Good for back-country skiing
Location of Chokai-san
Chokai-san is located northern part of Japan, facing Japan sea. In summer time, it is about 6~9 hours driving from Tokyo. It is about 500+km from Tokyo. So that it is not close to visit this mountain from Tokyo. However, I like this mountain very much. The primary reason is back-country skiing. Due to so much snow during winter, this mountain is good for back-country skiing till late spring / early summer. In May, there is typically a lot of snow and there are many back-country ski routes.
One of good course is from Chokai Blue line, where is west side of the mountain. There is a lodge around highest elevation point of the road and people can park their car in a small parking lot. Then climb up to the top. It may take a several hours from the parking. The top picture was taken on the way to the top. This is long and nice view to Japan Sea.
The other nice course is from the north side. Harai-gawa is the trail head and there is a small lodge at the trail head as well. There are a few parking lot near the lodge and people can reach to the top around a several hours as well. But I guess from the north side, it could be a bit short than the west side approach. Around the parking lot, it could be a good place to spend over night with camping. However, the elevation is high and it could be cold during night.
The other option for the over night in this area could be the entrance of Chokai blue line. This place is not high elevation and close to ocean. It is possible to put a tent next the car in a parking lot. The parking lot has a public restrooms. In high season of back-country skiing, it is around April ~ June, there might be some people who are camping on the parking lot.
Hot springs
There are many hot-springs in this area. After skiing, people can stop by one of hot-springs to enjoy nice Japanese culture over there. There is a big one people can stop by near Yusa, where is close to Chokai blue line entrance and another one in Yajima, where is close to Hari-gawa side trail head.
To get some food, there is glossary store in Sakata-shi. Along Route-8, you can find many shop and restaurants.
Summer time
I have not been there in summer time. However, I can tell this mountain is also good for summer hiking as well. There are many kinds of wild flowers in this area. Also, people can try the same trail in summer time as well. Since the mountain is very close to ocean, the view is very nice.
This mountain is really far from Tokyo area and it is not easy to access for foreign people. However, the mountain is great and nice hot springs. If you have a chance and enough time to spend over there, this could be one of great mountain to try in Japan!
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