Mt. Kurobushi, Misoji Route.

Mountain area: Mt. Kurobushi, Misoji (30s) route

Date: April 29, 2024

Team Members: Suzuki, Hosokawa (TAAV)

On April 28, we departed from our club room at Tohoku University Katahira Campus and drove to the car park of Kurobushiyama Kogen ski resort, where we rested.

April 29: We woke up at 3 am, packed our tents, had breakfast in the car, and set off at 3:30 am. Barefoot, we crossed the stream as the temporary bridge had been removed since our last visit. Navigating in darkness, we reached the base of the south face around 5 am after some bushwhacking.

We commenced climbing at 5:30 am. Hosokawa led the 1st pitch (V+), followed by me. From the 2nd pitch (III) to the 3rd pitch (5.8), Suzuki climbed freely, belaying Hosokawa until the middle of the 4th pitch (IV). Tie blocks were set up along the way to prevent falls. Hosokawa led the remaining section of the 4th pitch, marking the completion of the first half of the day.

The challenging rock climbing began at pitch 5 (5.9), led by Suzuki. Hosokawa led pitches 6 (5.9) and 7 (5.10a), while Suzuki free-climbed pitches 8 (III) and 9 (III). Hosokawa led pitch 10 (5.8). The final pitch, 11 (5.10b), posed the highest difficulty, but with Suzuki’s lead, we managed to navigate it smoothly.

After rappelling down, we reached the car park before 2 pm. It was a rewarding experience and excellent alpine climbing practice.