Access

• By Car

Head to Kusasenri Parking Lot (草千里駐車場). The carpark has 300 spaces and costs ¥500.

Google Maps

• Public Transport

From Kumamoto Airport, take a Kuko Renraku (airport shuttle) “Yamabiko” bus to Aso Station (about 1h 30m). From Aso Station, take a Kyushu Kotsu Bus Lines Aso Kako Line bus to the Kusasenri Aso Volcano Museum Bus Stop (30m).

Mount Aso is an active volcano with ongoing activity. The Japan Meteorological Agency issues the latest eruption warnings and forecasts, so please check them before deciding whether to hike. There are also restrictions due to volcanic gases, so check local information on your route as well.

Check out latest restrictions here (English)

Japan Meteorological Agency Website (Japanese)

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As of 2019, volcanic activity, including eruptions, has caused both Naka-dake and Taka-dake to be declared restricted to hikers. In April 2022, the activity level was dropped from level 2 to level 1. Despite this, there is still a 1 km no go zone around the crators. Therefore THE ROUTES BELOW ARE CURRENTLY OFF-LIMITS. According to information on the Mount Aso website, trails are being prepared to be re-opened. We have left our guides up here for your information and in hope that they will be opened again at some point in the near future.

Map PDF showing where trails are restricted.

Neko-Dake Ridge Route 根子岳 大戸尾根ルート

• Intermediate 中級
• Time: 2h 40m
• Distance: 4.3km
• Elevation Change: 810m

Mount Neko Emergency Hut Carpark (根子岳地獄谷避難小屋前駐車場) ~ (1h 30m) ~ Tohou (東峰) ~ (1h 10m) ~ Mount Neko Emergency Hut Carpark (根子岳地獄谷避難小屋前駐車場)

Eastern Side 中岳・高岳 Route

• Intermediate 中級
• Time: 4h 25m
• Distance: 7.5km
• Elevation Change: 554m

Nakadake is the most active crater in the massif.

As this route passes near the crater, the risk of exposure to volcanic gases (sulphur dioxide) is high. These toxic gases can be deadly, so please think carefully and prepare accordingly before ascending the mountain. If you notice a strong odour, cover your mouth and nose with a wet towel and descend the volcano immediately.

Kakou Nishi Eki / Kakou West Station (阿蘇山西駅) ~ Sunasenrigahama (砂千里ヶ浜) ~ (1h 30m) ~ Naka-dake (中岳) ~ (40m) ~ Taka-dake (高岳) ~ (20m) ~ Taka-dake Nishi ~ (45m) ~ Taka-dake (高岳) ~ (30m) ~ Naka-dake (中岳) ~ Sunasenrigahama (砂千里ヶ浜) ~ (1h) ~ Kakou Nishi Eki / Kakou West Station (阿蘇山西駅)

Mount Eboshi Route

• Beginner 初級
• Time: 2h 20m
• Distance: 4km
• Elevation Change: 242m

This beginner route takes you through the grasslands and up to a summit overlooking the area.

Aso Volcano Museum (火山博物館前) ~ (1h 20m) ~ Ridgeline / Ryosen (稜線) ~ (20m) ~ Mount Eboshi (烏帽子岳) ~ (30m) ~ Aso Volcano Museum (火山博物館前)

Mount Kishima Route

• Beginner 初級
• Time: 1h 40m
• Distance: 4.3km
• Elevation Change: 507m

This route is completely paved and can be tagged onto the route above for a longer hike.

Aso Volcano Museum (火山博物館前) ~ (20m) ~ Mount Kishima Bunki (杵島岳分岐) ~ (20m) ~ Mount Kishima (杵島岳) ~ (20m) ~ Kishima-Dake Trailhead (towards the ski-ground) (スキー場方面杵島岳登山口) ~ (15m) ~ Aso Volcano Museum (火山博物館前)

NB "分岐" (bunki) is a split or junction in the trail

See the Eboshi-Dake 烏帽子岳 and Kishima-Dake 杵島岳 trails on the left hand side of this map.

Kishima-Dake Trails PDF from Kumamoto Prefecture

Naka-Dake New Route (皿山ルート)

• Intermediate 中級

We don't know a lot about this new route yet. See the map above to see the new route around the restricted trails.

Map PDF

Yama Ue Hiroba (山上広場) ~ Shin Tozan Do / New Hiking Route 新登山道 ~ 中岳 ~ Shin Tozan Do / New Hiking Route 新登山道 ~ Yama Ue Hiroba (山上広場)

• Toilets

There are toilets available in the main carpark and at the visitor center.

• Visiter Center

The Visitor Center is located in Kusasenri, the access base for climbing Mt Aso. The base area has a museum, cafes and toilets. Pop into the Visitor Center for maps and the latest information on the volcano activity.

Mount Aso Visitor Center Tel: 0967-34-2111

Visitor Center Official Website (Japanese)

Google Maps

• Aso Volcano Museum

Aso Volcano Museum Information (English)

• Hot Springs

Dondoko Onsen Website (Japanese)
Kurokawa Onsen (English)

Access

Train: Take the Toyama Chiho Railway to Tateyama Station. From there, take the Alpine Route to Murodō (accessible upstairs from the train platforms). It is also possible to hike from Tateyama Station.

Car: Head to Tateyama Station (Toyama Chihō Railway 富山地方鉄道). There is a free carpark down the road from the station.

• Intermediate 中級

Oyama Route

• Time: 4h 50
• Distance: 6.8km
• Elevation Change: 762m

Murodo Terminal (室堂ターミナル) ~ (10m) ~ Tateyama Murodo Sansou (立山室堂山荘) ~ (1h) ~ Ichinokoshi (一ノ越) ~ (1h) ~ Oyama (雄山) ~ (45m) ~ Ichinokoshi (一ノ越) ~ (1h 5m) ~ Tenboudai (展望台) ~ (40m) ~ Tateyama Murodo Sansou (立山室堂山荘) ~ (10m) ~ Murodo Terminal (室堂ターミナル)

Murodo Loop Route

• Time: 7h 30m
• Accumulated Elevation Change: 1285m

This course takes you around the Tateyama Mountain Range. While a fast experienced hiker could easily complete this in a day, we recommend staying at one of the mountain huts or hotels.

Murodo Terminal (室堂ターミナル) ~ (10m) ~ Tateyama Murodo Sansou (立山室堂山荘) ~ (1h) ~ Ichinokoshi (一ノ越) ~ (1h) ~ Oyama (雄山) ~ (20m) ~ Oonanjiyama (大汝山) ~ (15m) ~ Fuji no Oritate (富士ノ折立) ~ (25m) ~ Ojiri Junction (大走り分岐) ~ (10m) ~ Masago Dake (真砂岳) ~ (1h) ~ Bessan Nanpo (別山南峰) ~ (30m) ~ Bessan Nokkoshi (別山乗越) ~ (1h 30m) ~ Raicho Sawa Campsite (雷鳥沢キャンプ場) ~ (15m) ~ Reicho Dai (雷鳥台) ~ (20m) ~ Mikurigaike Onsen(みくりが池温泉) ~ (25m) ~ Tateyama Murodo Sansou (立山室堂山荘) ~ (10m) ~ Murodo Terminal (室堂ターミナル)

• Lodges and Hotels

Hotel Tateyama

If you are someone who needs creature comforts and don't mind spending a little extra, we recommend staying at Hotel Tateyama. Open April 15～November 29, you can experience Tateyama throughout the seasons.

Hotel Tateyama Official Website (English)

Ichino-koshi Sanso

Popular Sanso 1 hour from Oyama peak.

Ichino-koshi Sanso Official Website (Japanese)

Raichoso

Cozy lodge with onsen. It is possible to book online from their website.

Raichoso Official Website (Japanese)

Raichozawa Hyutte

Large lodge with onsen.

Raichozawa Hyutte Official Website (Japanese)

• Onsen

Many of the lodges have onsen or baths.

Mikurigaike Onsen みくりが池温泉

You can get a day ticket for around ¥800. Those staying at the onsen overnight are able to use the baths any time thay wish.

Mikurigaike Official Website (English)

• Toilets

There are toilets at the stations and at various lodges along the route. You may be charged to use facilities at lodges.

A car is necessary to get to Mount Bandai.

By train and taxi: It is possible to get a taxi from JR Bandaimachi Station to the Happodai trailhead. It takes around 25 minutes and costs roughly ¥6000 one way (this may have changed). Remember to book your taxi back because there is no mobile phone signal near or on the mountain.

Alternatively, there are rental car branches in Aizu-Wakamatsu, Koriyama and Fukushima City.

By car: There is a free carpark that holds roughly 150 cars. Take the Bandaisan Gold Line Happodai Trailhead (八方台登山口). There is a second carpark with the capacity for around 120 cars about a 5 minute walk from the trailhead. The Bandaisan Gold Line used to be a paid sightseeing toll road but has been made free to promote tourism.

• Intermediate 中級

Happodai Trail

The Happodai Trail is easy to follow and not technically difficult. However, while the trail is short, cimbing 700m in 2 hours can be quite strenuous for beginner hikers. Plan plenty of extra time for breaks. There are several points on the trail where you can stop and take in the views.

