Climbing Mt. Iwasuge

Update:2021/06/29

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Mt. Iwasuge (2,295m) is part of the ridgeline that runs along the back of Shiga Kogen, stretching as far north as the valley of Akiyamago. From the peak, you can gaze into a pristine valley of virgin forest to the east, and the Yakebitai and Okushiga Kogen areas of Shiga to the west. Far in the distance, you can even see the glittering peaks of the Northern Japanese Alps.

This mountain is a popular hiking destination during summer and autumn, taking between 7 to 9 hours to complete depending on the trail you take, and whether or not you continue on to Mt. Uraiwasuge--Shiga Kogen's tallest peak at 2,341 meters high.

See the full course on Shiga Kogen's website at the link below.

*There are multiple ways to approach the mountain. Using either the Takamagahara summer lift or Hoppo gondola lift can make access easier, as they are closer to bus stops than the Iwasuge trailhead. It is recommended to start using one of the lifts and then take the Araitazawa course down, ending at the Ichinose Bus Stop.

TEL	0269-34-2404
URL	https://www.shigakogen.gr.jp/english/green/trekking_course16.html
Takamagahara Summer Lift	The Takamagahara summer lift operates on select days between mid- to late July and late August with operating hours approximately between 9:00 and 16:00. Round-trip fare is 1,000 yen for adults. Nearest bus stop: Takamagahara Bus Stop (Yudanaka-Okushiga Kogen line)
Hoppo Gondola Lift	Also known as the Higashidate gondola lift. It operates on select days between June and October with operating hours approximately between 9:00 and 16:00. Round-trip fare is 2,000 yen for adults. Nearest bus stop: Hoppo Onsen bus stop (Yudanaka-Okushiga Kogen line)

Access and Parking

Access	By Bus: From Yudanaka Station, take the Yudanaka-Okushiga Kogen bus and get off at Hoppo Onsen bus stop or Takamagahara bus stop (45 min.). Take the lift from here to begin the hike. By Car: Drive to the Iwasuge Trailhead beyond the Ichinose Area of Shiga Kogen. Start hike from here. (Parking fills up around 7:00 in the morning)

Access

By Bus: From Yudanaka Station, take the Yudanaka-Okushiga Kogen bus and get off at Hoppo Onsen bus stop or Takamagahara bus stop (45 min.). Take the lift from here to begin the hike.

By Car: Drive to the Iwasuge Trailhead beyond the Ichinose Area of Shiga Kogen. Start hike from here. (Parking fills up around 7:00 in the morning)

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