Location and surroundings
Izugatake Peak is situated in Japan, specifically within the municipality of Oyama in Sunto County, Asia. Among 14,434 named peaks in the country, it stands as the 3rd highest. The surrounding landscape consists of high-elevation alpine terrain characterised by steep ridges, rocky slopes, and exposed heights that experience significant weather variations throughout the year.
Neighbouring peaks
The immediate vicinity of Izugatake Peak includes several notable elevations and passes:
- Joujugatake Peak (peak), 3,734 m, 0.2 km N
- Asahidake Peak (peak), 3,733 m, 0.2 km S
- Sengendake (peak), 3,722 m, 0.3 km SW
- Kusushidake Peak (peak), 3,725 m, 0.3 km N
- Komagatake Peak (peak), 3,718 m, 0.4 km SW
- Mishimagatake Peak (peak), 3,734 m, 0.5 km SW
- Hakusan-dake (Mount Fuji) (peak), 3,756 m, 0.5 km NW
- Mount Fuji (peak), 3,776 m, 0.6 km SW
Compared to these surrounding points, Izugatake Peak is among the highest, surpassed only slightly by a few immediate neighbours such as Hakusan-dake (Mount Fuji) and Mount Fuji itself.
The view from the summit
From the high elevation of Izugatake Peak, several major surrounding heights are visible within a 25 km radius. The highest peaks in this wider area include Mount Hoei at 2,693 m, located 2.8 km SE; Kenashi Yama at 1,964 m, 18.2 km W; Futatsuzuka at 1,929 m, 4.7 km SE; Kofuji at 1,906 m, 4.3 km E; Kuro-dake at 1,793 m, 21.1 km N; and Mitsutōge-yama at 1,785 m, 21.8 km N.
The range
The range containing Izugatake Peak features Hakusan-dake (Mount Fuji) as its nearest higher peak at 3,756 m, located 0.5 km NW. The range itself contains numerous named peaks, and Izugatake Peak commands a position near the very top of the national elevation rankings.
Climbing routes
There are one main route to the top of Izugatake Peak. The Yoshida route serves as the normal route, graded F on the alpine scale with an engagement level of III. It involves 2,326 m of ascent, typically takes about 2 days to complete, faces N, and serves as the standard path of ascent.
Climate and weather
Climate data estimates from NASA POWER covering the period from 2001 to 2020 indicate that mean temperatures at the summit reach a warmest average of about 4 °C in August and drop to a coldest average of about -10 °C in January. Monthly means are above freezing at the summit only in July, August, and September. Precipitation in the surrounding area totals about 1,600 mm a year, with July being the wettest month at about 210 mm and January the driest at about 60 mm. Typical mountain hazards include sudden weather shifts, severe cold, and high winds.
Best time to visit
The optimal window for visiting Izugatake Peak aligns with the months that experience mean temperatures above freezing at the summit, namely July, August, and September. During these months, conditions are generally more favourable for high-altitude ascents, although climbers must remain prepared for sudden alpine weather changes.
Nature and wildlife
The environment surrounding Izugatake Peak consists of high-alpine terrain where vegetation is sparse due to the extreme elevation and harsh winter temperatures. Wildlife is similarly limited to hardy species adapted to alpine conditions. The area is protected under the designation of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.
Guides and organised ascents
Given the extreme height and technical demands of high-altitude terrain, employing a certified mountain guide is advisable for less experienced climbers. In Japan, the national mountain guide association is the Japan Mountain Guides Association (JMGA), which is an IFMGA/UIAGM member organisation. The national alpine club and mountaineering federation is the Japan Mountaineering & Sport Climbing Association (JMSCA). Established guiding companies operating in the region include the Evergreen Outdoor Center (Hakuba) and Mt. Fuji Guides (Gotemba), which serve as examples of where visitors usually turn for professional assistance.
Safety and preparation
Ascending to this height demands thorough preparation, physical endurance, and appropriate cold-weather alpine gear to handle rapid temperature drops and exposure. In the event of an emergency, the contact number for mountain rescue in Japan is 110 to reach the police, who handle mountain rescue operations, or 119 for fire and ambulance services.
Interesting facts
Izugatake Peak stands as the 3rd highest of 14,434 named peaks in Japan. Its nearest higher peak is Hakusan-dake (Mount Fuji) at 3,756 m, located just 0.5 km NW. The summit area is situated within the protected boundaries of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.
FAQ
What is the elevation of Izugatake Peak? The elevation of Izugatake Peak is 3,749 m.
Where is Izugatake Peak located? It is located in Japan, within the municipality of Oyama in Sunto County.
Are there huts on Izugatake Peak? Yes, surrounding huts and shelters include Tokyo-ya (alpine hut) 280 m N, Chojo Fuji Kan (alpine hut) 400 m SW, and Ginmei Kan (alpine hut) 410 m SW.
How hard is it to climb Izugatake Peak? The easiest route is the Yoshida route, which is graded F on the alpine scale with an engagement rating of III.
Is there water on the way to Izugatake Peak? The dry ridges and high-alpine environment mean that natural water sources are scarce or non-existent along the routes, so climbers should carry 1.5 to 3 litres of water per person for the day.
Is there mobile phone coverage on Izugatake Peak? There are 5 communication masts mapped within 10 km, with the nearest located 260 m S; while a signal is likely on the open top, coverage can be patchy in valleys, so maps should be downloaded beforehand and emergency services can be reached via 110.