Also, bear in mind that the trail is quite narrow and gets narrower towards summit. When the route is busy, progress can be slow.

• Time: 4h 40m
• Distance: 7km
• Elevation Change Up: 723m
• Elevation Change Down: 723m

Happodai Trailhead (八方台登山口) ~ (30m) ~ Nakanoyuato (中ノ湯跡) ~ (5m) ~ Urabandai Ski Slope Branch (裏磐梯スキー場分岐) ~ (1h 10m) ~ Koboshimizu (弘法清水) ~ (25m) ~ Mount Bandai (磐梯山) ~ (20m) ~ Koboshimizu (弘法清水) ~ (1h) ~ Urabandai Ski Slope Branch (裏磐梯スキー場分岐) ~ (5m) ~ Nakanoyuato (中ノ湯跡) ~ (25m) ~ Happodai Trailhead (八方台登山口)

The trail starts out flat and with a relaxed incline up a wide stony path until you reach Nakanoyuato. Nakanoyu was once a working onsen, now as the name suggests it is a ruin. You will probably smell it before you reach it.

From the onsen, take the path right, down through a swamp area, over a wooden walkway.

Here is where the real work starts. The trail will start to get steeper and rockier. Take it easy and go at a relaxed place. There are a few places you can stop and take photos of the lakes below.

After roughly an hour you will come to some huts. This is a great place to stop for a coffee (or beer) and take in the view. There is a natural Spring here where you can collect water to drink too. Walk past the huts to an open area where you can sit and relax. (There is a branch before reaching Koboshimizu, the main route takes you on a shortcut to the right, but we recommend heading to the left and strolling through the flower field around Tengui-iwa Hiroba. Both routes meet at Koboshimizu.)

After resting a while, head back to the main trail. The last push is 25 minutes up a narrow steep trail, but the views at the top are worth it. You will eventually come out onto the rocky summit, with stupendoous 360 views.

We recommend eating lunch here before heading back down.

Bandai Hiking Map PDF - provided by Fukushima Bandai Town Sightseeing Information
Happodai Trail Map - provided by Urabandai Visitor Center

Toilets

Toilets: The only toilets are in the carpark. There is a portable toilet booth at Koboshimizu Hut, but you need to bring your own portable toilet bag. We recomend buying an OD Toilet Kit (or similar) from Montbell before departing.

Montbell Toilet Kit

Campsites

There are a number of Auto Campsite around the lakes near Mount Bandai.

Onogawako Shousuke Campsite Website (Japanese)

Resources

Urabandai Visitor Center Webistie (Japanese)

Car: There are 2 car parks which can fill up quickly on peak days, so make sure to get there early.

Bus Option 1: Take the Hakone Tozan Bus (Route L, bus stand 3) from Hakone-Yumoto Station bound for Otome-toge, get off at Kintoki-Jinja Iriguchi Bus Stop. It takes 24 mins and costs ¥840.

Bus Option 2: Take the Odakyu Hakone Express Bus Hakone Line from Shinjuku Express Bus Terminal (Busta Shinjuku) in the south exit of Shinjuku Station and get off at Kintoki Jinja Iriguchi. It takes 2 hours and costs ¥1940.

Though the last section is steep, Kintoki is not too difficult when walking at a steady pace. It takes most people around 2 hours to reach the peak. Trails are well marked and easy to follow.

The Kintaro Course: Start hiking up from the Kintoki-jinja-iriguchi bus stop. After the first steps, you will reach the Kintoki Shrine which marks the beginning of the trail. After taking photos with Kintaro's axe, continue up for about 30 minutes and you will come to Kintoki yadori rock (this is where the legend says that Kintaro lived with his mother - a mountain witch). From there just continue following the trail until you reach the peak (55 mins), 1212m above sea level.

Toilets / Tea House / Picnic area

Restaurants: There are 2 tea houses serving udon, soba and drinks at the peak.

Picnic area: There are several picnic tables, but most people sit on rocks overlooking the stunning view. If you are worried about getting dirty, bring a mat or picnic blanket. Gas stoves are permitted.

Toilets: Toilets are at the base of the mountain and summit with no toilets on the way.

Gongen is accessible via train and bus.

Option 1: Take the JR Chuo Line going to Takao (高尾), change at Takao Takao Station to the JR Chuo line going towards Koufu (甲府). Get off at Uenohara Station (上野原駅). The train ride will take around 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Bus: Take the North Exit and get the Fujikyu Yamanashi bus (富士急バス) bound for Iio (飯尾). Alight at Yotake (用竹) bus stop.

From the bus stop, follow the dirt road up into the woods.

Option 2: As above take the JR Chuo line to Takao Station, change to the Chuo line towards Koufu. Get off at Saruhashi Station (猿橋駅). The trip will take roughly 1 hour 40 minutes.

Take a bus to Asagawa Iriguchi bus stop (浅川入口), about 25 mins.

Gongen is a quick climb, with a long ridge to stroll across. We would give this mountain 1 out of 5 for difficulty. So why didn't we put this in the beginner section? Getting lost in these mountains is easy, so both map reading experience and general outdoor safety knowledge are counselled. Consequently, we suggest you take the same route you came up with on your return unless you have enough experience and know-how to use a paper map and compass. On top of this, due to the remoteness of the location, we would advise you to take extra provisions and an emergency bivvy, just in case.

Short video made by Uenohara City (Japanese)
Uenohara City Mount Gongen page (Japanese)

Wilderness

Mount Tsukuba is accessible via train and bus or by car

By Train: Take the very convenient Tsukuba Express from Asakusa to Tsukuba station.

Bus: Once you have arrived at Tsukuba station, take the shuttle bus going to Tsukuba Shrine. You can choose to get off at Tsukuba Shrine (45 mins) or get off at the Tsutsujigaoka bus stop (50 mins) depending on your chosen route.

Make sure you check the last bus departure time back to the station. Several hikers have been caught off guard and missed the last bus. If you do miss the bus, you will have to find a taxi company willing to pick you up from way out in the sticks, and it isn't cheap.

By car: There are carparks at both the Tsukuba-san Shrine Trail entrance and the Tsutsujigaoka trail entrance. Car park fees are ¥500 per day / ¥2000 for buses

Shuttle Bus Official Website (Japanese)

For those who are physically fit, Tsukuba won't feel too difficult. These routes are for fit beginners or lower intermediate hikers who don't want to use the cable car or ropeway.

Miyukigahara Course (2h 40m)

Tsukuba-san Shrine Entrance (筑波山神社入口) ~ (10m) ~ Tsukuba-san Shrine (筑波山神社) ~ (1h 15m) ~ Minanogawa Genryo (男女川源流) ~ (30m) ~ Tsukuba Summit (筑波山 山頂) ~ (25m) ~ Minanogawa Genryo (男女川源流) ~ (1h) ~ Tsukuba-san Shrine (筑波山神社) ~ (10m) ~ Tsukuba-san Shrine Entrance (筑波山神社入口)

Tsutsujigaoka Course (3h 55m)

Tsutsujigaoka Carpark (つつじヶ丘駐車場) ~ (50m) ~ Benkei Teahouse Ruins (弁慶茶屋跡) ~ (50m) ~ Nyotai-san Station (女体山) ~ (20m) ~ Tsukuba Summit (筑波山 山頂) ~ (20m) ~ Nyotai-san Station (女体山) ~ (40m) ~ Benkei Teahouse Ruins (弁慶茶屋跡) ~ (40m) ~ Tsutsujigaoka Carpark (つつじヶ丘駐車場)

Shirakumobashi Course Loop (4h 25m)

Tsukuba-san Shrine Entrance (筑波山神社入口) ~ (10m) ~ Tsukuba-san Shrine (筑波山神社) ~ (20m) ~ Bunki (酒迎場 分岐) ~ (1h 10m) ~ Benkei Teahouse Ruins (弁慶茶屋跡) ~ (50m) ~ Nyotai-san Station (女体山) ~ (20m) ~ Tsukuba Summit (筑波山 山頂) ~ (25m) ~ Minanogawa Genryo (男女川源流) ~ (1h) ~ Tsukuba-san Shrine (筑波山神社) ~ (10m) ~ Tsukuba-san Shrine Entrance (筑波山神社入口)

Loop Course From Tsukuba-San shrine (4h 35m)

Tsukuba-san Shrine Entrance (筑波山神社入口) ~ (10m) ~ Tsukuba-san Shrine (筑波山神社) ~ (20m) ~ Bunki (分岐) ~ (30m) ~ Tsutsujigaoka (つつじヶ丘駐車場) ~ (50m) ~ Benkei Teahouse Ruins (弁慶茶屋跡) ~ (50m) ~ Nyotai-san Station (女体山) ~ (20m) ~ Tsukuba Summit (筑波山 山頂) ~ (25m) ~ Minanogawa Genryo (男女川源流) ~ (1h) ~ Tsukuba-san Shrine (筑波山神社) ~ (10m) ~ Tsukuba-san Shrine Entrance (筑波山神社入口)

Trail Courses

Cable Car / Ropeway / Restaurants / Toilets

Cable Car Fares

Adults: ¥590 (one way), ¥1070 (round trip)

Children (up to 15 years): ¥300 (one way), ¥540 (round trip)

Pet: ¥200 (each way), guide dogs ride free

Rope Way Fares

Adults: ¥630 (one way), ¥1120 (round trip)

Children (up to 15 years): ¥320 (one way), ¥560 (round trip)

Pet: ¥200 (each way), guide dogs ride free

6 years and under ride free

Pets must be put in special carry cases provided at the cable car station

Cable Car & Rope Way Set

For those who want to take the cable car up and the rope way down (or vice versa), this ticket will allow you one trip on each.

