Mt. Ishizuchi: Round Trip from the Ropeway

Walking from Joju (Johju) Station at the top of the ropeway, you'll pass Okumaegami-ji Temple. After about a 25-minute walk, you'll reach Ishizuchi-jinja Chugu Joju-sha Shrine Ishizuchi-jinja Chugu Joju-sha. This large shrine gets lots of visitors and thus there are several cafeteria and souvenir shops near there.

Descending the trail through the forest, you'll pass through a torii gate and find a bench with a view of the summit. Continue your descent and you'll reach a col known as Haccho (Hacchoh). It's about 45 minutes from Joju Station.

Continue up the steep staircase and go around a chain-assisted trail called “Tameshi-no-Kusari” and in about an hour you'll reach Zenshagamori-koya mountain hut. It’s a nice spot for a rest.

As you ascend and pass to the right of a small peak, the forest thins out, giving way to sasa bamboo. From there it descends slowly, bringing you to the col at Yoakashi-toge Pass. It's about 20 minutes from Zenshagamori-koya. There's a great view of Mt. Ishizuchi from there.

Ascending the staircase, you'll pass by difficult spots with chains called Ichi no Kusari, Ni no Kusari, and San no Kusari. There are also detours around all of them.

Once you come to the top of the staircase around San no Kusari, you'll arrive at Mt. Misen, the summit of Mt. Ishizuchi. It's about 3 hours from Joju Station. There you'll find Ishizuchi-jinja Shrine Chojo-sha, as well as the Ishizuchi-jinja Chojo Sanso mountain hut with its restaurant.

From Mt. Misen you'll ascend for about 15 minutes to the highest peak of Mt. Tengu (Tengu-dake). Watch your step as this is a steep stone ridge.

Return the way you came.