Extra Information:
The trail is marked with heavily corroded signposts at irregular intervals. It’s better to either use YAMAP or Yamareco to help assist in navigation. The ridge is also heavily overgrown. Watch out for ticks in the summer as I picked up one on the mountain.
Side trip to Mt Muri: If you want to extend the hike, then at the far end of the summit on the ridge, turn left at the junction marked with a white stick. Allow around 2-3 hours return from the main ridge over to Mt Muri (武利岳)and back. Mt Muri is the highest mountain in the range and offers fantastic views, but it’s not well-traveled, so take care and be careful of bears.
When to go: The autumn colors usually reach their peak in mid-to-late September while the first snowfall usually occurs in October. Summer is great when the peak is snow free.
Access: The trailhead is accessible via car only (unless you want to take a taxi). When coming from Sounkyo on Route 39, look for a gravel forest road on your left after you pass Sekihoku pass (石北峠). Here is a link for a Google map pin.
Hiking in Japan 