Adults: ¥1220 (round trip)

Children (up to 15 years): ¥620 (round trip)

Cable Car & Rope Way Set

For those who want to take the cable car up and the rope way down (or vice versa), and take a shuttle bus back to the carpark.

Adults: ¥1500 (round trip)

Children (up to 15 years): ¥750 (round trip)

Restaurants: There are several restaurants and souvenir shops.

Picnic Area: There isn't really a picnic area 'per se', but there are benches around the summit where you can sit and eat.

Mount Tsukuba Cable Car and Ropeway (English)

Mount Amagi is accessible via Car, or train and bus

Car park: There is a free car park for hikers at the Amagi-Kogen Golf Course.

By train and bus: Take a train to JR Ito Station (伊東駅). The quickest option is to take the Shinkansen from Shinagawa Station (品川駅) to station , then change to the JR Ito line (JR 伊東線). From Ito Station you can take a bus to Amagi-Kogen Golf Course (天城高原ゴルフ場). The stop is right at the start of the trail. The restrooms are just across the road in the Hikers Car Park.

Izu City Amagi Hiking Page (English)
Amagi-Kogen Golf Course Access Page (Japanese)
Bus Timetables and Access Info (Japanese)

Amagi Loop Trail

The loop is usually done clockwise and takes around 4 hours 30 minutes to complete. Due to the deteriation of trails and the creation of shortcuts, it is very easy to get lost or disorientated. Be careful to keep an eye on the trail markers, and stay on, or close to the main trail.

Head down from the trail entrance (入口) and follow the path for around 20 minutes. You will arrive at a split. Take the left path up towards Mount Banjirodake (万二郎岳). It will take about an hour to get to the first summit (1299m). From the Banjiro Summit continue on to the right for about 40 minutes to reach Hanatate (石楠立). After another 30 minutes and a steep climb you will reach the main Mt Amagi summit (1406m).

It will take another 2 hours to reach the split at the beginning of the trail. Take the path towards Karesawa Bunkiten (涸沢分岐点) for around 55 miutes. Be careful as you descend through the slippery mossy sections. Then the final 1 hour stretch to Bunjiro Tozanguchi (the split). After that, follow the path to the left for 15 minutes to get back to the bus stop and car park.

Simple Hiking Course Map

Toilets / Golf Course

Toilets: There are toilets in the Hiker's Car Park. There are no toilets on the trail.

Golf Course: It is possible to buy the Amagi souvenire badge at the golf course reception.

Amagi-Kogen Golf Course Website (Japanese)

Access

Train: Take a train to Kaimon Station (開聞駅).

Car: Park at Kaimon Sanroku Fureai Park Car Park (かいもん山麓ふれあい公園駐車場). The car park is free and can hold up to 120 cars.

• Intermediate 中級

There is only 1 route up to the peak. The trail is well signposted and easy to follow.

From Kaimon Station

• Time: 5h 20m
• Distance: 11km
• Elevation Change: 917m

If you are starting at the Car Park (rather than the train station) then the elevation change is around 800m, and climbing time is around 4h.

Kaimon Train Station (開聞駅) ~ (40m) ~ Nigome Trailhead (二合目登山口) ~ (50m) ~ 5th Station (五合目) ~ (40m) ~ Sennindo (仙人洞) ~ (50m) ~ Kaimondake Summit (開聞岳)

Kaimondake Summit (開聞岳) ~ (40m) ~ Sennindo (仙人洞) ~ (30m) ~ 5th Station (五合目) ~ (40m) ~ Nigome Trailhead (二合目登山口) ~ (30m) ~ Kaimon Train Station (開聞駅)

Hiking Map PDF provided by Ibusuki Tourism

Toilets

There are toilets at the train station and in the car park.

Ibusuki Tourism Website (automated English translation available)

Mount Ryokami is accessible via car (* please read carefully) or train and bus

By car: For those taking the Hinata Oya Route. There is a free car park 日向大谷の駐車場 that can fit around 50 cars. The car park fills up quickly, especially on Saturday mornings.

By car: For those taking the Shiroisasushindo Route. The trail and car park are on private property. Spaces are very limited, and you must call and book in advance (in Japanese). Parking costs ¥1000, which also helps with the trail's upkeep. The owner will give you a map and explain about any dangers, such as recent animal spottings or route changes due to weather. The owners are lovely, but as they don't speak any English and have strong accents, they ask that people who take this route have a native speaker with them. Their main worry is that someone could get injured on their land because they haven't understood the explanation. This is a genuine concern as several people have died on the various Ryokami trails.

By train and bus or taxi: This is for the Hinata Oya Route. Take a train to Mitsumineguchi Station (三峰口駅); from there, take the 小鹿野町営バス to the last stop, Hinata Oya Guchi (日向大谷口). The ride takes about 48 minutes. It is also possible to get a taxi from the station to Hinata Oya Guchi.

Shiroisasushindo Route 白井差新道から (6h 25m)

We recommend taking this lesser trodden path for those who can book a space. To use this route, you must book in advance (Tel 0490-79-0494 Japanese only) and pay ¥1000 each towards the trail's upkeep. Carpark spaces are limited.

Shiroisasu Guchi (白井差口) ~ (1h) ~ Shiroisasu (白井差) ~ (1h) ~ Oodorigawara (オオドリ河原) ~ (30m) ~ Buna Daira (ブナ平) ~ (1h 10m) ~ Ryokami Peak (両神山) ~ (50m) ~ Buna Daira (ブナ平) ~ (20m) ~ Oodorigawara (オオドリ河原) ~ (45m) ~ Shiroisasu (白井差) ~ (50m) ~ Shiroisasu Guchi (白井差口)

The owner will explain where to park your car, give you a map, and explain the route along with any dangers (in Japanese). You may have to head up to the house if they aren't around the car parking area. There is a toilet in the parking area, which we recommend using before heading up. There are no facilities on the mountain itself.

The trail beginning of the trail is pretty relaxing, especially as you pass by Shoryu Waterfall. As you get to the steeper section, the path starts to zigzag. Once you reach the top, you will need to climb up a narrow pathway on the rock to reach the peak.

Hinata Oya Route 日向大谷から (6h)

Hinata Oya Guchi (日向大谷口) ~ (35m) ~ Kaisho (会所) ~ (1h 30m) ~ Kiyotaki Hut (青滝小屋) ~ (1h 20m) ~ Ryokami Peak (両神山) ~ (55m) ~ Kiyotaki Hut (青滝小屋) ~ (1h 10m) ~ Kaisho (会所) ~ (30m) ~ Hinata Oya Guchi (日向大谷口)

The first part of the course from the trail head isn't too tricky. After a while, the trail will get steeper and start zigzagging. After around 2 hours, you will reach a hut. The hut is currently closed, but there is a water area and toilet still in use. When you are ready, continue heading up to the summit. On the way, you will pass stone wolf statues there to protect the sacred shrine and mountain. Once you reach the top, there is a steep, narrow path along the rock up to the peak. This can get crowded on busy days. There isn't much space to eat lunch near the summit, but some hikers like to find perches on the rock ledges.

Toilets

Toilets: There are toilets in the carpark of the Shiroisasushindo Route. On the Hinata Oya Route, there are toilets around half way up the mountain at the Kiyotaki hut. There are no toilets at the peak.

Access

Mount Tanigawa is accessible via public transport or car.

• Public Transport

Shinkansen: Take the Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Jomo Kogen Station (about 1 hour 30 mins). From there take the Kan-etsu Kotsu Bus to the Tanigawa-dake Ropeway Doaiguchi Station (45 mins).

Regular Train: If you choose to take regular trains, buses are available from the JR Minakami Station, or you can walk (1.3km) from JR Doai station to the Ropeway station.

• Car

There is a multilevel car park at Tanigawa Ropeway. Parking costs between ¥500 ~ ¥1000 depending on car size and season.

There is another free car park near to Doai Bridge (土合橋) close to the Ichinokurasawa entrance. The car park is called Shiragamon Tozanguchi Parking Lot 白毛門登山口駐車場. It is about 15 minutes walk from the ropeway.

• Beginner 初級 ~ Experienced 上級

Tanigawa has a ropeway making it easier for less experienced hikers to reach the peak. With a variety of routes to explore, we have given each route its own difficulty level. Whichever trail you decide to take, never venture onto Tanigawa without proper preparation and research.

The hiking season runs from July to November and varies in length depending on when the trails are clear of snow.

Ichino Kurasawa Trekking Course
(一ノ倉沢トレッキングコース)

• Strong Beginner 初級
• Time: 2h 30m
• Distance: 6.9km
• Elevation Change: 307m

The Ichinokurasawa Trekking Course is a short loop trail that takes you through a beech forest and down by the river on the East side of Mount Tanigawa. With an elevation change of roughly 300m, it is a moderately challenging route for beginners. The full circuit takes around 2.5 hours to complete (without breaks).

