The Route of Mt Ryoukami
There are three main route on Mt. Ryogamiyama :an advanced course, an intermediate course, and a beginner's course. Please use the trail at the level that suits you best.
Hatcho Pass Course
The course up Hatcho One from Kami-Ochiai Bridge is a thrilling course with more than 30 chains at about 20 chain-link points in total. Although the elevation gain is only 583m, the cumulative elevation gain is easily over 1,000m. On the other hand, the route from Hatcho Toge to Hatcho One is a route where you can enjoy mountain climbing to the fullest, as it is generally on a ridge line and there are places where you can enjoy a good view. Access to Kami-ochiai Bridge is by car or cab from Mibuguchi Station, and there is no public transportation such as buses. As with the Hyuga Oyaguchi Course, a day trip is possible, but the course time is about 8 hours and requires an early morning start.
Hinataootani Route
There is public transportation to Hyuga Oyaguchi. From Seibu Chichibu Station, take the Seibu Kanko Bus to Kogano Town Hall, transfer to the Kogano Town Bus, and get off at Hyuga Oyaguchi. If you take a cab, get off at Mibuguchi of Seibu Chichibu Railway and take a cab for about 40 minutes, or 7,000 yen. You may also plan to stay overnight at Kiyotaki Hut, a shelter on the way to the mountain. If you drive your own car, you can park about 50 cars in the parking lot at the Hyuga Otani Exit, so a day trip is possible if you leave early. The route from Hyuga Otani Exit, the most popular route on Ryogamiyama, to the summit has a few chain-linked sections, but is not too difficult, and is just right for beginners to experience chain-linked sections for the first time. The route is crowded with climbers as there are water stations and refuge huts along the way. However, the route follows a stream and crosses the river several times, so it may become impossible to climb after heavy rain. There are numerous stone Buddha statues along the trail, and near the summit is the headquarters of Ryogami Shrine, which enshrines the two deities Izanagi and Izanami, indicating that this is a mountain of faith.
Shiraisasindou Route
Shiraisasushinmichi is the shortest course on Ryogamiyama with an elevation gain of 900 meters. The trail is located on land owned by Mr. Yamanaka, and the condition of climbing the mountain is to do the piste. A maintenance fee of 1,000 yen is paid at the time of descent. The trail is well maintained and very easy to walk, and the course time is about 3 hours and 30 minutes for a round trip.
