Tateshina (蓼科山)

We where suppose to take the route from the south, by the parking lot by the trail was full and the only option was to park down the road and walk up to the trail head. The hike was organized by Kanto Adventures and the guide had a plan, which was to go to the ski resort up to the north side of the mountain (he called before to make sure there was space at the parking lot). From there we took the gondola and started the hike. It require crampons but no helmet or ice axe, although the latter can be used. I had my poles with snow baskets and that work fine. There was lot of snow, the hike was quite fun. The route is gradual till the hut, and gets steeper from that point to the top, although it is only 150m of elevation gain. The views from the top were stunning, you have a great view of Yatsugatake range and Minami Alps. The descent was fun, you can almost slide down on the steep section.