Getting there

Start the hike by taking to Kamikochi. You cannot drive to Kamikochi, no cars are allowed. If you want to drive, drive to Sawando car park in Matsumoto and then take the bus up to Kamikochi. You cannot use IC cards on the bus, you have to purchase a ticket from the vending machine to board the bus. 

Take the bus all the way to the bus terminal (last stop). From the bus terminal, walk to the Kappa Bashi, just follow the path from the bus stop, either along the river or past the informaiton centre, you can't miss it. 

Route/Trail notes

From Kappa Bashi, cross the bridge so you are on the side with the apple pie cafe. Walk downstream along the concrete path past the Weston monument. Keep following this path down the river until you reach another bridge near the Taisho-ike. Do not cross the bridge. Instead turn right, there should be a path that heads away from the river. Here the path will no longer be paved. Keep following this path until you start seeing signs that say 焼岳 yakedake. Pass through a gate and you will reach the trailhead. 

There is a distinct path up the mountain. The first half of the hike takes you through dense forest before you start to really ascend. As you go up, the tree line will disappear. The most difficult part of the hike is the 8m ladder. You will have to conquer whatever fear of heights you have and climb up a 8m verticle ladder. 

After the ladder you will reach a mountain hut. Take a break here. They have a toilet and some benches.From there continue upwards. Here is where the views start getting good. Look for markers in the rocks pointing you towards the summit and have you breath taken away. 

Permits/Costs

Bus innit and toilet is 100 yen