Mt. Hijiri-dake hiking & climbing route

Route Guide

Start walking on the logging road from Shiba-sawa gate. It is a long slope trail. At Iroudo, a descending trail from Mt. Iroudo-dake joins the trail from your right side. Proceed straight on the trail while looking at the descending trail. Tayori-ga-shima hiroba is reached soon. Seiko koya Mountain hut at the place is closed. Proceed on the logging road and walk through a small tunnel. The logging road used to have rails laid to carry out trees. The trail goes along contour lines on the slope. Nisi-sawa-watari is reached after crossing two bridges. Cross Nishi-sawa by a small bridge. When the river water is high, use a palanquin called Wired Rope Way. After crossing Nishi-sawa, the trail becomes steep ridgeline. It is a graveled trail but fairly stable. As you proceed, the trail becomes more stable but steep with no open views. Azami-batake is reached by the time you become bored with walking the trail with no views. Some hikers leave their backpacks to take a round trip to Mt. Hijiri-dake. It’s recommended to check in at Hijiri-daira koya Mountain hut.

Start early on the next day. Return to Azami-batake and head out to Mt. Hijiri-dake.The trail will be covered by gravel and Pinus Pumila after passing low Betula Ermani forest. The view becomes clearer and the dynamic shapes of Mt. Kamikouchi-dake and Mt. Chausu-dake come into your sight. From Mt. Kojiri-dake, Mt. Hijiridake will be in front of you. Descend on the trail and start climbing up on the main part of Mt. Hijiri-dake. Stellaria Nipponica, Stellaria ruscifolia, and Gentiana Algida are in bloom along the trail. Ascend in a zigzag pattern.

Rest while standing when you become out of breath. The summit of Mt. Hijiri-dake is broad in its west to east topography. Mt. Akaishi-dake, Mt. Shiomi-dake, and Mt. Senjyou-dake can be seen. On your left side, the Northern Japan Alps and the Central Japan Alps can also be seen. Enjoy the view and lunch at the summit. Descend the same trail used for ascending to Shiba-sawa gate. Descend at a steady pace.