Traverse Hike of Mt. Odaigahara from Osugidani Valley

Walk along the paved road from the trailhead, and when you pass a power plant, a hiking path that traverses the sloped face of the left side of the valley begins. It is a narrow path carved into the rock wall of a steep slope, so be very careful to avoid falls while hiking this path. There are chains installed where necessary.

Cross three suspension bridges, and about 2 hours from the power plant, you’ll arrive at Senpirono-taki Falls. These falls have the biggest drop on the Osugidani route. About an hour from Senpiro Falls, you’ll arrive at Shishi-buchi abyss . It features a b eautiful view of clear blue waters flowing in a narrow valley between sheer cliffs.

Proceeding 45 minutes from Shishi-buchi abyss, you’ll find the largest suspension bridge in the valley right in front of a rock wall. Cross the suspension bridge, proceed along the right wall of the valley, and in about 40 minutes, come to Momonoki-yamanoie (also named as “Momonoki-goya”) mountain hut. Stay overnight here on the first day.

On the second day, first proceed along the left wall of the valley. About 25 minutes from Momonoki-yamanoie, you’ll arrive at Nanatsugama-taki Falls, a waterfall that flows down several stages. Cross four suspension bridges to proceed along the right and left walls of the valley.

You will arrive at Dokura-taki Falls from Nanatsugama-taki Falls in about one and a half hours. At Dokura-taki Falls, diverge from Osugidani Valley and proceed along the steep hiking path. Go into the forest path, and after walking about one and a half hours from Dokura-taki Falls, you’ll arrive at Awadani-goya mountain hut.

From Awadani-goya, hike the steep face called “Shakunage-zaka (rhododendron hill)” towards the ridgeline. As indicated by the name, rhododendron bloom here from late May to early June.

Hiking up and down along the large and small peaks along the mountain ridge, you will arrive at the highest peak of Mt. Odaigahara, Mt. Hidegadake, in about 2 hours from the Awadani-goya.

From Mt. Hidegadake, descend the wooden stairs, and in about 30 minutes you’ll arrive at a grassy field with withered trees dotting the area. Proceed from here to a fork in the saddle of the mountain in about 10 minutes, go right, and after a 30-minute descent down the well-kept stone hiking path, you’ll arrive at the Odaigahara bus stop.