‘May can give a false sense of safety,’ expert warns after Hong Kong hiker dies in Japan

Veteran mountaineer Chung Kin-man warned on Wednesday that May is not a stable period for climbing in Japan, despite warmer lowland temperatures that can lull hikers into a false sense of safety. His warning follows the death of a Hong Kong hiker who became stranded in the Northern Alps alongside another man. Chung emphasized that May falls between the traditional winter and summer climbing seasons, creating highly volatile conditions with sudden snowstorms, strong winds, and freezing temperatures.

Climbers often underestimate the need for proper cold-weather gear in May, as they adjust their equipment and schedule based on warmer conditions at lower altitudes. Chung noted that using warm-weather gear may not provide sufficient protection when sudden cold spells or snowstorms arrive. He urged hikers to prepare for both cold and wet environments, as the unstable transition period demands gear suitable for winter conditions even in late spring.