Recommended for beginner hikers! A 360-degree panoramic view from the summit of Mt.Nagi!
There are several climbing courses on Mt.Nagi, but this article is for beginners. Although a certain level of physical strength and preparation is necessary to climb safely, Mt.Nagi is a relatively easy mountain to climb.
The weather in May is just right for mountain climbing. We climbed Mt.Nagi while enjoying the fresh greenery of the forest. We were blessed with good weather on the day of our climb, and were able to climb comfortably. During this interview, we climbed with two 80-year-old women. It had been about 10 years since one of them last climbed. We were worried about whether we could make it, but we spent a day climbing. On average, it takes about 5 hours to climb and descend.
Mt.Nagi
Mt.Nagi is a 1,255m mountain that straddles the towns of Nagi (Okayama Prefecture) and Chizu (Tottori Prefecture) and is designated as part of the Hyonosen-Ushiroyama Mt.Nagi-National Park.
It is the second highest mountain in Okayama Prefecture after Ushiroyama. It is popular among climbers due to its beautiful scenery throughout the seasons and its rich natural environment.
The view of Mt.Nagi from the Okayama side is spectacular. It's well worth the trip to see Mt.Nagi even if you don't climb the mountain.
Trailhead and route
There are three climbing routes from Nagi Town: Courses A, B, and C. Courses B and C are for beginners. Courses B and C have the same trailhead, so you can climb from one and descend from the other. Even if you don't enjoy climbing up and down the same path, it's nice to be able to walk a different course on the way there and back.
The trailhead for Course A is at Bodaiji Temple. This is a bit tough as you have to climb up, then go down and then climb back up again. There are also other courses from the Tottori side and courses that traverse the Mt.Nagi range at Takiyama and Hirotosen.
This time, I took the course B, which goes up, and the course C, which goes down. The course is about 8km long and takes about 3.5 to 4.5 hours. Some people can do it in under 3 hours.
The trailhead for courses B and C is about a 5-minute drive up past the Mt.Nagi Station. Look for the stone pillar. Turn left at this sign and go up. There are three parking lots. Although it was a weekday, parking lot 3, which is closest to the trailhead, was full. Nagisanroku Trekking Map (PDF)
Trailhead for B and C courses
It is located at the top of the mountain after you start climbing from the parking lot. Turn right from here and enter the mountain path. Please note that there are no toilets on the hiking trail. Toilets are located at the second parking lot.
[Record of the mountain climbing] 9:00 Start of climbing
Climbing Course B, first half
A little way up from the trailhead, there is a fork in the road to choose between Course B and Course C. If you go right here, you will be on Course B. Cross the bridge over the stream and climb up alongside the stream. There are some steep sections, but for the most part it is a gentle climb.
[Climbing report record] 9:11 Bridge
B Course: Oyataki Falls (Detour Plan)
The Oyataki waterfall is located a little off the hiking trail. It has a large amount of water and is crystal clear. It is very beautiful with the fresh greenery. From the hiking trail, go down the stairs into the valley. It takes about 5 minutes one way. If you have enough energy, please go.
[Climbing report] 9:35 Oyataki waterfall
B Course Kurotaki Falls (Detour Plan)
Kurotaki waterfall is also located off the hiking trail. It takes about 5 minutes one way. It looks like you can do waterfall asceticism. It seems like it would be nice to be hit by the waterfall in the hot season.
[Climbing report record] 10:50 Kurotaki waterfall
Mountain climbing course Flowers
The mountain azalea was in bloom. There were also many other flowers that looked like violets. One of the purposes of this hike was to see the Enkianthus campanulatus, but perhaps it was a little early in the season, so I wasn't able to see any.
Climbing Course B, second half
As you approach the ridgeline, you will begin to see views of the foothills and into the distance.
[Record of mountaineering research]
11:50 8th Station
12:20 Reach the ridgeline, A course, Tosen course junction (Tottori side)
360 degree panorama from the summit!
From the summit, you can enjoy a 360-degree view. An 80-year-old woman, who had not climbed the mountain in 10 years, managed to reach the summit despite getting cramps in her legs. She was deeply moved by the magnificent view.
[Record of mountaineering research]
13:00 Arrive at the summit and take a break for lunch
13:50 Depart from the summit
Panorama from the summit (Nagi Town, Seto Inland Sea side)
On a clear day, you can even see the mountains of Shikoku.
Panorama from the summit (towards the Sea of Japan)
Panorama of the summit (Mt. Daisen)
You can see Mt. Daisen in the distance. There is a faint triangular point slightly left of Chuo in the photo.
God and Buddha Points
Long ago, Mt.Nagi was a mountain of asceticism. There are characters carved into some rocks that are believed to have been carved by ascetics. Please check the " Nagi Mountain Foothills Trekking Map " for the locations of the Shinto and Buddhist sites.
Downhill Course C Ogamiiwa
You can see the town of Nagi from the top of Ogami Rock. This is also one of the Shinto and Buddha points. Behind Ogami Rock is a hole just big enough for one person to fit through. It is said that if you pass through this hole, you will receive good fortune.
[Record of the mountaineering interview] 15:40 Ogami Rock
Hebibuchinotaki Falls (side trip)
Jabuchi Falls is located behind the torii gate near the third parking lot. It takes about 5 minutes one way. There is a legend that the mother of the giant Sanbutaro lived there. If you still have energy after coming down from the mountain, please go there.
[Record of the mountain climbing] 17:10 Descend the mountain and arrive at the trailhead
We safely descended the mountain with two 80-year-olds. This time, it had been a while since we last climbed the mountain, so we walked quite slowly and it took about 8 hours, but I think most people can climb and descend in about half that time, about 4 hours (about 5 hours if you include breaks).
I think that even beginners can climb this mountain, but if you do, be sure to prepare thoroughly and, if possible, climb with someone who has experience.
Okayama Prefecture is located in the Chuo of Western Japan, and is known as the "Land of Sunshine" due to its warm climate and little rain throughout the year. It is conveniently located halfway between famous tourist spots such as Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima, and is also the gateway to Shikoku via the Great Seto Bridge. Okayama is also known as the "Fruit Kingdom," and the fruits that grow in the warm climate of the Seto Inland Sea and sunshine are of the highest quality in terms of sweetness, aroma, and flavor. You can enjoy seasonal fruits such as white peaches, Muscat grapes, and Pione grapes! Okayama is also home to world-famous tourist spots such as Okayama Castle, Okayama Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's three most famous gardens, and Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, which are renowned for their history, culture, and art!
The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.