FYI The Japanese sometimes use the word "trekking" to mean "walking". A lot of borrowed katakana words have different meanings in Japanese to their original English terms.

Hiking Route

From the Tanigawa Ropeway Base Plaza entrance, head towards the Tanigawa Mountaineering Museum on the left-hand side. A little further up from the museum is the Tanigawadake Mountaineering Guidance Centre (谷川岳登山指導センター). The centre has route maps and recent information about trail safety, so it is worth stopping in before heading to the main trail.

The trail starts out on a paved road lined with beech trees. There are benches at intervals and distance markers along the way.

After about 1 hour and a half you will come to Ichino Kurazawa Deai 一ノ倉沢出会. You will know when you reach it because you will be confronted with a 1000m high rock wall. This is one of the most famous and most dangerous climbing walls in Japan. There are toilets available in this area and hikers usually eat their lunch here. It can get a little bit chilly in this area due to glacial winds, a phenomena referred to as "breath of the glacier" in Japanese.

In peak season electric buses run between here and the trailhead, so if you are struggling, or have little ones who have had enough, it is possible to take the bus back. The bus costs ¥500.

From this point you will take an unpaved trail down towards the Yubiso River. After about 10~15 minutes you'll reach the river trail (清水峠越新道 しみずとうげごえしんどう), follow the path along the river. There is a point where you will need to cross the stream to the new trail. Keep going and you will eventually find yourself back at the ropeway.

Check out the loop route (yellow with red dots) next to the river on the map below.

Map PDF

Japanese Map Notes:

The "分" symbol means "minutes" in Japanese, so 10分 means 10 minutes.

If there has been heavy rainfall, the lower section of the loop may be closed or difficult to pass. In this case, you may need to head back the way you came. On the map above there are some circled sections indicating where the water level may rise. "降雨時増水注意" means "Caution: water level may rise during rainfall".

Tenjin Ridge Route

• Low intermediate 中級

For a relatively short hike to the peak, take the ropeway up to Tenjindaira Station (1,320m). From the top ropeway station, it takes around 2 hours to hike to the summit (1,977m). It is also possible to take a pair lift up to Tenjintouge (1,500m). Both routes take around the same time.

Tenjidaira Top Ropeway Station (天神平駅 ロープウェイ) OR Tenjintouge Pair Lift Station (天神峠)~（45分）~ Kuma Anazawa Emergency Hut 熊穴沢避難小屋 ~ (30分) ~ Tengu No Tomariba (天狗の留まり場) ~（45分) ~ Tanigawadake Kata No Koya (谷川岳肩の小屋) ~ (10m) ~ Tanigawa Dake Toma No Mimi (谷川岳 トマの耳) ~ (15m) ~ Tanigawadake Oki No Mimi (谷川岳 オキノ耳) ~ (15m) ~ 谷川岳（トマの耳）~ (5m) ~ Tanigawadake Kata No Koya (谷川岳肩の小屋) ~ （45分）~ Tengu No Tomariba (天狗の留まり場) ~（30分）~ Kuma Anazawa Emergency Hut (熊穴沢避難小屋) ~（40分）~ Tenjidaira Top Ropeway Station (天神平駅 ロープウェイ)

Nishiguro Ridge Route

• Experienced 上級
• Time: 7h 10m

The 4.5 hour route from the lower Tanigawa Ropeway Station to Tanigawadake Kata No Koya up the Nishiguro Ridge is considered one of the steepest hiking routes in Japan. This route should never be attempted without the appropriate fitness level or preparation.

Nishiguro Ridge Trail Entrance (西黒尾根登山口) ~ (4h 30m) ~ Tanigawadake Kata No Koya (谷川岳肩の小屋) ~ (10m) ~ Tanigawa Dake Toma No Mimi (谷川岳 トマの耳) ~ (15m) ~ Tanigawadake Oki No Mimi (谷川岳 オキノ耳) ~ (15m) ~ 谷川岳（トマの耳）~ (5m) ~ Tanigawadake Kata No Koya (谷川岳肩の小屋) ~ （45分）~ Tengu No Tomariba (天狗の留まり場) ~（30分）~ Kuma Anazawa Emergency Hut (熊穴沢避難小屋) ~（40分）~ Tenjidaira Top Ropeway Station (天神平駅 ロープウェイ)

Tanigawa Ropeway Route Map (Japanese)

Ropeway

• Tanigawa Ropeway Fare

Adults: ¥1250 (one way), ¥2100 (round trip)

Children: ¥630 (one way), ¥1050 (round trip)

• Tanigawa Ropeway Opening Hours

Between April and November:

On weekdays it is open from 8:00 ~ 17:00

On weekends and national holidays it is open from 7:00 ~ 17:00

Between December and March:

Everyday 8:30 ~ 16:30

Pair Lift

• Pair Lift Fare

All Riders (regardless of age): ¥420 (one way), ¥730 (round trip)

Official Tanigawa Ropeway page (Japanese)

Access

We recommend taking public transport for this hike. There are no carparks at the trailhead, so if you come by car you will need to park near to Hatonosu Station and take a train to Okutama and then a bus to the trail.

Train and bus: Take a train to Okutama Station (奥多摩駅), then take a bus bound for Higashi-Nichihara (東日原). The bus stop is right outside Okutama Station. Get off at Kawanori-bashi (川乗橋) bus stop. The trail is on the other side of the road. The bus conductor usually gets out to usher hikers accross the road.

Car and bus: Park next to Hatonosu Station and take the train to Okutama Station. You will finish your hike at Hatonosu Station. As above, take a bus bound for Higashi-Nichihara (東日原). Get off at Kawanori-bashi (川乗橋) bus stop.

Okutama ~ Hatonosu Station

Time: 6 ~ 7h

The route is well sign posted, all you need to do is follow the trail. The trail is popular, so if you are going on the weekend, you will only need to follow the stream of people.

The first part of the trail is paved road. After a while you will come to a path leading off on your right. The next part of the trail is beautiful. The trail will take you along and over large streams and brooks with gushing falls tumbling over mossy rocks. It should take around 1h 30 mins to arrive at the waterfall.

You will need to go down a steep section with a rope to your left to reach the falls.

After relaxing and taking pictures at the falls, head back up the wooden steps. The next section is a steep climb to the summit. Take the path leading up to your left. There is an arrow on the rock pointing the way.

After spending time at the summit, look for a sign pointing to Hatonosu Station 鳩ノ巣駅 (6.6 km). Keep following the signs down through the forest until you reach Hatonosu.

No Toilets on the Trail!

There aren't any toilets on the trail. Make sure to go at the station before heading off.

There aren't any huts or benches

People tend to bring camp seats and set up a picknic area at the peak.

Some people like to eat next to the waterfall. We prefer to use the waterfall as a snack stop and eat our main food at the top of the mountain.

Access

• Train and Bus

The trailhead is a 45 minute walk from the nearest bus stop.

Take a train (or Shinkansen) to Ueda Station (上田駅). From Ueda station, take a bus for Sugadaira (菅平) and get off at the Sugadaira-Kogen bus stop (菅平高原). Walk 45 minutes to Sugadaira Bokujo (菅平牧場). There are signs from the bus stop directing the way.

• By Car

Head straight to Sugadaira Bokujyo (菅平牧場). The car park holds up to 70 cars.

Google Map

• Intermediate 中級
• Time: 5h 35m
• Distance: 9.5km
• Elevation Change: 976m

This popular trail starts at Sugadaira Farm (bokujo means farm in Japanese). It is a working fam and there is an admission fee of around ¥200 to enter onto the farm.

Sugadaira Bokujo (菅平牧場) ~ (1h 15m) ~ Koazumaya (小四阿) ~ (1h 15m) ~ Nekodake Bunki (根子岳 分岐) ~ (15m) ~ Mount Azumaya (四阿山) ~ (10m) ~ Nekodake Bunki (根子岳 分岐) ~ (1h 10m) ~ Neko Dake (根子岳) ~ (1h 30m) ~ Sugadaira Bokujo (菅平牧場)

From the farm carpark, take the path to the right along the asphalt road. The main trail will appear on your left. The path will lead you into a forested area with a stream before twisting up towards Koazumaya (小四阿). Follow the trail along past Chuazuma (中四阿), this section is full of PUDs (pointless ups and downs), until you reach the split at Nekodake Bunki (根子岳 分岐). From there it is just 15 minutes to the summit. Once you reach the summit, head back down to the split and take a right (the oposite direction to the route you came up before), towards Nekodake 根子岳. Hikers often eat their packed lunches on Nekodake summit as it is so spacious. From there, make sure to take the correct trail back down to Sugadaira Farm.

The Sugadaira Bokujo loop is on the left side of the map below, not highlighted. You can see the starting point where the car park and toilets are marked.

Azumaya Area Hiking Map (provided by Gunma Sightseeing 嬬恋村の観光)

Toilets

There are toilets in the carpark at Sugadaira Farm.

Nabewari is accessible via train and bus.

