If a mountain has several routes, compare their physical and technical grades in the official table and start with routes that score low on both. As of October 27, 2026, Yamanashi, Gunma, Gifu, and Niigata published mountain route grades. You can compare paths on the same mountain if the table lists each route you are considering. The method applies to routes with grades, which assume good weather and snow-free conditions. This guide explains how to read the table and make a note comparing your options.
The two grades apply to each route
Yamanashi cites beginners taking on steep mountains before they understand the hazards as one factor in the increase in mountain emergencies. Gifu points to beginners attempting steep routes with insufficient skills or equipment. Niigata also sees many incidents involving people who overestimate their fitness or skills. The tables aim to help people choose a hike within their abilities.
There are two scales: physical demand from 1 to 10 and technical difficulty in five grades from A to E. Yamanashi covers 123 routes, Gunma 99, and Gifu 75 major routes. Each route is rated separately, so grades can differ on the same mountain. Yamanashi and Gifu advise beginners to start in the lower left of the chart and build experience gradually toward the upper right.
Gifu warns that two or more routes on a mountain can start at the same trailhead. Check the exact route before leaving. To avoid reading the figures for a different trail, the editorial team suggests matching the route in the table to the map, including its junctions and the point where you finish the descent.
What the physical-grade formula reveals about routes on the same mountain
Yamanashi and Gunma calculate the route score by adding estimated hiking time (hours) × 1.8, total distance (km) × 0.3, cumulative ascent (km) × 10.0, and cumulative descent (km) × 0.6. Gifu divides the route score by 10 and rounds up to assign a physical grade from 1 to 10. Niigata also describes using a score derived from estimated time, distance, and cumulative ascent and descent. Check the details on each prefecture's official page.
The coefficients show how the formula weighs each factor. It assigns 1.0 point per 100 m of ascent, 0.06 per 100 m of descent, and 0.3 per kilometer of distance. By the editorial team's calculation, 100 m more ascent contributes about as much as 3.3 km of additional distance. A 100 m descent contributes about one-seventeenth as much as a 100 m ascent. These are weights in the formula. They give no measure of knee strain or risk of an accident. When two routes on the same mountain have different physical grades, the formula can give greater weight to a difference in cumulative ascent than to a difference in distance. Under Gifu's method, an increase of 1.0 in the route score can raise the grade by one if it crosses a rounding threshold.
The score and grade do not tell you how many steps there are, how high they are, or whether the trail is wet on the day. Steps and other trail features can still affect walking time and the nature of the route. The ratings assume good weather and snow-free conditions. Gunma says difficulty increases outside those conditions. Even when the grades are similar, ask the trail manager or another local source about the surface and current access.
Technical difficulty and trying a grade for the first time
Technical grades reflect trail conditions and the skills and abilities required. Yamanashi describes A routes as generally maintained and easy to follow. C can include ladders, chains, and sections with sparse signage. Two routes with the same physical grade may require different preparation if one is A and the other C. If you want to try a route with chains, start by getting a feel for the physical grade on an A route.
Gunma and Gifu ask hikers to take an experienced companion when trying a grade for the first time. On an unfamiliar mountain, start with routes within the physical and technical range you have experienced recently. If you are considering a harder route, check the specific skills and preparation it requires. Assess what you can do yourself before counting on a companion's experience.
Gunma and Gifu say you can bring a physically demanding route within your range by splitting it over several days. Gunma's table gives an indication of how many nights might be needed. Check what lodging you can use, when it is open, how to reserve, and what gear you need before deciding whether to split the hike.
How to put your route options side by side
The editorial team suggests making a one-page note with six items for each route. First, write the route name, trailhead, junctions, and where you will finish. Second, note its physical and technical grades and where it sits on the chart. Third, record cumulative ascent, total distance, and estimated hiking time. Fourth, record the update date or edition of the table. Fifth, consider whether good weather and snow-free conditions apply to your planned date. Sixth, check for escape routes you can use to descend partway through.
Suppose route A is physical grade 4 and technical grade A, and route B is physical grade 5 and technical grade C. Alongside the difference in physical demand, check whether B requires using ladders or chains. A may still be too long for a first hike. If neither route fits your abilities, look for a shorter and easier one.
Check the edition of the table and current trail conditions separately. Yamanashi notes that trails may have changed since its grades were compiled in 2016 and advises checking with mountain huts, municipal offices, or police stations. Niigata publishes a July 2026 edition. Even a recent table may omit the latest rockfall or construction. Record the page and edition you used, and check the latest access information before departure.
In its 2024 overview of mountain emergencies, the National Police Agency recommends choosing a route suited to the weather and your fitness, skills, experience, and health. It also advises allowing enough time for breaks and identifying escape routes when planning. If you suspect you are lost, stop and assess the situation before proceeding. End the hike early when appropriate. Retrace your steps only if you can confirm the way and do so safely. If you cannot move on your own, call for help early. Gunma and Niigata ask hikers to file a hiking plan when entering the mountains. Niigata lists an app, email to the prefectural police, paper forms, and submission boxes at trailheads. Finish your comparison note with one line on when to call off your chosen route and another on where you can get down early. Use the listing as a starting point for comparison. Yamanashi explicitly says inclusion gives no guarantee of access or safety.
Summary: Compare the grades for the actual routes you might hike
Compare the official physical and technical grades for routes on the same mountain. Start with a route near the lower left of the chart and within the range of your experience. The physical-grade formula gives substantial weight to cumulative ascent. Look at the inputs to understand why two routes score differently. The ratings assume good weather and snow-free conditions, and the edition may predate trail changes. Check the update date, confirm current conditions with local sources, and include escape routes and a hiking plan in your preparations. Use this method for routes included in the official tables.