The season for summer climbing has kicked off at Tateyama in Japan's Northern Alps.

On Sunday, a ceremony to mark the opening of the season was held at the Tateyama cable-car station.

The station is the starting point of the scenic Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.

About 70 people attended, including members of the local tourism bureau and police. After a prayer by a Shinto priest, the participants laid offerings on an altar to ensure the safety of climbers and visitors.

After children opened a decorative ball, people began taking the cable-car to a trekking route higher up on the mountain.

A man in his 50s says he wants to enjoy Tateyama's charms that can only be experienced during the summer.