• 1

    Walk 15 minutes on the forest road from Seigakuso.

  • 2

    At first, it is an ordinary mountain trail. The road like this goes on about one-third of the trail.

  • 3

    It is the first wading. There are many wading points to Kamifutamata.

  • 4

    The water level is about this high in July, when there is plenty of water. There is usually no sudden increase in water, but it's better to wear mountain spats. Do not climb after the heavy rain or when the water is muddy, although which are very unlikely during the season.

  • 5

    It is a bit uphill until Kamifutamata, wading and walking along the stream (but the slope gets steeper and steeper!)

  • 6

    There are 2 places you have to walk along the rocks of the stream edge, but you don't have to walk there if you can walk across the stream when there is little water.

  • 7

    You can walk on the stones and rocks to avoid stepping into the water. But, don't hurt yourself by falling after hopping from a stone to another.

  • 8

    Caution! There are many trees at the height of your head. Be sure to look up and down when you walk. To see the upper front, you'd better wear a cap backward.

  • 9

    There are dangerous snow bridges here and there till early July in the snowy year. Pay special attention and withdraw with courage if necessary. You don't have to use crampons in July when there is no snowy gorge.

  • 10

    For a short distance, you may traverse the slope along the stream. Look very carefully at the slope to find a footing and don't get cold feet.

  • 11

    There are steep slopes equipped with ropes, but don't put the whole weight on them in case they come off or are cut.

  • 12

    Waterfalls of gentle slopes continue, but it is not quite slippery to walk in the stream because the iron in the water prevents moss from attaching to the rocks. Walking on the rocks in the water is probably less slippery than those that got water splashed.

  • 13

    A monolith of Miharashinotaki waterfalls. It is slippery when it gets wet. Attention!

  • 14

    Please carry disposable toilets. A temporary tent booth to use them in is placed at Kamifutamata (late June to late September).

  • 15

    Climb refreshing Reikanotaki waterfalls. It is usually not so crowded.

  • 16

    After you pass Kamifutamata, there is no more stream. Munatsukihaccho is very hard to climb.

  • 17

    Umanose is slightly rocky. It's a very windy place. Be careful with gusty wind.

  • 18

    You can see the summit (on the right) from Umanose. Now you are in a creeping pine zone, so you don't have to watch your head anymore. Though it looks far, the summit is just 20 minutes ahead of you.

  • 19

    A shogunate shrine is a little below the summit. Some people carried such a heavy thing up to this place a long time ago. In Japan, we make an offering at a shrine.

  • 20

    There are more alpine plants above Umanose.

  • 21

    You can have a fantastic view from the summit; Kunashiri Island, Mt. Rausu, the mountains of Akan, Mt. Daisetsu in the distance, and the Sea of Okhotsk just below.

  • 22

    It can be about 5° C even in summer. When it is hot, it can be about 25° C. Temperature changes depending on the weather.

  • 23

    For the descent, go down Umanose. Be careful not to fall when you go down the rocky slope. Gloves and trekking poles are recommended. Don't forget to put rubber tips on your poles.

  • 24

    You can occasionally find a sign like this on your way. You will not probably lose your way if there is no snow left. Do not enter the ascent route (Old Trail Course) at Kamifutamata. It is scary to go down the ascent route, which has many streams.

  • 25

    It is refreshing to walk on the ridge. It is the descent, but there are 3 uphills, each takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Some people get exhausted here. You can not drastically shorten the time required for climbing because the descent route is long. Take your time and enjoy the trip down.

  • 26

    When you reach Kumami Pass, there is no more ascent, but the descent is quite long.

  • 27

    The steps used to be very large between Kumami Pass and Shimofutamata, but the mountain trail repair has proceeded, and it has become easier to go down.

  • 28

    You will hear the sound of the waterfall, but Shimofutamata is a bit far. Be careful not to fall as you are tired!

  • 29

    After the snow melting or the rain, your shoes will look like this when you get to Shimofutamata. Very muddy…

  • 30

    Take the same route as the ascent from Shimofutamata. Your pants and shoes will be clean again when you wade. Some people may have their shoes soaked out. Pack the newspaper in your shoes to dry them when you get back to the hotel.

  • 31

    The goal at Seigakuso, the trailhead. 90% of people will say, "It was terrific!" after enjoying quite "different" climbing of Mt. Shari and enjoying its grand landscape. The rest might say, "It was scary…"