Extra information:
This hike might be better done in reverse, following my descent path to reach the forest road before continuing on to Aoidake and the optional ascent of Keragatsuka. That way, on the descent, you can just follow the road all the way down to the hot spring. If you want to do this, then turn right out of the station and walk along the road, cross over the train tracks and veer left and then right, following the sign that says 青井岳登山. Follow the tape marks all the way up to the forest road and then turn left and traverse through the clearcut area to the trailhead.
Aoidake Onsen is an excellent place for a post-hike bath. It’s open from 9am to 9pm (Last entry 8pm) and costs 480 yen on weekdays and 580 yen on weekends and holidays. There’s a great toilet in the parking lot of the hot spring (as there’s no toilet or much of anything at Aoidake train station).
Hiking in Japan 