Train: Take an express train from Shinjuku Station to Odakyu Shibusawa Station. It takes roughly 80 minutes.

Bus: From Shibusawa Station North Exit, take a Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu Bus to Okura (大倉), the ride is around 15 minutes.

Nabewari is steep and rough in places. There are several wooden bridges over rocky streams. With a hiking distance of about 16.5km and an elevation gain of 1085m, this mountain is no picnic. The whole hike will take 6.5~8 hours depending on fitness.

Beware of leeches, especially if you are hiking in a wet or humid season. Leeches don't just crawl up your boots but will fall on top of you from branches.

Hadano City Tourist Association Official Site (Japanese)

Restaurant / Toilet

Nabeyaki Lodge (鍋焼き山荘): Nabewari's famous Nabeyaki udon shop is located at the top of the mountain. The restaurant has a limited amount of supplies as the ingredients have to be carried up by foot each day. If you take the main trail up, you will see bottles of water stacked at the bottom. The restaurant owner asks those who are physically able to kindly transport up the mountain for him. Don't think this will guarantee you a bowl of noodles though, they are usually sold out by mid-day, with this in mind, start your hike early if you want to get a bowl.

Toilets: There are bio-toilets at the summit. Bio-toilets shouldn't have paper flushed down them, so they ask you to bring a bag and take your used toilet paper with you.

Tonodake is accessible via train and bus, or by car.

Train: From Shinjuku Station take the Odakyu Line train to Shibusawa Station (around 1h 20mins).

Bus: From Shibusawa Station take a Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu Bus to Okura (大倉) (around 15mins).

As always, make sure you check the last bus departure time back to the station.

Car: Depending on which route you plan to hike, you can park near Okura or Yabitsutoge.

From Okura. Up and back route.

The route is well sign posted, all you need to do is follow the trail. The trail is popular, so if you are going on the weekend, you will only need to follow the stream of people. There are several tea houses on the trail up where you can stop for refreshments or food.

From どんぐり山荘 head up the trail ~ (10mins) ~ to 大倉山の家 ~ (35mins) ~ 見晴茶屋 ~ (1h 20mins) ~ 小草平・堀山の家 fork left ~ (25mins) ~ fork left (50mins) ~ 金鈴シ fork right ~ (25mins) ~ Tonodake Summit (塔ノ岳)

Do the same trail in reverse to go back down to Okura Carpark/bus stop

Trail Map PDF from Hadano City

Toilets / Tea Houses / Hut

Toilets: There are toilets at the car park, summit and at several tea houses on the way.

Tea Houses: There are 6 tea houses on the route up from Okura. They sell a variety of refreshments and food including, udon, soba and shaved ice (kakigori)

Huts: It is possible to stay at Sonbutsu Sansou at the summit of Tonodake. You must book in advance.

Sonbutsu Sansou Official Website

Mizugaki Sansou Access

• Train and Bus

From JR Nirasaki Station on the JR Chuo Main Line, take the Yamanashi Kyohoku Kotsu bus bound for Mizugaki Sanso to the final destination, Mizugaki Sanso (about 1 hour and 10 minutes).

• Car

From the Sudama IC of the Chuo Expressway, take Prefectural Route 23, passing through Masutomi Onsenkyo to the parking lot around Mizugaki Sanso (120 cars free of charge). Around 35 minutes from the Sudama IC.

Mizugaki Yama Shizen Koen Access

• Car

Head to the Mizugaki no Mori Koen Shibafu Hiroba Car Park (みずがきの森公園芝生広場駐車場).

From Mizugaki Sansou. Up and back route.

• Time: 5h
• Distance: 5.4km
• Elevation Change: 720m

Mizugaki Sansou (瑞牆山荘) ~ (50m) ~ Fujimidaira Goya (富士見平小屋) ~ (30m) ~ Momotaro Rock (桃太郎岩) ~ (1h 30m) ~ 大ヤスリ岩 (the big rock in the picture) ~ Mount Mizugaki Summit (瑞牆山) ~ 大ヤスリ岩 ~ (1h) ~ Momotaro Rock (桃太郎岩) ~ (30m) ~ Fujimidaira Goya (富士見平小屋) ~ (40m) ~ Mizugaki Sansou (瑞牆山荘)

From Mizugaki Sansou head up the tril to Fujimidaira Hut where the path splits. Take the route to the left (the one on the right will take you towards Mount Kinpu). The path will take you up a sloap and then down towards a stream. After crossing the stream the trail opens up to a large open area with benches. In the clearing you will see a massive rock with a crack down the center. Momotaro Iwa is named after the Japanese childrens story of Momotaro. The trail continues up the steps to the right of the rock and takes you up ladders and ropes. Eventually you will reach the bottom of 大ヤスリ岩. Continue along the rhododendron-covered path. The path will get steeper and rockier as you get close to the summit. After admiring the 360 views at the top, head back down the way you came.

There are no toilets after the goya. So we recommend taking a break there and making sure you are prepared before starting up the mountain. If you are doing a two day hike pitch your tent at the goya and take a day pack with you.

Mizugaki Yama Shizen Koen Route 瑞牆山自然公園から

• Time: 6h
• Distance: 8.5km
• Elevation Change: 760m

Mizugaki Yama Shizen Koen (瑞牆山自然公園) ~ (40m) ~ End of Woodland Path (林道終点) ~ (1h) ~ Fudou Waterfall (不動滝) ~ (1h 40m) ~ Mount Mizugaki Summit (瑞牆山) ~ 大ヤスリ岩 (big rock in the picture) ~ (1h) ~ Momotaro Rock (桃太郎岩) ~ (30m) ~ Fujimidaira Goya (富士見平小屋) ~ (1h 10m) ~ Mizugaki Shizen Koen (瑞牆山自然公園)

From Mizugaki Sansou to Mount Kinpu.

For those doing a two day hike including Mount Kinpu.

富士見平小屋　⇔　大日小屋　⇔　大日岩　⇔　砂払ノ頭　⇔　千代ノ吹上　⇔　金峰山山頂

Toilets / Lodge

Toilets: There are toilets at the Mizugaki Sansou car park, Mizugaki Natural Park (if you are taking that route), and at Fujimidaira goya. You must pay to use the toilets. There are no toilets on the mountain itself. The Mizugaki Sansou toilets are closed through Winter.

Lodge and Campsite: Fujimidaira goya is a popular hut with a camping site 50 minutes hike from Mizugakisanso.

Fujimidaira Goya Website (Japanese)

The Nanagoume Trailhead is accessible by car or via train and bus

By car: There is a free carpark near the trailhead that can fit up to 100 cars (蓼科山七合目登山口駐車場)

By train and bus: First, head to Nagano's Chino station (茅野駅). Then take the Aplico Koutsu Bus heading for Shirakaba Lake (アルピコ交通バス 白樺湖・車山高原・霧ヶ峰線), get off at 東白樺湖（白樺湖バスステーション). The bus ride takes around 50 minutes. From Shirakaba Lake Station, take the Tateshina Smile Koutsu - Shirakaba Line (たてしなスマイル交通 シラカバ線）to Tateshina Bokujo 蓼科牧場, a roughly 10-minute trip. From there, take the gondola lift (蓼科牧場ゴンドラ) up to Gosensui Shizenen Station (御泉水自然公園駅). Nanagoume trailhead is a 20-minute walk from the gondola station.

アルピコ交通（白樺湖・車山高原・霧ヶ峰線）の時刻表 (Japanese)

Shirkaba Kogen Website with gondola information 蓼科牧場ゴンドラ (Japanese)

Tateshina Smile Koutsu (Click 英語 English on the google dropdown menu)

Due to its relatively short hiking time, Tateshina is popular among beginner hikers. But don't be fooled, this is no walk in the park. The hike will take you up over an hour of unrelenting steep slopes followed by another thirty to fifty minutes of full-body scrambling. While fit beginners who like a challenge should have no problems, we consider this an intermediate mountain. To hike up you will need to have a good level of fitness, strength, flexibility, and balance. Full hiking gear is necessary.

The route is well signposted and easy to follow. Hiking season is between the end of April and the beginning of November. If hiking in April, May, October or November, you will need crampons for snowy areas.

Nanagome Route 七合目登山口から (4h)

Nanatome Trailhead (七合目登山口) ~ (1h 30m) ~ Shogundaira (将軍平) ~ (50m) ~ Mount Tateshina Summit (蓼科山) ~ (30m) ~ Shogundaira (将軍平) ~ (1h 5m) ~ Nanatome Trailhead (七合目登山口)

Start at the tori gate. Sometimes there are walking sticks next to the entrance that you can borrow. It is helpful if you don't have your own trekking poles or want to feel like a Gandalf. Also, remember, this is the last toilet point as there are no toilets along the trail.

The first section of the trail takes you through long grass (クマザサ bear grass). The path gradually gets rockier, but after around 20 minutes, you will find yourself in a forest surrounded by alpine trees. The trail is clearly marked, so it is difficult to get lost. Keep following signs to 天狗の露地 (Tengu no Roji) and 将軍平 (Shogundaira).

