5 Mountains and High-Altitude Areas to Stay Cool in The Summer

If you’re looking to escape the summer heat of Japan during your RV trip,then it’s a good idea to head upwards. By exploring some of the mountainous and high-altitude regions of Japan, you can find cooler climates and enjoy some truly magical experiences along the way.  Travelling by RV gives you a wealth of options when it comes to finding somewhere to stay cool in the summer heat. If you want to escape the heat while also enjoying some breathtaking views, then it’s a good idea to start heading up! So, this post will take a look at 5 mountains and high-altitude areas for you to explore that will help you stay cool in the summer.

Mount Fuji: Iconic and Inspirational

While Mount Fuji is a popular destination year-round, summer brings a refreshing escape with its cooler mountain air and scenic beauty. Climbing Fuji can be a transformative experience, but surrounding it are numerous campsites that make it a prime location for RV campers seeking both adventure and comfort. The Fujinomiya 5th Station, for example, offers a fantastic starting point for climbers and a cool retreat for those looking to relax at high altitude.

Top Tip

Park your RV at one of the designated campsites like Hygge Yamanakako RV Park, where you can enjoy views of Mount Fuji while avoiding the extreme heat of lower elevations.

The Japanese Alps: A Diverse High-Altitude Haven

The Japanese Alps stretch through the heart of Honshu and are divided into three main ranges: the Northern, Central, and Southern Alps. Each offers unique landscapes and cooler climates that make it the perfect escape from the intense city heat during summer.

The Northern Alps, also known as the Hida Mountains, feature dramatic rugged peaks like Mount Hotaka and Mount Tateyama, which are perfect for hiking enthusiasts. RV campers will find well-equipped campsites such as RV Park Raichou in Toyama, which provides a luxurious base to explore the surrounding alpine scenery and the opportunity to enjoy cooler temperatures.

Top Tip

Travel along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, where the higher elevations provide a bit of relief from the summer heat and some breathtaking views of the mountain scenery. Throughout this route, you will get a chance to view native alpine flowers and if you’re lucky some elusive wildlife like stoats and Japanese serow. Most areas in the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route are not accessible by personal vehicles. You can park your RV at Tateyama Station or Ogizawa Station, depending on which site you want to enter through. There are shuttle buses that will take you from the station onto the Alpine Route.

The Hida Mountains: Less Traveled, More Enchanting

The less frequented Hida Mountains offer serene landscapes and a more solitary retreat for your RV travels. This region is known for its pristine environments and is home to some of the highest peaks in Japan, such as Mount Yari and Mount Shirouma. These lesser-travelled paths provide tranquil hiking opportunities and cooler climates, making them perfect for those looking to escape crowded tourist spots.

Top Tip

Explore the Azumino area for its scenic beauty and excellent RV facilities, providing a great base to enjoy both the comfort of your vehicle and the natural surroundings.

Shikoku Mountains: A Hidden Gem

The Shikoku Mountain range, while not as high as the Alps, offers lush landscapes and a cool climate that can provide a refreshing escape from Japan’s humid summer. The Iya Valley is a stunning area known for its deep gorges and traditional vine bridges, offering a mix of adventure and relaxation.

Top Tip

There are multiple campsites and RV parks in the Iya Valley. Many have winding mountain roads leading to them. If you’re travelling via motorhome, Tokyo is around 10 hours from here so be mindful of the distance.

Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park: Volcanic Vistas and Cool Climates

If you want to extend your RV travels across Japan, then heading south is a great way to keep cool during summer. Located in the southern part of Kyushu, the Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park is famous for its active volcanic range, including Mount Kirishima. Despite housing an active volcano, it offers a cool climate and stunning natural beauty, with hot springs and hiking trails that are less crowded than those in more northern parts of Japan. The higher altitudes bring refreshing temperatures that are a welcome respite during the summer months.

Top Tip

Stay at one of the many RV parks and campsites near the Kirishima Geopark to enjoy the cooler temperatures and the therapeutic benefits of nearby hot springs after a day of hiking in the mountains. As with Shikoku, be mindful that this journey is around 15 hours from Tokyo – so be prepared for a long trip!

Stay Cool This Summer with a High-Altitude RV Adventure Across Japan

Exploring Japan’s mountains and high-altitude areas in an RV is an excellent way to beat the summer heat while enjoying the breathtaking landscapes the country has to offer. Each of these destinations provides unique experiences and environments, from the iconic slopes of Mount Fuji to the volcanic vistas of Kirishima. With thoughtful planning, your summer RV getaway can be a cool, rejuvenating adventure amidst Japan’s stunning mountainous terrains.