Karasawa Cirque

This bowl-shaped glacial landform, surrounded by the Hotaka Mountain Range in the Northern Alps, is known for its dramatic mountain scenery and the vibrant alpine foliage that blankets the mountainsides in autumn. Its appeal goes beyond fall colors, with seasonal natural beauty that shifts throughout the year, from snowy winter landscapes to alpine flowers in summer. Karasawa Cirque sits at an elevation of Approx. 2,300 meters, while the surrounding ridgelines rise to around 3,000 meters, creating an elevation difference of up to 900 meters.

The distance from Kamikochi, the trailhead, to Karasawa Cirque is Approx. 15 kilometers. The route begins on gentle wooden boardwalks and riverside paths popular with sightseers enjoying a hike, then transitions into a full-fledged mountain trail in the latter half. The one-way trip takes Approx. 6 hours. A day trip is difficult, so staying overnight at one of the mountain lodges scattered between Kamikochi and Karasawa is the standard option. There are two mountain lodges at Karasawa Cirque, Karasawa Hyutte and Karasawa-goya, which serve as bases for climbing in the Hotaka Mountain Range.

The mountain lodges are open from late April to early November. During the harsh winter season, the area is deeply covered in snow and dangerous, so entry by general hikers is not recommended.