The trail will gradually get steeper as you ascend, but you can use the view over Megami Lake (女神湖) as an excuse to stop for breaks. After around 40 minutes, you will come to Tateshina Sanso (Mountain Hut) and Shogundaira (将軍平). There is a junction here where the path from Ogawara Pass joins the main trail. From Tateshina Sanso, head up right. From here you will need to use hands and feet to climb up to the peak.

The top of the mountain is an open flat strewn with volcanic rocks. The summit boasts unobstructed 360 views. On a clear day, you can see the Yatsugatake mountain range, the Southern, Central, and Northern Alps, Mount Kirigamine, and Mount Asama. To say the view is impressive does not do it justice.

After taking photos, revelling in the hiker's high, and basking in the glory of completing another top 100 mountain, head back down the way you came, content in the knowledge that you are on your way to becoming a hiking master!

Toilets

There are toilets in the trailhead carpark. There are no toilets along the trail itself, so it is better to go before you start your hike.

There is a toilet at Tateshina Sansou between April 29th ~ November 5th. It costs ¥200 for each use.

Lodges

Tateshina Sansou: You will pass Tateshina Sansou (蓼科山荘) near Shogundaira (将軍平) on the way up to the summit. The lodge is open from April 29th ~ November 5th. It costs ¥6000 to stay the night, ¥7500 with breakfast included, ¥8500 with just dinner included, or ¥9500 with both dinner and breakfast inclued. Payment should be made in cash. To book call TEL : 090-1553-4500 (Japanese)

Tateshina Sancho Hutte: Tateshina Sancho Hutte (蓼科山頂ヒュッテ) can be found at the summit of Tateshina. The lodge is open from April 29th ~ November 5th, and has a special Open Day on New Years Eve. It costs ¥7000 to stay the night, ¥8500 with just dinner included, or ¥10000 with both dinner and breakfast inclued. Private rooms cost extra. Payment should be made in cash. To book call Tel: 090-7258-1855 or Email: info@tateshinayama.com

Tateshina Sansou Website (Japanese)
Tateshina Sancho Hutte Website (English)

Shinkansen

Take the Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Jomo Kogen Station (1h 20 mins).

From Jomo Kogen Station, take a Kanetsu Kotsu bus to reach Togura (戸倉) (2 hrs). Change to a shuttle bus at Togura to get to Hatomachi Pass (30 mins).

Option 2: Take a train to Numata Station (沼田駅).

Once you arrive take a bus for Hatomachi-Toge 鳩待峠. Transfer to a shuttle bus at Togura (戸倉).

Oze Preservation Foundation Route Page (English)

It takes around 3 hours to get to the top and another 2 hours or so to get down. Despite the relatively short hike (compared to some of the others on this page), and a well maintained easy to follow trail, we would describe this hike as challenging. The route is deceptively rocky with some areas needing chains to help you up. The rest of the trail consists of wooden stairs and a lot of wooden planks which become pretty slippery in wet weather. We have seen some of the most stunning slip and slides on this mountain even by the most experienced hikers.

There are two options to climb Mount Shibutsu.

Option 1: Climb up from the Yama-no-Hana trail and descend on the Hatamachi-Toge trail.

Option 2: Climb up from Hatamachi-Toge and retrace your steps back on the way down.

The Yama-no-Hana trail is used solely for ascent as the rocks make it dangerous for those descending (we would agree to disagree - but those are the rules). The trails are clearly marked in Japanese. For those who don't know the Kanji (and let's face it, even if you do know a lot of kanji, place names are difficult) 鳩待峠 (Hatamachi-Toge) / 山ノ鼻　(Yama-no-Hana). You may see a trail branching off partway up marked 笠ヶ岳 (Mount Kasa), don't take that route unless you want to go to a different mountain.

Toilets / Mountain Tea house / Visitor Centre

All amenities are at the Hatomachi-Toge rest area at the start of the trail. After that, you are on your own.

Mizugaki Sansou Route Access

• Train and Bus

From JR Nirasaki Station on the JR Chuo Main Line, take the Yamanashi Kyohoku Kotsu bus bound for Mizugaki Sanso the final stop, Mizugaki Sanso (about 1 hour and 10 minutes).

Bus schedule Weekday PDF (English)
Bus schedule Weekends PDF (English)

• Car

From the Sudama IC of the Chuo Expressway, take Prefectural Route 23, passing through Masutomi Onsenkyo to the parking lot around Mizugaki Sanso (120 cars free of charge). Around 35 minutes from the Sudama IC.

Odarumitoge Route Access

• Car

There is a free car park that can hold up to 40 cars at the Odarumitoge trailhead (大弛峠 おおだるみとうげ). From the Chuo Express way Katsu Numa IC (勝沼IC) take National Roads 20 > 411 > 140, then Prefectural Roads 34 > 38 > 210.

From Mizugaki Sansou. Up and back route.

Our recommended route

• Time: 7h 15m
• Distance: 10.5km
• Elevation Change: 1085m

Mizugaki Sansou (瑞牆山荘) ~ (50m) ~ Fujimidaira Goya (富士見平小屋) ~ (1h) ~　Dainichi Goya (大日小屋)　~ (30m) ~　Dainichi Rock 大日岩　~ (1h 50m) ~　Sunaharainoatama 砂払ノ頭　~ Chiyonobukiage 千代ノ吹上　~　Mount Kinpu Summit 金峰山山頂 ~ (1h 20m) ~ Dainichi Rock 大日岩 ~ (20) ~ Dainichi Goya (大日小屋) ~ (45m) ~ Fujimidaira Goya (富士見平小屋) ~ (40m) ~ Mizugaki Sansou (瑞牆山荘)

From Mizugaki Sansou head up the trail to Fujimidaira Hut it takes around 50 minutes. On the way you will pass a fantastic photo spot where you can see the jagged Mount Mizugaki in front of you. There are no toilets after the goya. So we recommend taking a break there and making sure you are prepared before starting up the mountain. If you are doing a two day hike pitch your tent at the goya and take a day pack with you. From the hut there are 2 paths, take the route to the right of the hut (the one on the left will take you towards Mount Mizugaki). There is a sign near the toilets marking the way 金峰山.

The trail will lead you to the abandoned Dainichi Goya. The path will get rockier and a bit steeper until you reach Dainichi Rock. The next 30~40 minutes will take you up steep slopes full of tree roots. Once you reach the top 大日岩分岐, turn left. Walk a little further and the path will open out onto a long ridgeline. Along the way you will pass 砂払ノ頭 (すなはらいのあたま) - an interesting shaped rock (we will let you decide what you think it looks), and several peaks. The ridge has some sections with chains and a few places where it is best not to look down. Once you get to the end of the first section of the ridge you will start hiking up another slope towards a peak (this is not Kinpu!). From that peak, turn left and along another section of the ridge to your final destination. When you arrive there is a shrine and the impressive Gojo Iwa rock formation on your right. Carry on around to the left to reach the true summit.

Congratualations on bagging another Top 100 Mountain! Enjoy your lunch while looking out to Mount Fuji or along the ridge to Mizugaki.

Odarumitoge Route

Recommeneded for beginner hikers

• Time: 4h 30m
• Distance: 7.8km
• Elevation Change: 566m

Odarumitoge (大弛峠) ~ (30m) ~ Asahitoge (朝日峠) ~ (30m) ~ Asahidake (朝日岳) ~ (1h 30m) ~ Mount Kinpu Summit (金峰山) ~ (1h 10m) ~ Asahidake (朝日岳) ~ (25m) ~ Asahitoge (朝日峠) ~ (25m) ~ Odarumitoge (大弛峠)

From Mizugaki Sansou to Mount Mizugaki.

For those doing a two day hike including Mount Mizugaki.

Mizugaki Sansou (瑞牆山荘) ~ (50m) ~ Fujimidaira Goya (富士見平小屋) ~ (30m) ~ Momotaro Rock (桃太郎岩) ~ (1h 30m) ~ 大ヤスリ岩 ~ Mount Mizugaki Summit (瑞牆山) ~ 大ヤスリ岩 ~ (1h) ~ 桃太郎岩 ~ (30m) ~ Fujimidaira Goya (富士見平小屋) ~ (40m) ~ Mizugaki Sansou (瑞牆山荘)

Toilets / Lodge

Toilets: There are toilets at the Mizugaki Sansou and Otarumitoge car park and at Fujimidaira goya. You must pay to use the toilets. There are no toilets on the mountain itself. The Mizugaki Sansou toilets are closed through Winter.

Lodge and Campsite:

Fujimidaira goya is a popular hut with a camping site 50 minutes hike from Mizugakisanso. This is the prefered hut and campsite for hikers doing a 2 day hike to Mount Mizugaki and Mount Kinpu.

Oodarumi Goya is a hut and campsite at the start of the easier Odarumitoge Route.

For those who want to stay close to the mountain peak Kinpu Goya is a cosy little hut just below the summit. We recommend this for people who want to do the harder route over two days.

Fujimidaira Goya Website (Japanese)
Oodarumi Goya Website (Japanese)
Kinpu Goya Website (Japanese)

Mitsutoge is accessible via train, train and bus, or by car.

Train: Take a train to Mitsutoge Station (三つ峠駅). Change at Otsuki (大月駅) for the Fujikyuko Line (富士急行).

