Mount Amagi Range

About

Primeval beech forest along the Mount Amagi hiking trail, showing the mossy, ancient trees characteristic of this UNESCO Geopark mountain. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Mount Amagi (天城山, Amagi-san) is a range of volcanic mountains in central Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, forming the border between Izu City and Higashi-Izu Town. 🔗 The highest peak, Banzaburodake (万三郎岳), reaches 1,406 meters (4,613 feet), making it the highest point on the Izu Peninsula. 🔗

Mount Amagi is listed as one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains (Hyakumeizan), a prestigious designation compiled by mountaineer Kyuya Fukada. 🔗 This recognition reflects not just the mountain's height or difficulty, but its character, history, and cultural distinctiveness as a classic Japanese hiking destination.

The mountain range is a central feature of the Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark, designated in 2018 for its unique geological heritage shaped by ongoing volcanic activity and tectonic plate collisions. 🔗

Geological and Natural Significance

Mount Amagi represents a geological marvel within the Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark. The southern portion of the peninsula is composed largely of breccia, while the central and northern portions consist of numerous highly eroded volcanoes, with the Amagi Mountain Range dominating the center. 🔗 The geological history dates back approximately 20 million years when the area was located about 800 kilometers south near the Tropic of Cancer as volcanic groups in the deep sea. 🔗

The central Amagi highland receives a flow of humid air from the Pacific, resulting in high levels of precipitation (over 4,000mm/year at Mount Amagi) and frequent snowfall during winter. 🔗 This abundant moisture nourishes the mountain's most distinctive feature: primeval beech forests covered in emerald moss, creating a serene and mystical atmosphere. 🔗

The mountain is famous for Amagi-shakunage (Rhododendron amagianum), a pink rhododendron species endemic to the Izu Peninsula. 🔗 This endangered species originated from Mounts Amagi and Higane, and its fuchsia-orange flowers bloom in early summer (mid-May to early June), attracting hikers during peak bloom season. 🔗

Literary and Cultural Importance

Mount Amagi holds profound literary significance as the setting for Nobel Prize-winning author Yasunari Kawabata's 1926 novella "The Izu Dancer" (Izu no Odoriko). 🔗 The story follows a young student's journey through the Izu Peninsula, with the Old Amagi Tunnel serving as a pivotal landmark where the protagonist transitions from solitary youth to opening up to companionship and emotion. 🔗

The Old Amagi Tunnel itself, built in 1905 after 13 years of construction, is a 445.5-meter stone tunnel designated as a national Important Cultural Property in 2001. 🔗 Today, the tunnel has become a pilgrimage site, with literary tourists retracing the novella's route through lush forests, old tunnels, and quiet hot-spring villages. 🔗

Visiting Information

Access

From Tokyo:

• Take train to Ito Station (approximately 2 hours from Tokyo)
• Transfer to Tokai Bus at Ito Station, bus stop No. 2
• Board bus bound for Amagi-kogen Golf Course (天城高原ゴルフ場)
• Get off at Amagi-juso-tozanguchi (天城縦走登山口)
• Bus ride: 55 minutes, cost: ¥1,340 (IC cards accepted)

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Bus Schedule:

• Morning departures from Ito Station: 7:55 AM, 10:15 AM
• Afternoon return bus (weekdays): 4:45 PM only
• Weekend additional service: 3:20 PM during peak periods
• Winter service note: Bus only runs to Sky Hills, 3 km short of main trailhead

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By Car: About 3 hours drive from Tokyo. Large parking lot at trailhead next to Amagi Kogen Golf Course. 🔗

Operating Information

Hours: Year-round access; trails have no set operating hours. Plan hikes around bus schedules. First bus arrives at trailhead around 8:50 AM. 🔗

Admission: Free

Typical Duration: 4-4.5 hours for the standard Amagi Kogen Loop (6.2 miles/10 km with 2,073 feet elevation gain) 🔗

The Trail Experience

Hiking Routes

Shakunage Route (シャクナゲコース) - Recommended

• Distance: 7.8 km loop
• Starting point: Amagi Kogen Golf Course
• Difficulty: Beginner-friendly; well-marked with only a few steep sections
• Highlights: Primeval beech forests, Umanose viewpoint with Izu Islands views
• Route: Amagi Kogen → Mount Banzaburodake (highest peak) → Mount Totsuka → Mount Banjirodake
• Elevation gain: Approximately 400 meters

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Odoriko Trail - Literary/Cultural Route

• Cultural/literary route passing through Old Amagi Tunnel
• Connects Joren Falls to Kawazu Nanadaru (Seven Falls)
• Features the 445.5-meter stone tunnel with lighting
• Easy, well-marked course through lush vegetation
• Accessible year-round

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Key Features Along the Trail

Mount Banzaburodake Summit (万三郎岳)

• Height: 1,406 meters (highest point on Izu Peninsula)
• Views: Mount Fuji, Suruga Bay, Mount Daruma, Izu Islands (on clear days)
• Time from trailhead: Approximately 2 hours

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Hatcho Pond (八丁池)

• Altitude: 1,125-1,173 meters
• Circumference: Approximately 560 meters
• Formation: Fault depression (not a crater lake)
• Features: Surrounded by primeval forest including mountain cherry and maples
• Shore attraction: Statue of water spirit (goddess Benzaiten)
• Special protection area: Camping and bonfires strictly prohibited

