Kita Alps Traverse Route

What you should prepare for the trip
(recommended climbing gear)

Climbing shoes:
high-top type with support up to the ankle, a sturdy sole, with a lining made of a waterproof membrane (often gore-tex or a highly water-resistant leather). Sneakers and running shoes are not suitable. Laces should be tied in a way that they will not come undone. Purchase at a specialist climbing store who can advise you properly. Try putting them on and taking them off and walking around in them multiple times to make sure they fit your feet.

Climbing socks:
wool socks with a thick outer sole are best. For multiple day courses, please bring spares.

Underwear:
made with wool or sweat absorbent, quick drying synthetic fibers. Cotton garments are not suitable.

Bottoms:
those suitable for mountain walking and mountain climbing. They should be easy to walk in and okay to get dirty. Stretchy, quick drying materials are best. Jeans and cotton bottoms are not suitable. Long sleeve shirts: suitable for mountain walking and mountain climbing made with wool or sweat absorbent, quick-drying synthetic fibers. Cotton is not suitable. Short sleeve shirts: t-shirts or polo shirts made with wool or sweat absorbent, quick-drying synthetic fibers. Cotton is not suitable.

Long sleeve shirts:
suitable for mountain walking and mountain climbing made with wool or sweat absorbent, quick-drying synthetic fibers. Cotton is not suitable.

Short sleeve shirts:
t-shirts or polo shirts made with wool or sweat absorbent, quick-drying synthetic fibers. Cotton is not suitable.

Hat:
with a zipper to block out sunlight. A winter hat that covers the ears to keep them warm in the cold mountain temperatures.

Gloves:
to protect and keep the hands warm. Should also be waterproof. Driving gloves are not suitable.

Winter wear:
wool sweater or fleeces and thick down jackets. One extra piece you can put on when chilly, such as when taking a break or staying at a mountain lodge.

Rain gear:
Separate upper and lower layers, made of Gore-Tex or other breathable material. Windproof and cold proof. Vinyl raincoats are not suitable. A lightweight folding umbrella is also useful.

Headlamp:
an essential item for mountain climbing. Please bring for emergency use. Please also bring spare batteries. No handheld flashlights.

Water bottle:
combining a water bottle and thermos flask is best. The volume depends on length of walk, season, and mountain area. Pet bottle drinks are also okay but please bring at least 1 liter.

Climbing pole:
they relieve the burden from your legs and waist when descending and help balance you on slippery surfaces. Adjustable length type is best.

Spatz:
to keep bottoms clean, and dry in wet weather.

Map and compass:
A 1:25,000 topographic map published by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan or a commercially available mountaineering map. Please bring a plate compass if you have one.

Paper:
please go to the toilet before the climb or use the facilities in the mountain huts. Please bring water-soluble paper just in case. (if you need to use the toilet in a place where there are none, put the used paper in a plastic bag and take it home with you.)

Portable toilet:
to preserve the mountain environment, we recommend using a portable toilet during the climb. Special portable toilet booths are provided on some mountains such as Mt.Rishiri, Daisetsuzan Range, Shiretoko range, Mt.Rausu, Mt.Hayachine, and Mt.Bandai.

Mountaineering rucksack:
something that will hold everything you need during the climb. Please bring a sack with a capacity appropriate for the season and the itinerary. A sack cover is also a good idea in case of rain. Shoulder bags are not allowed.

Food:
something easy to eat like chocolate, sweets, yokan, biscuits, dried fruits.

Medical insurance:
please bring for the unlikely event of an accident. Must be the original document.

First aid kit:
adhesive plasters, antiseptic, cold medicine, insect repellent, etc. Please bring any medications for pre-existing medical conditions.

Sun screen:
sun blocking cream, sunglasses as needed.

Plastic bag:
to store wet clothes, and waterproof luggage.

Precautions

Availability of Tour Guide and Accompanying Personnel
One English-speaking through guide will accompany this tour to ensure your safety and to coordinate the tour. An activity guide will be on hand to guide you through your experience at each spot.

Deadline for confirming a reservation after a request
2 weeks before the scheduled tour date.

Items not included in the tour price

Transportation, lodging, food and beverages from your home to the meeting place

Personal expenses (telephone calls, telegrams, dry cleaning, additional food and beverages, souvenirs, etc.)

Medical expenses related to injuries and scoldings

Optional travel insurance

Cancellation Policy
If the customer cancels the tour for his/her own reason after they have entered the tour contract, the following cancellation fees will be charged per person on the tour price.

- 21 days prior to the day before the departure date of the trip
Free of charge

- On or after the 20th day and before the 7th day counting from the day before the trip departure date
20% of trip fee

- On or after the 6th day and before the 3rd day counting from the day before the trip departure date
30% of trip fee

- On the 2nd day counting from the day before the trip departure date
40% of the trip fee

- The day before the departure date
50% of the trip fee

- On or after the day of departure
100% of the trip fee

Other:

If one accompanying person cancels the reservation or if the reservation is for one person, an additional fee of 140,000 yen per person will be charged. 40,000 yen per person will be charged for a triple occupancy.

Please use stuff bags (nylon bags), zippered plastic bags, or sack covers to securely waterproof your luggage while climbing.

Depending on the weather, season, and mountain range, climbing conditions may be as severe as winter. Be sure to take the necessary and sufficient winter protection depending on your mountaineering itinerary.

When carrying equipment that does not fit in a rucksack, such as climbing poles, or when traveling by public transportation, be careful not to cause problems for others by attaching a protector or cover and or carrying the equipment by hand.

Contact
e-mail：office@alps-kanko.jp