons
Price / person Adult (ages 13+): JPY 5,500/person
Child (ages 5-12): JPY 4,400/person
Child (under 5): Free

Options:
・Japanese-English interpreter: JPY 6,600/group
 (The main guide speaks a little English)

(All prices tax incl.)

Included in the price Guide fee, insurance, crampon and pole rental

Notes:
・Depending on the weather forecast, the tour may be cancelled the day before or the day of the tour. In case of cancellation due to weather, no cancellation fee will apply.
・During this season, temperatures can drop below -10°C (14°F) even on sunny days. Warm boots or trekking shoes are required, and please bring a down jacket and/or fleece to keep warm. Winter boots are available for rent for an additional fee. Please inquire at the time of reservation.
Payment method Credit Card
Cancellation policy 7 days prior: 30% of total amount
3 days prior: 50% of total amount
1 day prior: 70% of total amount
Day of activity: 100% of total amount
Access Alpico Bus schedule:
12:20 Chino Station → 12:53 Yokoya Gorge Entrance
16:11 Yokoya Gorge Entrance → 16:45 Chino Station

Reservation

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