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Old Amagi Tunnel

• Length: 445.5 meters
• Built: 1905 (13 years of construction)
• Japan's longest existing stone-built tunnel
• National Important Cultural Property (designated 2001)
• Equipped with lighting (headlamp not essential but recommended)

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Beech Forest Environment

• Old-growth beech trees covered with emerald moss
• Rocky trail sections with water sources running underneath
• Unique tree formations growing in volcanic soil
• Serene, mystical atmosphere throughout

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Practical Visiting Tips

Seasonal Considerations

Best Times to Visit:

• Spring (Mid-May to early June): Peak bloom for endemic Amagi-shakunage rhododendrons 🔗
• Autumn (Late October to early December): Autumn foliage in beech forests; mid-November to early December is peak 🔗
• Autumn advantage: Best season for viewing Mount Fuji thanks to clear atmospheric conditions 🔗

November 8-9 Timing:

• Early autumn foliage season (peak mid-Nov to early Dec)
• Expect early color changes in beech forests
• Excellent Mount Fuji visibility due to crisp air
• Cooler temperatures (highs 14-17°C, nights below 3°C at elevation)
• Shorter daylight hours require early start

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Recommended Gear for November

Clothing Layers:

• Moisture-wicking base layer
• Insulating mid-layer (fleece or down)
• Waterproof/windproof outer shell
• Hat and gloves for cold summit conditions
• Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots

Essential Equipment:

• Detailed map or GPS device
• Headlamp (critical for short daylight hours)
• Plenty of water (limited water sources on trail)
• High-energy snacks
• First aid kit
• Trekking poles with rubber caps (to prevent trail erosion)

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Japanese Hiking Etiquette

Hiking Plan Submission (Tozan-Todoke): Strongly recommended to fill out and submit a hiking plan at the trailhead or online. This form includes your intended route, schedule, and emergency contacts - standard practice in Japan for mountain safety.

Trail Etiquette:

• Greet fellow hikers with "Konnichiwa" (hello)
• Hikers ascending generally have right of way; step to the mountain side of trail when yielding
• Pack out everything you pack in; public garbage cans are rare
• Do not pick plants or disturb wildlife; stay on marked trails to prevent erosion
• Use rubber caps on trekking poles to minimize trail damage
• Treat any small shrines or sacred sites with respect
• If you dislodge a rock, shout "Rakuseki!" (falling rock!) to warn hikers below

Trail Conditions and Safety

Difficulty Assessment:

• Standard loop: Difficulty level 1 out of 5 with ~400m elevation gain
• Full Amagi Kogen Loop: Rated "hard" due to 6.2 miles and 2,073 ft elevation gain
• Very well-marked trails with signposts
• Only steep in a few sections
• Suitable for beginners with reasonable fitness on standard route

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Trail Challenges:

• Muddy conditions possible (high precipitation area)
• Rocky sections throughout
• Significant trail erosion approaching Mount Banzaburo summit
• Beech tree roots can be slippery when wet

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November Safety Considerations:

• No snow/ice expected in early November
• Prepare for potential rain (over 4,000mm annual precipitation)
• Shorter daylight hours require early start and time management
• Check weather forecast before departure
• Mountain weather can change rapidly

Critical Logistics

Bus Service Limitations:

• Critical: Only one afternoon return bus on weekdays (4:45 PM)
• Must complete hike in time to catch return bus or arrange alternative transportation
• Weekend service slightly better during peak periods
• Winter service terminates 3 km from trailhead

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Visitor Facilities

At Trailhead:

• Toilets next to parking lot (may be closed in winter, golf course facilities available as backup)
• Large parking area
• Washing facilities near golf course clubhouse

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On Trail:

• Limited facilities once hiking begins
• Water source runs under trail in some sections
• No restaurants or shops (bring all supplies)
• No emergency shelters noted

Best Photo Spots

Summit Photography:

• Mount Banzaburodake summit offers panoramic views
• Mount Fuji framed with Suruga Bay in foreground
• Elevated vantage point for unique perspective
• Best early morning for clear visibility

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Forest Photography:

• Mossy beech forests throughout trail
• Ancient trees with emerald moss create mystical scenes
• Hatcho Pond reflections with forest backdrop
• Old Amagi Tunnel for atmospheric/literary shots

Timing for Photos:

• Early morning: Best light and clearest Mount Fuji views
• Midday: Even lighting in dense forest sections
• Late afternoon: Warm light on beech foliage (ensure enough time to descend)

Crowd Avoidance

• Take earliest bus (7:55 AM from Ito Station) to reach trailhead before crowds
• Weekdays are less crowded than weekends
• Peak bloom season (May-June) and peak autumn foliage (mid-November) attract most visitors
• Early November should have moderate crowds

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Nearby Attractions

Joren Falls (浄蓮の滝)

• 25-meter waterfall
• Starting point for Odoriko Trail
• 35-minute bus ride from Shuzenji Station
• Complements Mount Amagi literary/cultural theme

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Kawazu Nanadaru (Seven Falls)

• Series of seven waterfalls
• End point of Odoriko Trail
• Accessible via extended hiking route from Old Amagi Tunnel

Shuzenji Temple and Onsen Town

• Historic Buddhist temple
• Traditional hot spring resort town
• Good base for exploring area

Location: View on Google Maps

Source: attractions/izu-peninsula/mount-amagi-range.md