Hiking Mt. Hyōno, The Highest Mountain in Hyōgo Prefecture

Mt. Hyōno (氷ノ山), with a height of 1,510 meters, is the highest mountain in Hyōgo Prefecture. The mountain blessed with an excellent natural environment was chosen as one of Japan’s 200 most famous mountains. The area is decorated with rare plants and animals, such as the National Natural Monument Golden Eagle. The Torokawa Valley (瀞川渓谷) on the western foot of Mt. Hyōno is also one of the 100 Hidden Scenic Spots in the country.

Apart from the stunning seasonal scenery, Mt. Hyono, also known as Mt. Sugano (須賀ノ山), is also famous for its reflection in the rice terraces before rice planting (逆さ氷ノ山). This attracts many professional photographers in early May.

Hiking in Mt. Hyōno

With a height only second to the Daisen or Mt. Dai (大山) in the Chūgoku region (中国地方), Mt. Hyōno is a popular hiking destination in Kansai.

Mt. Dai has an altitude of 1,712 meters.

There are a couple of mountain trails to choose from. Some are accessible from Tottori Prefecture (as the mountain is at the border of Yabu City in Hyōgo Prefecture and Wakasa Town (若桜町) in Tottori Prefecture).

The hiking season at Mt. Hyōno is usually from mid-May to mid-November when the trails aren’t covered by snow. From December to April, you will need alpine and ice-climbing gear if you are keen on hiking in the snow.

Tip: There is no shade close to the summit. Please be careful of a heat stroke on a hot sunny day.

Important: Trekking shoes and hiking poles are highly recommended as most parts of the trail are earthen roads, which can be slippery and harder to walk on. Long pants are also recommended to protect your legs from bug bites.

Hyōnoyama-goe Course (氷ノ山越えコース)

Here, we will introduce the Hyōnoyama-goe Course (氷ノ山越えコース), which is suitable for all age groups and consists of numerous scenic spots along the way. When the weather is good at the summit, you can see Mt. Dai (大山) and even the Sea of Japan!

Hyōnosen Hachifuse-guchi Bus Stop (氷ノ山鉢伏口) → 20 minutes → Trailhead (登山口) at Fukusada Water Park (福定親水公園) → 45 minutes → Nunotaki Falls (布滝), Fudō Falls (不動滝), Jizōdō (地蔵堂), Kōbōnomizu (弘法の水) → 75 minutes → Hyōnosanetsu (氷ノ山越 ) → 80 minutes → Mt. Hyōno Summit (氷ノ山山頂) → 100 minutes → Higshione Evacuation Hat (東尾根避難小屋) → 45 minutes → Higashione trailhead (東尾根登山口) → 20 minutes → Hyōnosen Hachifuse-guchi Bus Stop (氷ノ山鉢伏口)

From Hyōnosen Hachifuse-guchi Bus Stop to the trailhead at Fukusada Water Park, there are paved roads.
Shortly after passing the trailhead, you will need to cross a river. Although there is a bridge, if the water level is high, it will be safer to enter the mountain from Higashione trailhead (東尾根登山口).
Soon after crossing the river, the slope will become steeper. Continue all the way to Jizōdō.
You will then trek through a beautiful beech forest, but be careful of the roots of the trees at your feet so you won’t get tripped over.
From the summit to Higashione Evacuation Hat, a small part of the trail is steep, but most are gentle ridge roads.
From Higashione Evacuation Hat, you will hike through some steep slopes again, walking on wooden stairs most of the time. So, it shouldn’t be too arduous, and it is difficult to get lost!
Once you reach the Higashione trailhead (東尾根登山口), you will be back on paved roads to get back to Hyōnosen Hachifuse-guchi Bus Stop.

HERE is a map of the hiking courses. Hyōnoyama-goe Course (氷ノ山越えコース) is marked with blue circles. Higashione trailhead (東尾根登山口) and Hyōnosen Hachifuse-guchi Bus Stop (氷ノ山鉢伏口) are also marked on the map.

Autumn Foliage Season at Mt. Hyōno

The fall color at Mt. Hyōno usually peaks from mid to late October each year. The season starts in early October when the color of nature slowly becomes more vivid.

How to Get to the Trailhead at Fukusada Water Park

From JR Yōka Station (八鹿駅), take the Hachibuse Line (鉢伏線) of the Zantan Bus (全但バス), and get off at Hyōnosen Hachifuse-guchi (氷ノ山鉢伏口). The bus trip is around 50 minutes.

HERE is the timetable for the services departing FROM JR Yōka Station
HERE is the timetable for the services departing FOR JR Yōka Station
You can also use one of Japan’s Transport Apps to plan your visit.

If you plan to drive, you can park for free at Fukusada Water Park. Note: it has a capacity of around 30 cars. Arriving around 8:30 am might mean you will have to park your car further away at Hyōnosen Kokusai Ski Resort (氷ノ山国際スキー場).

Hyōnosen Kokusai Ski Resort (氷ノ山国際スキー場)

For those who would love to ski at Mt. Hyōno (氷ノ山), one of the popular ski resorts is Hyōnosen Kokusai Ski Resort.

The 2023/2024 season was from the 23rd of December to the 4th of March from 8:30 am to 5 pm.

For more information about the pricing and ski gear rental, please refer to their website HERE. You can translate the website by using the language drop-down menu in the top right corner. You can translate the website using the language drop-down menu in the top right corner. If you use Google Chrome, you can change it to English by clicking on the Google Translate icon at right of the address bar.

Tips:
☛ Female guests get free entry on Wednesdays.
☛ If you are coming with primary school students, one child can board the lift for free per adult if you get a one-day free lift pass.