Once you leave the station, take a left and then a left again. Go under the railway tracks and along the river towards the Mitsutoge Green Center 三ッ峠グリーンセンター. From there, there are signposts in English and Japanese to the trail. You will reach the main trail after about 1 hour of walking on a paved road. On the way you will pass the Yamazumi Shrine, a parking area and some waterfalls.

Train and Bus:Take the Fujikyu Bus from Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko. Then take a train to Mitsugaki to start your hike.

For a shorter hike

Train and Bus: Take the train to Mitsutoge Station (as above), then take a bus to 三つ峠登山口バス停

Car: Take the Chuo Expressway. From the Kawaguchiko IC (河口湖IC) take road 139, 137. There is a carpark near the trail mouth 三つ峠登山道入口.

From Mitsutoge Station to Kawaguchiko Station

Time: 6~7h

Once you leave the station, take a left and then a left again. Go under the railway tracks and along the river towards the Mitsutoge Green Center 三ッ峠グリーンセンター. From there, there are signposts in English and Japanese to the trail. You will reach the main trail after about 1 hour of walking on a paved road. On the way you will pass the Yamazumi Shrine, a parking area and some waterfalls.

The forrest trail starts at the Daruma-Ishi (達磨石). A large stone that looks a bit like a Daruma.

Hike the well maintained trail for about 2 hours

You will pass 88 buddha statues with little red aprons and then an impressive rock climbing wall.

Take some steps up to Kaiun, the tallest of the 3 peaks that make up Mitsutoge (1785m)

From the ridge follow the path to the right, toward the TV antennas

Go back along the ridge to the mountain huts. This is a great place to take a break and have some lunch.

The trail down starts from behind the second hut Mitsutoge Sanso (三つ峠山荘).

Along the way you will pass Tenjo-zan and eventually arrive at the Fuji Panoramic Ropeway (富士山パノラマロープウェイ).

From here you can take the ropeway down (3 mins, ¥500), or walk down to the lake.

Kawakuchiko Station is around 10 minutes walk from the lake.

Mitsutoge Route Map

Toilets / Tea Huts / Picnic benches

Toilets: There are toilets at the summit, at the ropeway and at Kawaguchiko Station

Tea Huts: There are 2 huts on the ridge. Make sure to take some food just in case the huts are closed

Picnic benches: There are benches at several points on the mountain trails. There are also picnic benches near Mitsutoge Sanso which cost ¥100 to use.

Fuji Panoramic Ropeway

Adult: ¥500 one way

Disabled: ¥250 one way; ¥450 round trip

Ropeway Website (English - machine translation)

Ropeway / Kurosawa Trailhead Access

Car: Head to the Ontake Ropeway carpark (御岳ロープウェイ鹿ノ瀬駅の駐車場). The carpark is free and holds around 1500 cars.

Train and Bus: Take a train to Kiso-Fukushima Station (木曽福島駅). From the station take a bus to Ontake Ropeway (御岳ロープウェイ).

Find the timetable PDFs on the ropeway access page below.

Ontake Ropeway Access Webpage (Japanese)

Ropeway / Kurosawa Trailhead

• Time: 5h 30m
• Distance: 7.6km
• Elevation Change: 1020mm

Don't be fooled by the short hiking time. This hike involes is 2 hours of solid stair climbing.

Ontake Ropeway Top Station (御岳ロープウェイ飯森高原駅) ~ (10m) ~ Seventh Station (七合目) ~ (1h 10m) ~ Nyonindo (女人堂) ~ (1h 25m) ~ Ninth Station (九合目) ~ (35m) ~ Ontake Shrine and Summit (御嶽神社奥社) ~ (25m) ~ Ninth Station (九合目) ~ (50m) ~ Nyonindo (女人堂) ~ (45m) ~ Seventh Station (七合目) ~ (10m) ~ Ontake Ropeway Top Station (御岳ロープウェイ飯森高原駅)

After exiting the ropeway, take the woodchip trail to the left. At the end of the path turn up right towards the Seventh Station. Head up steps through a wooded area and you will arrive at a lodge with a shrine on the right. After passing the lodge, keep heading up for about an hour until you reach the Nyonido lodge. There is a picnic table outside the lodge, which is a nice place to take a brake and have lunch. From Nyonindo, you will head up some steps and past a series of religious statues. After a while the trail will open out onto an open rocky slope leading up to Ishimuro Sanso. Once you reach the Sanso, you will need to walk through the lodge and out the other side. From there it is another 35 minutes up to the shrine and summit.

If the siren sounds at any point on your hike, head down the mountain to the nearest shelter. Most hikers wear helmets on the mountain, and some bring protective masks and goggles to protect themselves from volcanic gas. We recommend wearing a helmet at minimum.

Toilets / Lodges / Campsite / Restaurant

• Toilets

There are toilets at the Ropeway Stations. There are toilets at the lodges, but you may be charged to use them.

• Restaurants

There is a restaurant at the top gondola station.

• Campsite

There is a camp site next to the lower ropeway station. The campsite is run from the shop inside the main ropeway building. It costs 2000 per person and at the moment there are minimal facilities (2022). We recommend bringing strong tent pegs and somthing to hammer them in, as the ground is hard and riddled with rocks.

• Lodges

There are several lodges on Mount Ontake which are open through peak season (July to mid October).

• Ontake Nyonindo 女人堂

Nyonindo is at the Eighth Station and can sleep up to 80 people. Price range from ¥6000 to stay the night to ¥9500 including dinner and breakfast.

Ontake Nyonindo Webpage (Japanese)

• Ishimuro Sanso 石室山荘

Ishimuro Sanso (石室山荘) sits just below the Ninth Station, and can sleep up to 100 people. Prices range from ¥7000 to stay the night, and ¥10000 with dinner and breakfast included.

石室山荘 Webpage (Japanese)

Mount Ontake Ropeway Website (Japanese)
Ontake Spiritual Road Website (Japanese)

Tonodake is accessible via train and bus, or by car.

Train: From Shinjuku Station take the Odakyu Line train to Shibusawa Station (around 1h 20mins).

Bus: From Shibusawa Station take a Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu Bus to Okura (大倉) (around 15mins).

As always, make sure you check the last bus departure time back to the station.

Car: Depending on which route you plan to hike, you can park near Okura or Yabitsutoge.

Okura Route 大倉 (up and back)

• Total Time: 9h 25m
• Distance: 18.4km
• Elevation Change: 1277m

The route is well sign posted, all you need to do is follow the trail. The trail is popular, so if you are going on the weekend, you will only need to follow the stream of people. There are several tea houses on the trail up where you can stop for refreshments or food.

If you plan to do this route in two days, make sure to reserve your space at a lodge in advance.

• Day 1
• Time: 5h 25m
• Distance: 9.2km

From どんぐり山荘 head up the trail ~ (10mins) ~ to 大倉山の家 ~ (35mins) ~ 見晴茶屋 ~ (1h 20mins) ~ 小草平・堀山の家 ~ (25mins) ~ fork left (50mins) ~ 金鈴シ fork right ~ (25mins) ~ Tonodake Summit (塔ノ岳) ~ (1h 10m) ~ Hittaka (日高) ~ (30m) ~ Mount Tanzawa 丹沢山

• Day 2
• Time Down: 4h
• Distance: 9.2km

Do the same trail in reverse to go back down to Okura Carpark/bus stop

From Mount Tanzawa 丹沢山 ~ (20m) ~ Hittaka (日高) ~ (1h) ~ Tonodake Summit (塔ノ岳) ~ (15m) ~ 金鈴シ ~ (35m) ~ fork right ~ (15m) ~ 小草平・堀山の家 ~ (50m) ~ 見晴茶屋 ~ (30m) ~ 大倉山の家 ~ (5m) ~ どんぐり山荘・大倉

Trail Map from Hadano City

Toilets / Tea Houses / Hut

Toilets: There are toilets at the car park, summit and at several tea houses on the way.

Tea Houses: There are 6 tea houses on the route up from Okura. They sell a variety of refreshments and food including, udon, soba and shaved ice (kakigori)

Huts: Miyama Sansou is the lodge at Mount Tanzawa peak. It is also possible to stay at Sonbutsu Sansou at the summit of Tonodake. You must book in advance.

Miyama Sansou Official Website
Sonbutsu Sansou Official Website

Access

We recommend going to Futarasan Shrine by car. For those who live far away, there are good campsites in the area.

Car: There is a carpark at Futarasan Shrine and spaces along the road in front of the shrine. Try to get there early as spaces fill up fast. The trail opens at 6:00am.

Train and Bus or Walk: Take a train to JR Nikko Station or Tobu Nikko Station. From either station there are buses to Futarasan Shrine. The bus ride is around 10 mins. Alternatively, walk 30~40 mins from the station to Futarasan Shrine.

From Futarasan Shrine

Time: 6~7h

Distance: 8km

When you arrive at the shrine you will be required to pay ¥1000 to use the trail.

You will be given a map and a charm to take with you.

The trail has 10 sections and each is marked with a stone marker. Each area is roughly 10% of the trail. Looking out for each marker helps you know how far you have come.

No toilets at the peak!

The only toilets are at the shrine at the start of the trail.

