Mount Yake Mountain

Address: Northern Japan Alps/Gifu Prefecture, Japan (approx. 36.2271°N, 137.5871°E)

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.

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.

• 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.