Photo: ys-energy, Wikimedia Commons (public domain)
Mt. Hotaka (Gunma) Hiking Guide: Trailheads, Ski-Lift Access and What the Official Sources Say
A guide to Mt. Hotaka (Jōshū Hotaka, 2,158 m) in northern Gunma, one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains. Ladders and chains on parts of the trail, the three main trailheads, parking at the Minakami side, and the Kawaba Ski Resort lift rules that apply in the snow season.
This guide is based on Gunma Prefecture's official tourism site, the Forestry Agency, Kawaba Ski Resort and Gunma Prefecture's bear-safety page, checked October 24, 2026. Road, lift and bear information changes, so check the latest before you go.
About Mt. Hotaka
Mt. Hotaka (武尊山, Hotaka-yama) is a 2,158 m mountain spanning Minakami Town, Kawaba Village and Katashina Village in northern Gunma Prefecture, and one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains. It is often called Jōshū Hotaka to distinguish it from Hotaka-dake in the Northern Alps.
The Forestry Agency describes it as a ridge of seven peaks over 2,000 m, including Mae-Hotaka, Oki-Hotaka (the main summit) and Kengamine. The name comes from a legend that Yamato Takeru climbed it during his eastern campaign, and it was long a mountain of worship.
How hard is it?
Gunma's official tourism site says the hike is quite challenging, with ladders and chains on parts of the trail, and is suited to experienced hikers. The Forestry Agency also notes that because there are chain sections, you should be careful about starting late in the day.
Know which peak you are reading about: Oki-Hotaka (2,158 m) is the main summit. Trip records may give times only to Kengamine or Mae-Hotaka.
Trailheads
Hotaka Shrine / Urami-no-taki side (Minakami)
The Forestry Agency lists free parking: Urami-no-taki parking (20 cars) and Hotaka Shrine parking (10 cars). Do not park on the road.
Kawaba side (Kawaba Village)
The Forestry Agency lists Base Camp Kawaba (150 cars, free) and Kawaba Yaeijō campsite (100 cars, free) on the Kawaba side. From Numata IC on the Kan-Etsu Expressway it is about 30 minutes (17.5 km).
Kawaba Ski Resort publishes rules for snow-season climbers who use its lifts:
- A ski-resort climbing registration form and a COCOHELI search beacon are mandatory. COCOHELI rental is ¥1,100 per day. Even if you submitted a plan through Compass, you must still hand in the resort's own form, or you cannot buy a lift ticket.
- Lift tickets are ¥4,500 return or ¥2,300 one way. One-way tickets are only for people skiing down; walking down the pistes is prohibited.
- Lifts start at 8:30 on weekdays and 8:00 on weekends and holidays. The last lifts run until 15:45 (D Crystal Express) and 16:00 (B Sakuragawa Express).
- Report back at the climbing counter on the 7th floor when you return.
We could not confirm on the resort's site whether the lifts carry hikers outside the snow season. Contact the resort before planning a summer or autumn hike from this side.
Hotaka Bokujō side (Katashina)
The Forestry Agency lists the Hotaka Bokujō campsite (paid) on the Katashina side. We could not find an official course time for this route.
Season and nature
The Forestry Agency describes summers as cool and winters as severe. Above 1,900 m there are Siberian dwarf pine and azalea; spring and summer bring alpine flowers and autumn brings colourful leaves. Gunma's tourism site notes that iwakagami (a Japanese endemic) blooms pink in July, and that on a clear day you can see as far as Mt. Fuji.
Gear
- Hiking boots with ankle support (chains, rock and mud)
- A full rain suit and warm layers; the ridge is colder and windier than the valleys
- Headlamp, an offline map app and a power bank
- Plenty of water and snacks
- Gloves for the chain sections
Bears
Gunma Prefecture says mountain areas are bear habitat. Carry something that makes noise, such as a bell, and bear spray in case of an encounter, and check the prefecture's sighting information before you go.
Getting there
Gunma's tourism site gives about 50 minutes by car from Numata Station, or about 40 minutes from Numata IC on the Kan-Etsu Expressway. We could not confirm a direct public bus to the trailheads.