Mt. Azumaya — Flowers and Panoramic Views from Sugadaira Plateau

Trail Overview

Mt. Azumaya (四阿山, Azumaya-san, 2,354m) sits on the border of Gunma and Nagano Prefectures and is designated as both a Hyakumeizan (100 Famous Mountains) and Hana no Hyakumeizan (100 Flower Mountains). The name comes from its shape resembling an “azumaya” (traditional four-sided pavilion roof).

Starting from Sugadaira Plateau, the hike begins through pastoral ranch land. The summit offers a 360-degree panorama including the Northern Alps, Mt. Asama, Mt. Yatsugatake, and Mt. Fuji — one of the finest views among the Hyakumeizan.

Recommended Route: Sugadaira Ranch to Mt. Azumaya (Round Trip)

The most popular route, starting from the Sugadaira Ranch trailhead.

Course Time

Section	Duration
Sugadaira Ranch Trailhead → Ko-Azumaya	About 1 hour
Ko-Azumaya → Naka-Azumaya	About 30 min
Naka-Azumaya → Mt. Azumaya Summit	About 1 hour
Mt. Azumaya Summit → Naka-Azumaya	About 45 min
Naka-Azumaya → Sugadaira Ranch Trailhead	About 1 hour 15 min
Total (round trip)	About 4.5-5 hours

Tip: If you have extra time and energy, consider the traverse to Mt. Neko (根子岳, 2,207m) and return to Sugadaira Ranch as a loop (adds about 1.5 hours). Mt. Neko is a Flower Mountain and a paradise for alpine wildflowers in summer.

Access Information

• Nearest Station: Hokuriku Shinkansen, Ueda Station
• From Tokyo: Hokuriku Shinkansen to Ueda (about 1.5 hours) → Ueda Bus to Sugadaira Kogen (about 55 min)
• Bus Stop: Get off at Sugadaira Kogen Davos, then walk about 20 minutes to Sugadaira Ranch trailhead
• By Car: Joshinetsu Expressway Ueda-Sugadaira IC → Route 144/406, about 30 min. Paid parking at Sugadaira Ranch (about 50 spaces)

Convenience Stores, Shops & Restrooms

Convenience Stores (within 5 min of trailhead)

• 7-Eleven Ueda-Sugadaira IC: Right at the expressway exit — last convenience store before the plateau
• Small shops and supermarkets are available in the Sugadaira Kogen pension area
• No convenience stores at the ranch itself

Shops & Teahouses

• Sugadaira Ranch Office: Beverages and light snacks available
• No shops along the hiking trail

Restrooms

• Sugadaira Ranch Trailhead: Public restrooms available
• No restrooms along the trail — use facilities before departure

Highlights

🌸 Renge-tsutsuji Azaleas (June)

• Brilliant orange azaleas bloom around Sugadaira Ranch, contrasting beautifully with the green pastures

🌺 Alpine Flowers (August-September)

• The ridgeline between Mt. Azumaya and Mt. Neko is a treasure trove of alpine plants
• Scabiosa (matsumushi-so), gentians (rindo), and Hakusan geraniums bloom in profusion

🏔️ Summit Panorama

• Northern Alps (from Hakuba to the Hotaka Range)
• Mt. Asama and Mt. Kusatsu-Shirane
• Mt. Yatsugatake and Mt. Fuji
• Shiga Kogen and Mt. Naeba

🐄 Sugadaira Plateau Pastoral Scenery

• Swiss-like pastoral landscape of Sugadaira Plateau
• A peaceful approach walking through ranch land to the trailhead

Gear Checklist

• ✅ Hiking shoes
• ✅ Rain jacket and pants (afternoon thunderstorms possible)
• ✅ Lunch and trail snacks
• ✅ Water (minimum 1L)
• ✅ Warm layer (summit is windy — can be chilly even in midsummer)
• ✅ Sunscreen and hat (exposed ridgeline with strong sun)
• ⬜ Trekking poles (helpful for the descent)