Mt. Iino – Hiking in Japan (original) (raw)

Last updated: December 28, 2024

Mt. Iino, known to the locals as Sannuki-Fuji, is a non-volcanic symmetrical with commanding panoramic views. The ease of access and variety of paths make it a popular outing for both locals and tourists alike.

The hike: From the bus stop, cross under the overhead expressway and turn left, following the highway for a few minutes. Turn right on a road that climbs through a neighborhood of houses until reaching the start of the path at the Yagaikatsudou Center (野外活動センター). From the center, you can either climb up the paved path right in front of you (signposted) or take the unmarked steep stone stairs on your left. Both paths meet up a little higher. After about 10 minutes of climbing, you’ll reach a junction at the 3rd stagepoint (三合目). Turn right here and follow the wide, gentle path as it circumnavigates the full circumference of the mountain. It’s virtually impossible to get lost, and the views will open up in gaps between the trees. There are plenty of signposts, and the stagepoints are clearly marked. Keep your eye out for feral cats as well, as there are about a dozen felines that make their home here. Just past the 7th stagepoint (七合目), you’ll see a path that crosses on your right. This leads down quite steeply back into town and is an alternative way off the peak (though there’s no public transport if you descend via this option). If you turn left here, however, you’ll climb up a shortcut to the summit that only takes 5 minutes. Don’t worry, though as the main path and this shortcut both meet on the summit, so take your pick of this one of the broader trail that continues straight. Once on the top, you’ll be greeted with a large shrine, a decorative stone etched with a famous poem from the late emperor Showa, and several dozen other hikers, depending on when you choose to climb. There’s plenty of space to spread out. Although the view is somewhat obstructed by trees, if you take a short side path marked おじょもの足跡・展望所 30m, it’ll lead to a wooden platform with a 180-degree panoramic view of the valley below. After admiring the views, retrace your steps to the summit and either take the unmarked path to your left or the unmarked trail to the right of the large stone summit marker. If heading on the left trail just to the left of the carved stone statue of Ebisu, then descend a few minutes to a junction. A steep trail shoots off into the forest on your left. This is a slight shortcut to the main trail, which you can take if you’re experiences. Otherwise, just continue straight. Stay on either trail for about 20 minutes or so, and you’ll be back at the 3rd stagepoint (三合目), where you can retrace your steps back to the trailhead and bus stop. All in all it should take about 2 to 3 hours or so to complete the loop, depending on how many breaks you take.

When to go: This hike can easily be done all year round, but watch out for the heat and humidity of the summer. The autumn colors are brilliant, as is the lush greenery of early May. Winter is also a good option as the peak usually does not get snow.

Access: There are 3 different routes up the peak from 3 different sides, but if relying on public transport your only option is to climb the most popular route up the peak. If you have your own transport, then park near Marugame City Yagaikatsudou Center (野外活動センター) and hike in from there. From Marugame (丸亀) station on the JR Yosan line (40 minutes by Shiokaze limited express train from Okayama station), take a Marugame community bus bound for Mitani Danchi (三谷団地) and get off at Iinoyamatozanguchi (飯野山登山口). There are only 5 buses a day for the 25 minute ride to the trailhead. Click here for the schedule. You might find it easier to just take a taxi from Marugame station, which will cost about 2200 yen from Marugame station. If taking a taxi, ask the driver for his/her business card, which should have a phone number on it should you need to book a taxi for the return journey back to the station.

Map: Click here

Level of difficulty: 2 out of 5 (elevation change ~400m)

Distance: 4.5km (2 to 3 hours)

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