Mount Chō

Mount Chō (蝶ヶ岳) at 2677 m is a mountain located in Japan. Mount Chō is part of the Hida Mountains (Northern Alps) in Chūbu-Sangaku National Park, and is located in the cities of Azumino and Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture. It is located to the south of Mount Jōnen on the ridgeline of the Jōnen Mountain Range. Mount Chō is a popular destination for hikers because it offers views of other famous Japanese mountains, including Mount Yari and Mount Hotakadake along the Panorama Ginza.

The summit of Mount Chō has a gentle slope, and near the summit, several small ponds are found, including Chougaike (蝶ヶ池) at 2655 m and Youseinoike (妖精ノ池) at 2605 m. Viewed from Mount Chōyari, the double-ridgeline of Mount Chō can be seen. Much snow accumulates here, affecting the distribution of alpine plants. Near the summit is a zone of creeping pines, and it is a habitat for rock ptarmigan.

History

 * In 1826 (Bunsei 9), the Jōdo-shū Buddhist monk, Banryū (播隆), is said to have made the first recorded ascent. Banryū is known as the "unknown first alpinist".
 * In 1932 (Showa 7), the Japanese mountaineer and photographer, Kanmuri Matsujiro, photographed Yarigatake viewed from the summit of Chogatake for his Kurobe Gorge photography series.
 * In 1958, the Chougatake Hut was opened by Nakamura Yoshichika.
 * In 1969, the Mitsumata Trail, built by Nakamura Yoshichika and others, was opened.

Climbing Routes
There are several climbing routes, including direct ascents from the east and west, as well as ridgeline routes from the north and south. In addition, there is lodge, Chougatake Hyutte (Chougatake Hut), just below the summit with a small tent site.

The route from Mitsumata Trailhead (三股登山口 Mitsumata tozan guchi), 1350 m is one of the most popular routes, and takes approximately 5 hours, and climbs 1300m over 6.5 km. The start of this route also branches to Mount Jōnen. Mitsumata Trailhead is accessed by taxi, approximately 30 minutes, from Hotaka Station on the Ōito Line in Azumino.

Another popular route starts in the remote mountainous highland valley of Kamikōchi. From the Kamikōchi Bus Terminal, it is an approximate 2-hour leisurely flat walk beside the Azusa River to the Tokusawa (徳沢) area, 1562 m. From there, the trail rises steeply along the Nagakabe Ridge to 2565 m, and then to the summit of Mount Chō. In all, this trail takes approximately 6–7 hours from the Kamikōchi Bus Terminal. Additionally, it is possible to continue beside the Azusa River for another hour to Yokoo (横尾), 1629 m, and climb from there for approximately 4 hours. Yokoo is also the junction for hiking routes to Mount Yari and Karasawa Cirque.

A third route is an up-down 4-km ridgeline traverse to or from the summit of Mount Jōnen. This route takes 4–6 hours, depending on speed and skill, and passes over Mount Choyari, 2655 m. A popular extended hike starts at the Mitsumata Trailhead, climbs Mount Chō, traverses to Mount Jōnen, and then descends Mount Maejōnen, 2662 m, to finish at the Mitsumata Trailhead. This route takes over 15 hours.