No benches or huts selling food

We recommend packing a bento to eat on the rocks around level 6, or at the peak.

There aren't any benches, but there are plenty of large rocks and bolders that make good resting spots.

Nishizawa Gorge Route Access 西沢渓谷

• Train and Bus

Head to either Yamanashishi Station (山梨市駅) or Enzan station (塩山駅), take a bus bound for Nishizawa-Keikoku Iriguchi (西沢渓谷入口) and get off at the last stop. There are only 4 buses a day. You will need to walk up the road a little to get to the trail head.

• Car

There are 2 car parks, Municipal carpark (60 spaces) and Michi No Eki Mitomi northern carpark (200 spaces). The carparks are usually free but they charge during the Autumn Season (around ¥500).

Mokidaira Route Access 毛木平

• Car

There is free parking at Mikidaira Carpark (毛木平駐車場) with around 60 spaces.

• Intermediate 中級

Mokidaira trail 毛木平

• Time: 7h 10m
• Distance: 15.05 km
• Elevation Change: 1470m

Mokidaira (毛木平) ~ (40m) ~ Oyamashi Shrine ~ (1h) ~ Nametaki Falls (ナメ滝) ~ (1h 20m) ~ 水源地標 (55m) ~ Mt. Kobushi (甲武信ヶ岳) ~ (35m) ~ 水源地標 ~（70分）~ Nametaki Falls ナメ滝（90分）~ Mokidaira (毛木平)

Nishizwa Gorge Route 西沢渓谷 (2 Day Hike)

This route has several steep climbs and requires a lot of stamina. The path is not always clear, but you will be fine as long as you keep an eye out for the pink ties.

• Time: 9h 25m
• Distance: 15.82 km
• Elevation Change: 1096m

• Day 1

Nishizawa Keikoku Iriguchi (西沢渓谷入口) ~ (30m) ~ Nishizawa Hut (西沢山荘) ~ (2h 40m) ~ Shindo Bunki (新道分岐) ~ (2h 20m) ~ Kobushi Hut (甲武信小屋)

• Day 2

Kobushi Hut (甲武信小屋) ~ (20m) ~ Kobushidake Summit(甲武信岳) ~ (15m) ~ Kobushi Hut (甲武信小屋) ~ (1h 40m) ~ Shindo Bunki (新道分岐) ~ (1h 30m) ~ Nishizawa Hut (西沢山荘) ~（30m）~ Nishizawa Keikoku Iriguchi (西沢渓谷入口)

Trecking Map provided by Kawakami Village

Toilets / Lodge

• Toilets

There are toilets in the carparks.

• Lodge and Campsite

If doing a 2 day hike, we recommend staying at Kobushi Hut 甲武信小屋 just under the mountain peak. You can stay in the lodge or bring a tent and camp.

Kobushi Hut Website (Japanese)

Mitsumine Shrine Access

Train and Bus: Take a train to Seibu-Chichibu Station, from there take a bus to the final stop, Mitsumine-jinja (75 mins, 950 yen one way). Using the same bus route, it is also possible to board the bus from Mitsumineguchi Station to Mitsumine-jinja (55 min, 690 yen one way).

On the way back, take the bus at Komosawa bus stop to Okutama Station.

Kamozawa Bus Stop Access

Car: There is a carpark at Tabayama.

Train and Bus: Head to Okutama Station, from there, take the Nishi Tokyo bus and travel to the Kamosawa bus stop (35 mins).

Tabayama Carpark Webpage

Mitsumine Shrine to Kamozawa Bus Stop (2 Day Hike)

• Time: 9h
• Distance: 21km
• Elevation Change: 1477m

Day 1

Mitsumine Shrine (三峯神社) ~ (1h 35m) ~ Kirimogamine (霧藻ヶ峰) ~ (1h 40m) ~ Shiraiwa Goya (白岩小屋) ~ (1h 10m) ~ Oodawa (大ダワ) ~ (1h 5m) ~ Kumotori Sansou (雲取山荘)

Day 2

Kumotori Sansou (雲取山荘) ~ (30m) ~ Kumotori Yama (雲取山) ~ (40m) ~ Okutamakoya Ato (奥多摩小屋跡) ~ (20m) ~ Buna Saka (ブナ坂) ~ (2h 35m) ~ Kamosawa Bus Stop (鴨沢バス停)

Kamosawa Bus Stop (2 Day Hike)

• Time: 9h 50m
• Distance: 22.5km
• Elevation Change: 1477m

Day 1

Kamosawa Bus Stop (鴨沢バス停) ~ (３h 45m) ~ Buna Saka (ブナ坂) ~ (45m) ~ Okutamakoya Ato (奥多摩小屋跡) ~ (55m) ~ Kumotori Yama (雲取山) ~ (20m) ~ Kumotori Sansou (雲取山荘)

Day 2

Kumotori Sansou (雲取山荘) ~ (30m) ~ Kumotori Yama (雲取山) ~ (40m) ~ Okutamakoya Ato (奥多摩小屋跡) ~ (20m) ~ Buna Saka (ブナ坂) ~ (2h 35m) ~ Kamosawa Bus Stop (鴨沢バス停)

Toilets

There are toilets at Kumotori Sansou.

Mitsumine Shrine Website (Japanese)

Yumoto Visitor Centre Access

Yumoto Visitor Centre Access (English)

Car: There is are carparks at Yumoto Onsen and Nikko Yumoto Visitor Centre.

Train and Bus: Take a train to (Tobu) Nikko Station, from there take a bus to Yumoto Onsen.

Sugenuma Access

Car: The Sugenuma Trailhead carpark (登山者用菅沼駐車場) can hold up to 70 cars and costs ¥1000. The tearoom car park near to Sugenuma Camp site (茶屋の駐車場) is free and holds up tp 100 cars.

Train and Bus: Take a train to (Tobu) Nikko Station, from there take a bus to Yumoto Onsen. Change at Yumoto Onsen for the bus to Sugenuma. The buses are scheduled so that changes are easy.

Nikko Shirane Ropeway Access

Car: There is a free carpark at Nikko Shirane Ropeway 日光白根ロープウェイ.

Train and Bus: Take a train to (Tobu) Nikko Station, from there take a bus to Yumoto Onsen, from there take the bus to Nikko Shirane Ropeway. The buses are scheduled so that changes are easy.

Yumoto Onsen ~ Mount Shirane (Loop)

• Time: 8h 40m
• Distance: 12.5km
• Elevation Change: 1091m

A challenging climb up steep scree slopes which aren't any easier coming down. Make sure to leave early and add in plenty of extra time for breaks. We recommend staying at one of the Yumoto onsen, or at the Yumoto Camp site the night before.

Yumoto Onsen (湯元温泉) ~ (2h 10m) ~ Gaizananbu (外山鞍部) ~ (1h) ~ Mae Shirane San (前白根山) ~ (1h 30m) ~ Mount Oku-Shirane (奥白根山) ~ (1h) ~ Goshikinuma Pond (五色沼池)　~ (40m) ~ Mae Shirane San (前白根山) ~ (2h) ~ Yumoto Onsen (湯元温泉)

Mount Oku-Shrirane from Yumoto Onsen Route Map and Official Guide PDF (English)

Sugenuma Route

• Time: 4h 55m
• Distance: 7.1km
• Elevation Change: 956m

Sugenuma Guchi (菅沼口) ~ (1h 50m) ~ Midagaike (弥陀ヶ池) ~ (1h) ~ Nikko Oku-Shirane San (日光奥白根山) ~ (45m) ~ Midagaike (弥陀ヶ池) ~ (1h 20m) ~ Sugenuma Guchi (菅沼口)

Mount Oku-Shrirane Route Map and Official Guide PDF (English)

Nikko Shirane San Ropeway Route

• Time: 4h 40m
• Distance: 7.1km
• Elevation Change: 709m

The easiest route to Oku-Shirane takes you takes you 2000m up via ropeway.

Sancho Station (山頂駅) ~ (45m) ~ Nanairodairaminamibunki (七色平南分岐) ~ (1h 45m) ~ Nikko Oku-Shirane San (日光奥白根山) ~ (45m) ~ Midagaike (弥陀ヶ池) ~ (35m) ~ Nanairodairakitabunki (七色平北分岐) ~ (35m) ~ 六地蔵 ~ (20m) ~ 山頂駅

Nikko Shirane Ropeway Route PDF
Nikko Shirane Ropeway Website (English)

Toilets / Onsen

• Toilets

Yumoto Onsen Route: There are toilets in the carparks near Yumuto Visitor Center.

Nikko Yumoto Restroom Map

Sugenuma Route: There are toilets at Sugenuma Camp Site (you may need to pay a fee), and in the carpark.

Ropeway Route: There are toilets at both ropeway stations.

• Onsen

Zazen Onsen (座禅温泉) at the bottom ropeway station.

Kamenoi Hotel Oku-Nikko-Yumoto (亀の井ホテル　奥日光湯元) is a popular onsen near to the Nikko Yumoto Visitor Centre.

Yumoto Onsen is a large area full of onsen. So it is important to find an onsen close to the Nikko Yumoto Visitor Centre.

• Helpful Websites

Yumoto Visitor Centre Webpage