Climbing Mt Kurodake may not be as easy as i thought. But i’d have done better if i were more prepared.
The information and tips i provide here will prepare you for the climb and make it a more enjoyable experience.
What to expect at different seasons
Scenery on the way up Mt Kurodake
1. Spring (May to June) – Winter is over and flowers such as Rhododendron and Potentilla can be seen all over the slopes.
2. Summer (late June to August) – The bloom season of the alpine flowers is between early June to early August. The best time to see the Japanese Alpine Cherry is end June.
3. Autumn (late August to October) – In my opinion the best time to go if you’re looking for the colorful leaves of autumn. For the most beautiful autumn foliage, go between early September to early October.
4. Winter (November to April) – I’m not much of a ski fan but the ski slopes at Kurodake are suitable for skiing from early Nov onwards.
What to wear
Obviously i can only provide advice for summer.
1. T-shirt and track pants or 3/4s. The temperature was pretty warm (~28deg C) so you need not bring any outer clothings except for
2. A hooded, water-proof jacket or poncho as you can expect short, sporadic drizzles. Umbrellas can be loaned out at the 5th stage (see below) if you don’t mind lugging it along.
3. Minimally track shoes, preferably those with ankle support as you’ll be walking over boulders which can be slippery. A pair of water-proof trekking shoes (suede/leather) will be ideal.
4. Bring a cap in case it rains heavily. Wear it under the hood of your jacket and your face will be protected against the rain. This is a tried-and-tested tip i learnt during my time in the Army.
What to bring
1. A small haversack to stow miscellaneous items, e.g. camera, jacket. Bring a rain cover if your pack doesn’t come with one.
2. At least 1 litre of water per person. Those Japanese green tea sold in convenience stores all over Japan is a good choice. I brought only 500ml of water for both of us and had to ration it on the way up. Totally inexcusable.
In case you make the same silly mistake as i did, remember to buy some water at the convenience store at the 5th stage.
3. A pair of walking stick. We didn’t bring any but almost all the Japanese climbers had one of those extendable, Titanium ones. It’s useful but not vital.
4. Camera and water-proof bag for it.
5. Food. The other inexcusable omission. Seeing the Japanese munching their delicious-looking bentos and sandwiches really made me hungry. Bring a ground sheet if you’re bringing up a spread.
Read on for information on getting up Mt Kurodake.
Tags: Hokkaido, Mt Kurodake, Sounkyo Spa