Mount Yake
Mountain Active volcanic peak in Hida Mountains with fumaroles
Active volcano in the Hida Mountains near Kamikochi, Mount Yake attracts hikers for crater views, alpine ridgelines and nearby hot springs, with well-marked trails and seasonal snowfields.
Mount Yake (Yake-dake) is an active stratovolcano on the border of Gifu and Nagano prefectures in central Japan. Its summit rises to about 2,455 metres and it is a prominent peak in the Hida Mountains.
The mountain is known for steaming fumaroles and rugged volcanic terrain; clear views of the crater and surrounding peaks are a primary draw. Hikers use established routes from the Kamikochi area and nearby mountain huts permit multi-day climbs in summer.
The peak is volcanic in origin and has been the site of intermittent eruptive activity and fumarolic emission in the modern era. Over time it has become a destination for alpinists and for scientific monitoring because of its active geothermal features.
Mount Yake sits on the border between Gifu and Nagano prefectures in the Hida Mountains, adjacent to the Kamikochi valley and within Chubu-Sangaku National Park. The area is accessible from the Nagano-Gifu highland region.
- Safety and activity: The summit reaches about 2,455 metres and the mountain is an active stratovolcano with persistent fumarolic activity, so conditions can be hazardous and trails are sometimes restricted.
- Visibility: Visible from the Kamikochi valley and forming part of Chubu-Sangaku National Park, offering strong visual contrast with surrounding non-volcanic peaks.
How to Get to Mount Yake #
Common access is from towns in Gifu Prefecture and nearby hot-spring areas (e.g., Shin-Hotaka). Regional buses and local road networks connect to trailheads; private transfers and local tour operators provide easier logistics for day visitors.
Tips for Visiting Mount Yake #
- Check volcanic alert levels before visiting - Mount Yake is an active volcano and access to summit areas may be restricted.
- The standard trail from Shin-Hotaka/Onsen areas is steep but well marked; combine the hike with local onsen visits to soothe tired limbs.
- Bring a mask if visiting fumarolic areas where sulfur emissions are present.
Best Time to Visit Mount Yake #
Visit in summer for safe trails and open mountain huts; always check volcanic advisories for fumarolic activity.
Weather & Climate near Mount Yake #
Mount Yake's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -15°C to 20°C. Heavy rainfall (2101 mm/year), wettest in August.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -5°C and lows of -15°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -15°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -11°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (168 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (184 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 5°C. Heavy rain (261 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Heavy rain (291 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (304 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Heavy rain (286 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (157 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -12°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
