The picture on the left shows the trail leading down the back of Kurodake.
Kurodake (黒岳) 1984m
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·Time of year climbed |
·August 2006 |
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·Weather condition of climb |
·Sunny and hot. |
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·Climbing time |
· 4 hours up. 3 hours down |
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·Comments |
· It's worth checking out the visitor center for information. (Near the bottom of the ropeway) |
At the base of Kurodake is Sounko resort. There are numerous hotels, onsens and a couple of convenience stores. There's also a campground and a youth hostel. The youth hostel homepage is a great place for information regarding access. If you are actually in Sounkyo, check out the visitor center, where they'll be happy to help with any inquiries.
The climb up to Kurodake is an easy one if you take the ropeway. There is a gondola and then a chairlift which takes you a bit higher. If you go up to the top of the chairlift it is only about an hour to the top. If you don't it's about a 4 hour climb. It's about 3 hours from the top to Sounkyo.
If you've got the time, it's worth going over the top to the hut and campground. (About a 15 minute walk.) During the main summer months you can buy drinks (including beer) at the hut. After the climb you'll appreciate the beer. You'll appreciate it even more when you think someone else carried it to the hut.
If you've started early enough you could hike to the campground on the backside of Asahidake (another 3.5 hours from the back of Kurodake). You'll be glad you did. The route between Asahidake and Kurodake offers some spectacular scenery.
The picture on the left shows the trail leading down the back of Kurodake.