Mt. Amagi — Izu Peninsula's Highest Peak and Rhododendron Ridge

Trail Overview

Mt. Amagi (天城山, Amagi-san) is a mountain range in the central Izu Peninsula, with its highest point Mt. Bannjirou (万三郎岳, 1,406m) designated as one of Japan’s Hyakumeizan (100 Famous Mountains). The mountain is renowned as the setting for literary classics by authors such as Kawabata Yasunari.

The warm climate and abundant rainfall of the Izu Peninsula nurture deep forests filled with beech and himeshara trees. In May, the ridge comes alive with Amagi rhododendrons — a spectacular natural display unique to this area. Among the Hyakumeizan accessible from the Tokyo area, Mt. Amagi offers a distinctively lush and subtropical hiking experience.

Recommended Route: Amagi Traverse Loop Course

The most popular route starts from the Amagi Kogen Golf Course trailhead and loops over Mt. Bannjiro and Mt. Bannjirou.

Course Time

Section	Duration
Amagi Kogen Golf Course Trailhead → Mt. Bannjiro	About 1 hr 10 min
Mt. Bannjiro → Hanadate Pass	About 30 min
Hanadate Pass → Mt. Bannjirou	About 30 min
Mt. Bannjirou → Karesawa Junction	About 40 min
Karesawa Junction → Amagi Kogen Golf Course Trailhead	About 1 hr 20 min
Total (loop)	About 4.5 hours

Tip: Walk the loop counterclockwise (Mt. Bannjiro first). From the summit of Mt. Bannjiro, you can enjoy views of Sagami Bay and Izu Oshima Island before continuing along the forested ridge to Mt. Bannjirou.

Access Information

• Nearest Station: JR Ito Line, Ito Station
• From Tokyo: Take the JR Tokaido Line or the Odoriko limited express to Ito Station (about 2 hours)
• Bus: Tokai Bus from Ito Station to Amagi Kogen Golf Course (about 55 min, last stop)
• Important: Bus services are very limited (3-4 per day). Always check the return bus schedule before starting your hike
• By Car: Free parking at Amagi Kogen Golf Course (about 100 spaces)

Convenience Stores, Shops & Restrooms

Convenience Stores (within 5 min of trailhead)

• Seven-Eleven near Ito Station: 1-minute walk from the station. Stock up before boarding the bus
• There are no convenience stores near the Amagi Kogen Golf Course trailhead

Shops & Teahouses

• There are no shops or teahouses along the trail. Bring all food and drinks with you

Restrooms

• Amagi Kogen Golf Course Parking: Public restroom before the trailhead
• Trailhead: Simple restroom facility available
• No restrooms along the trail route

Highlights

Spring (May–June)

• Amagi rhododendrons form massive colonies on Mt. Bannjirou’s north slope — a sea of pink flowers against fresh green foliage
• Beautiful beech forest with mossy understory

Summer (July–August)

• Cooler temperatures at elevation make this an excellent escape from the heat
• Himeshara trees with their distinctive reddish-brown bark add color to the forest

Autumn (October–November)

• Beech and maple trees paint the ridgeline in autumn colors
• Clear autumn air provides excellent views of Sagami Bay and Mt. Fuji

Packing Checklist

• ✅ Waterproof hiking boots (trails are often muddy)
• ✅ Rain jacket and pants (Mt. Amagi receives heavy rainfall)
• ✅ Lunch and trail snacks (no shops on the trail)
• ✅ Water (at least 1.5L)
• ✅ Map and compass
• ✅ Headlamp (backup)
• ⬜ Gaiters (for muddy sections)
• ⬜ Insect repellent (summer)