Let me give you a bit more detail about the hiking route from Shiraiwa Falls to Mt. Hinode Yama.
This trail’s in good shape, but considering it’s a four-hour hike with steep slopes, it’s more suited for seasoned hikers. But don’t sweat it, there’s a beginner-friendly route available too.
However, it’s always possible to get lost, and in such a scenario, unexpected situations could arise.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so it’s best to take precautions.
In another article, a guide to Hinode Town is provided including information about hiking trails in the area.
The mountain trail leading to Mt. Hinode Yama features a series of cascading waterfalls, making it an enjoyable hiking route, but it seems a bit more geared towards experienced hikers. For those looking for a more beginner-friendly option, it is recommended to do a easy round trip on the route described below.
Just a quick note before we get into the route information.
Points to keep in mind when hiking up;
If you’re planning to hike, it’s advisable to make some basic preparations:
– It’s better to wear clothing that allows easy movement rather than everyday attire.
– Slip-resistant hiking shoes are recommended for footwear.
– Use a backpack that leaves your hands free.
– Since you’ll sweat, clothing made from materials other than cotton is better.
– Rain gear should include both a waterproof jacket and pants.
– Don’t forget to bring a water bottle or something similar for staying hydrated!
In addition, don’t forget to check the weather forecast before you head out, and of course, it’s a good idea to steer clear of hiking on rainy days. Be extra careful, if it rained the day before. The steep slopes on mountain trails can get pretty slippery, making accidents more likely.
❶: Start from Shiraiwataki Bus Stop
The hiking trail begins from Shiraiwataki Bus Stop (marked as ❶ on the map) . If you catch the 20 or 21 bus from No. 3 Bus Stop in front of Musashi Itsukaichi Station (marked as ❽ on the map) on the Itsukaichi line, you’ll arrive in about 15 minutes.
When you get off at the bus stop, you should see a sign like the one in the photo right away. Follow the sign and head up the mountain path.
❷: Shiraiwa Falls
The photo shows the first waterfall, which you can reach in about twenty minutes from Shiraiwataki Bus Stop. As you continue along the mountain trail from the first waterfall, you’ll come across more and more waterfalls.
Just a heads up, the path to the first waterfall is mostly paved and very easy to walk. However, as you climb further, it becomes a dirt mountain trail, so it might be a good idea to turn back at the first waterfall.
The view of the first waterfall from above is quite spectacular, too!
The second waterfall is really something!
Last waterfall?
Heads up!
There’s a spot on the mountain path towards the last waterfall where the wooden bridge over the gorge has collapsed. If your goal is to see the waterfalls, it might be a good idea to turn back around here before. (as of May 2024)
❸ Aso Daira
It takes about 40 minutes to walk from Siraiwa Falls to Aso Daira (marked as ❸ on the map).
Let’s climb up to Asou Daira at your own pace as there’s quite a steep mountain trail from Shirayama Falls.
When you spot these markers, the steep mountain path comes to an end, and it becomes a relatively flat trail winding through the trees.
Head Up!
The mountain path merges with a forest road along the way before reaching Aso Daira, but let’s follow the signs and return to the mountain path. If you take the forest road, be aware that you won’t be able to reach Mt. Hinode Yama.
Also, there’s a possibility of encountering bears, so it might be a good idea to attach bear bells or something similar just in case.
❹ Summit of Mt. Hinode Yama
It takes about 60 minutes to walk from Aso Daira to the summit of Mt. Hinode Yama (marked as ❹ on the map).
(If you want to see the current view from the summit of Mt. Hinode Yama, click Live Camera Channel.)
Enjoy a pleasant mountain stroll along a relatively flat path through the forest for a while.
Be prepared for the final steep ascent in the last twenty minutes or so. However, since the path is reinforced with timber, it’s not too difficult as long as you have patience. Let’s go at your own pace!
❺ Fork in the road on the way down the mountain
Let’s head down towards Mt. Hinode Trailhead Bus Stop from the summit of Mt. Hinode Yama.
You will find the fork (marked as ❺ on the map) in the road on the way down about 20 minutes to walk from the summit of Mt. Hinode Yama.
If you go left, you’ll follow the old path along the ridge, while the right leads to the newer path along the river. They both reconnect at the base, so either way is fine. The new path winds through the forest and is mostly paved, making it easy to walk.
If you want a straightforward hike up Mt. Hinode Yama, it is recommended to take this route. You could take the old path while you’re still full of energy on the ascent, and then enjoy the easier new path on the way back down.
❻ Point where the roads merge on the way down the mountain
From the fork near the summit, it’s about a 40-minute hike back to this merging point (marked as ❻ on the map) . The paved road you see to the left in the photo is the new path, while the path going up to the right is the old one. From here, if you follow the paved road downhill, you’ll reach the trailhead for Mt. Hinode Yama in about 15 minutes.
❼ Trailhead for Mt. Hinode Yama
If you descend a bit from the trailhead in the photo, you’ll find the Hinodeyama Tozanguchi Bus Stop (Mt. Hinode Trailhead Bus Stop) along the main road. You can catch a bus going downhill to Musashi Itsukaichi Station (marked as ❽ on the map) from there. However, since you’re here, if you climb up for about 5 minutes, you’ll reach Tsuru Tsuru Onsen Hot Spring. Since the buses come about once an hour, why not take the opportunity to visit the hot springs and adjust your schedule accordingly?
⇒ If you want to find other hiking trails in the Okutama Area, click here!
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As a base to enjoy the nature in Akiruno City and Hinode Town, TokuraCastle3 is available:
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If you want to spend some relaxed time surrounded by nature, Shizenjin Mura is available:
