Mt. Hiuchigatake — Ozegahara's Twin-Peaked Monarch, Highest Summit North of Tohoku

Trail Overview

Mt. Hiuchigatake (燧ヶ岳, Hiuchigatake) is a volcanic mountain in Hinoemata Village, Fukushima Prefecture, and the highest peak in the Tohoku region and north of it at 2,356m. It is Hyakumeizan #28 and dominates the heart of Oze National Park, one of Japan’s premier highland wetland destinations.

The summit consists of two peaks: Shibayasugura (柴安嵓, 2,356m), the higher of the two, and Manaita-gura (俎嵓, 2,346m). Each offers a different perspective — Shibayasugura looks out over Ozegahara and Mt. Shibutsu, while Manaita-gura faces Lake Ozenuma and the Aizu mountains. For international hikers, combining the mountain climb with a walk through the Oze wetlands makes for an unforgettable experience.

Recommended Route: Miike Trailhead Out-and-Back

Starting from Miike (御池), this is the most popular route on Hiuchigatake. It passes through two highland wetlands — Hirosawa-taishiro and Kumazawa-taishiro — offering beautiful wildflower scenery en route.

Course Time

Section	Duration
Miike Trailhead → Hirosawa-taishiro	About 60 min
Hirosawa-taishiro → Kumazawa-taishiro	About 60 min
Kumazawa-taishiro → Manaita-gura (East Summit)	About 75 min
Manaita-gura → Shibayasugura (Highest Peak)	About 20 min
Shibayasugura → Manaita-gura	About 20 min
Manaita-gura → Kumazawa-taishiro	About 50 min
Kumazawa-taishiro → Hirosawa-taishiro	About 45 min
Hirosawa-taishiro → Miike Trailhead	About 45 min
Total (out-and-back)	About 7.5 hours

Tip: Miike Lodge next to the bus terminal is ideal for the night before your climb. Starting early gives you the chance to walk through morning mist above Oze. The area around Kumazawa-taishiro is one of the best spots to photograph the mountain’s twin peaks.

Alternative Route: Ozenuma / Choeishinro Trail

The Choeishinro trail from Numa-jiri on Lake Ozenuma leads up to Manaita-gura (about 3.5 hours one way). This route is well suited for hikers combining the summit with a stroll around Lake Ozenuma.

Access Information

• Nearest Station: Aizu Railway Aizu Line, Aizu-Kogen-Ozeguchi Station
• From Tokyo: Take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Koriyama (about 80 min), transfer to the Ban-etsu West Line to Aizuwakamatsu, then Aizu Railway to Aizu-Kogen-Ozeguchi Station (total about 3.5 hours)
• Bus: From Aizu-Kogen-Ozeguchi Station, take a scheduled bus or shared taxi to Miike Bus Terminal (about 90 min; advance reservation recommended)
• By Car: About 130 min from Nishi-Nasushiobara IC on the Tohoku Expressway via Route 352. Miike Parking Lot (paid, about 450 spaces)

Note: During certain periods (typically parts of May–June and autumn), private vehicles may be restricted on the approach road and a shuttle bus transfer is required. Check the latest information on the Oze Protection Foundation website before your visit.

Convenience Stores, Shops & Restrooms

Convenience Stores

• Around Aizu-Kogen-Ozeguchi Station: Very limited options near the station. It is strongly recommended to stock up at convenience stores near Aizuwakamatsu Station
• Hinoemata Village: A Mini-Stop in Hinoemata (about 30 min before Miike) is the last convenience store on the route

Shops & Mountain Huts

• Miike Lodge (御池ロッジ): Located beside the Miike Bus Terminal. Sells snacks and drinks; meals and lodging available with reservation
• Summit area: No shops or vending machines

Restrooms

• Miike Bus Terminal: Public restrooms available (donation requested)
• Hirosawa-taishiro & Kumazawa-taishiro: Carry-out toilet booths are set up (bring a portable toilet)
• Miike Lodge: Restrooms available for lodge guests and day-trippers

Highlights

Summer (June–August)

• Skunk cabbage (mizubasho) in early June and yellow day lilies (nikkokisuge) in July carpet the wetlands
• The ponds and bogs at Hirosawa-taishiro and Kumazawa-taishiro create serene highland scenes
• Panoramic views of Ozegahara from the summit on clear summer days

Autumn (Late September–Early October)

• The golden grasslands of Ozegahara and the mountain’s colorful foliage create a stunning combination
• Lake Ozenuma’s reflections of Hiuchigatake and autumn leaves are one of Japan’s iconic mountain views
• Clear autumn air brings exceptional long-distance views

Packing Checklist

• ✅ Waterproof hiking boots (high-cut recommended)
• ✅ Rain jacket and pants
• ✅ Warm mid-layer (summit temperatures drop below 10°C even in summer)
• ✅ Lunch and trail snacks
• ✅ Water (at least 1.5L; no refill points on the route)
• ✅ Headlamp (for early starts or late returns)
• ✅ Portable toilet (required for wetland toilet booths)
• ⬜ Trekking poles (useful on the rocky descent)
• ⬜ Bear bell (Oze is brown bear habitat)