（click on map to enlarge）
Yatsugatake
The Yatsugatake Mountain Range is a group of volcanic mountains on the border between Yamanashi and Nagano Prefectures. The highest mountain is Mt. Aka, which rises to 2900 meters.
I began my ride from Chino Station on the Chuo Line and took Hwy 152 which later becomes Hwy 299. It has a steady incline up over a plateau that rises up to the mountains. About 13 km from the start the grade begins to increase as you get into the mountains rising about 1000 meters in 22 km to the top. The grades are not extreme and there are nice switch backs along the way. The road cuts through the northern part of the range as you pass by Mt. Tateshina off to your left.
The terrain is pleasant with the sweet fragrance of pine and the beauty of meadows covered with flowers. There are a lot of birch trees up there too. Shirakaba Lake (Birch Lake) is just to the west. The cool air does a lot to add to the pleasantness of the climb.
Mugikusa Pass lies at a respectable 2127 meters. Close to the pass is the trailhead for Shirakoma Pond. If you have time, it’s worth the 15-minute hike to go back to check it out. There are big, moss-covered logs strewn along the trail. Shirakoma Pond is Japan's largest natural lake above 2,100 meters above sea level.
After about 10 km I turned right on Hwy 480 which descends down into Matsubarako. It’s a beautiful descent providing a a nice view of the Yastsugatake Mountains over your right shoulder. There is a ski resort on the side of the mountain. Matsubara Lake is a small placid lake with trees hugging the shores. I have good memories of staying at the church camp there during skiing season. The town of Matsubarako lies on the JR Koumi line a little over an hour’s train ride from Kobuchizawa on the Chuo Line. I decided to end my ride there bringing my total distance to just over 70 km.
Yatsugatake Gallery
