Mt. Echigo-Koma (Echigo-Komagatake) in March
Mt. Echigo-Koma (Echigo-Komagatake)
Mt. Echigo-Koma is located in Nigata-ken about 2~3 hours from Tokyo by super-express-train (Shinkansen). It is about 230km from Tokyo. Urasa Station is the closest station the express train stops. However, the public transportation is not very convenient in this region. You may need to take a taxi to get there.
As you probably know, I like back country skiing, therefore the top picture was taken in early spring in March. This mountain is really nice back country skiing area. It is quiet and not many people go there for skiing due to very long approach in early season in March. Due to so much snow in this area in winter, the major road is closed during winter, so that it is not easy to approach this mountain in winter. Depending on the progress of snow removal, a major road called "Okutadami Silver line" may open some time in March ~ April. Then, people can access to Ginzan daira by car. Starting from this time of a year, some people start visiting for skiing.
Approach in early spring, March~April
In early spring, the approach is still long, but it is much better than winter time. People may reach to the top by ski from Ginzandaira around 4~6 hours depending on the snow condition. The going down is easy and fast by ski. Around Michiyuki-yama is tree line. Above the mountain, the sloop is really wide open and it is very good for skiing.
For me, early spring is the best season to visit this mountain. However, this mountain is good to try in summer and fall. Then, people can approach from north side of Ograyama (Mt. Ogra). There is a hot spring on the north side named "Komano-yu". A lodge would open in late spring and many people approach to this mountain in late spring to fall.
There is a lodge near the top of the mountain and people can stay over night in the lodge. In busy season, a person is in the lodge to maintain the lodge. People can stay there, but people need to bring own food and cook by themselves. It helps people to spend more time on their way with many wild flowers and nice view. The trail is a long and a day trip could be hard for many hikers, so that the load near the summit is helping a lot!
Echigo 3 zan (Major 3 mountains in this area)
In this area, Japanese people called "3 major mountains in Echigo, Echigo is an old region name for this area", which are Echigo-Koma-Nakano-dake and Hakai-san. Walking though those 3 mountains are nice. However a ridge between Nakano-dake and Hakai-san is really narrow. So that if people wants to walk through this mountain, going to Mt. Tango could be easy choice. There is another lodge near the peak of Mt. Tango. This course is also long, but it could be easier than going to Hakai san.
After hiking!
There are some hot-springs in this area. People can enjoy hot-spring (Onsen in Japanese) before / after hiking. This is one of really good things to visit this area. Also, you can find many nice Japanese Sake in this area. This area is really famous to making very good Japanes Sake in this area in Japan. One brand name after one of major mountain in this area, Hakkai-san (八海山) is very famous in Japan. You may find it in a local liquor shop!
Local food in this area could be a fish from river / lake like rainbow trout, wild vegetable dishes from the local mountain. In fall, I guess some mushroom dish could be a good one to try.
The area is a bit far from Tokyo, but you can see old Japanese culture over there. If you need more information, I can help to find them out!! Please let me know!
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