National park · Japan
Mt. Chokai
Spend a day on Mt. Chokai: hike the Haraikawa trail (≈4 h round‑trip) in summer for clear views, or attempt a winter ascent with skis; entry is free, parking costs apply.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
1 km² (0 sq mi)0 sq mi (1 km²)
approximate
Established
2026
Best months
Apr–May
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 5
- East Asia ↗Every border in East Asia is a full international border, Hong Kong and Macau included: an entry permission for one never covers the next.
- East Asia ↗Ferries between Korea, Japan and China cancel in rough seas and typhoons; keep a flight or a spare day behind every sea leg.
- Japan ↗IC cards (ICOCA/Suica) are topped up with cash at station machines.
- Japan ↗Smoking while walking is banned in most city centres; use designated areas.
- Japan ↗Shinkansen bags 160–250 cm (L+W+H) need a seat reserved with the oversized-baggage area.
At a glance
- Country
- Japan
- Area
- 1 km² (0 sq mi)0 sq mi (1 km²)
- Exact protected‑area size not published; the mountain and surrounding forest constitute the park (check).
- Established
- 2026
- Best months
- Apr–May
- Permits
- Not needed
- Base
- Akita
Mt. Chokai rises 2 236 m on the Akita–Yamagata border, offering marked summer trails from Haraikawa and a flagged winter ascent for ski‑hikers; the summit hosts the Omonoimi Jinja hut.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 2026.
Size and age
1 km² (0 sq mi)0 sq mi (1 km²) · national park since 2026
Exact protected‑area size not published; the mountain and surrounding forest constitute the park (check).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Akita.
Why go
- Summit offers 360° views of the Akita/Yamagata border region.
- Well‑marked summer trail from Haraikawa with water sources.
- Winter ascent possible for ski‑hikers with flag navigation.
When to go
- JanCaution
- FebCaution
- MarGo
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunGo
- JulGo
- AugGo
- SepGo
- OctCaution
- NovCaution
- DecCaution
- JanCold, snow; winter gear needed.
- FebSnow persists; experienced winter hikers only.
- MarEarly spring, still snow on upper sections.
- AprSnow melt, clear days, comfortable temps.
- MayFull summer trail, water available.
- JunWarm, occasional rain.
- JulPeak summer, occasional thunderstorms.
- AugWarm, occasional rain.
- SepLate summer, fewer crowds.
- OctFirst autumn snow may appear.
- NovSnow likely, winter conditions.
- DecCold, snow; only for prepared winter hikers.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine plants and occasional bird speciesJun–Sep | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Haraikawa trailhead | Parking, bathroom, water, warming hut, campground. | Open year‑round; winter hut closed after early October. |
| Summit area | Viewpoint, Omonoimi Jinja hut. | Open summer to early October; winter access at own risk. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates from Wikidata; trailhead from source listing.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parking at Haraikawa trailhead | JPY 500 (≈ US$4) | vehicle | Typical municipal fee (check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Trail access no permit
Park rules
- Camping
- Only allowed at designated campground near Haraikawa; no wild camping.
- Fire
- Open fires prohibited; use camp stoves only.
- Pets
- Leashed dogs allowed on trail; must stay on path.
Where to stay
In the park
Mt. Chokai Omonoimi Jinja hut
Simple dormitory rooms; basic meals.
Near the park
Akita city
Hotels and ryokan, 1 h drive to trailhead.
Safety
Sudden weather change high
Exposure at summit medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Trailhead parking reachable by car; short walks to trail start.
- Summit path steep and uneven; not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Use designated campground only; pack out all waste.
- Support local accommodation in Akita.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Mt. Chokai?
There is no entrance fee; parking at the Haraikawa trailhead costs about 500 JPY per vehicle.
What are the best hikes in Mt. Chokai?
The main summer route from Haraikawa (≈4 h round‑trip) and the winter flag‑marked ascent for ski‑hikers are the most popular.
When is the best time to visit Mt. Chokai?
Late spring to early autumn (April–September) offers clear weather and full trail access; winter hikes are possible for experienced snow travelers.
Is camping allowed on Mt. Chokai?
Only at the designated campground near Haraikawa; wild camping is prohibited.
Can I stay overnight at the summit?
Yes, the Omonoimi Jinja hut provides simple dormitory rooms; reservations are recommended.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
Ask about Mt. Chokai
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