Located in the same range as the infamous Tanigawadake, Mantaro-san shares all of the same weather patterns and danger, but none of the fame. As with its more popular neighbor, the tree line is a lot lower than any other mountain in Japan. This is mostly due to the harsh winter weather it receives, but results in some breathtaking views all the way down the valley. The only direct access is from the Niigata side of the range via a four hour hike. The alternative is to make the two hour ridge line traverse from Tanagawadake. Either way the trail will be covered with deep snows until early summer.
C. Rio @matthew.shewchuk
Based out of Minakami, where I work as a canyoning guide. I love hiking and am always looking to the skies for good weather.
