North Alps Yanagidake mountain rescues two 53‑year‑old hikers on July 27

On July 27, 2026, two separate incidents on the North Alps Yanagidake in Japan required rescue operations.

A 53‑year‑old man from Gunma Prefecture slipped and fell while descending near the 1‑Bench on the Gosen ridge. Unable to continue, he called for help and was retrieved by a five‑person team from the Azumino Police Mountain Rescue Unit and the Matsumoto Fire Department. He was carried to a hospital in Matsumoto with minor abrasions on his knees.

Later that day, a 53‑year‑old man from Nagano Prefecture was struck by lightning near the summit. He lost consciousness briefly, then walked to a nearby hut where staff alerted firefighters. After receiving first aid, he was air‑lifted by a police helicopter to a hospital in Ōmachi, having sustained a burn on his right heel.

Both men received medical treatment and were released after evaluation.