This hike is strictly for highly experienced hikers. If the weather turns bad, do not hesitate to turn back—it’s essential to prioritize safety.

Starting from Murodo on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, this trail is challenging, exhilarating, and perfect for seasoned hikers with a high level of physical fitness and careful preparation. While it’s possible to complete this in a single night by staying at a mountain hut, expect strenuous conditions and be prepared for a rugged adventure.

Trail Overview:

• Starting Point: Murodo Station on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

• Total Distance: 16 km round-trip

• Elevation Gain: 1200 meters

• Duration: 2 days, approximately 12 hours total

• Season: Mid-July to early October (off-season requires snow gear)

• Difficulty Level: Advanced, with technical sections, including chains, ladders, and steep ridges.

Route Highlights:

Day 1: Murodo Station to Tsurugisawa-Goya Hut

1. Start at Murodo Station
   Begin at Murodo Station, a popular starting point for the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. The initial part of the trail is a stone-paved footpath leading through scenic spots like Mikuriga-ike Pond and Rindo-ike Pond. This first 30-minute walk offers a gentle introduction to the hike.

2. Descend to Raicho-daira
   From the ponds, descend into the Raicho-daira area. The trail takes you through a rocky, grassy slope and a stone pine belt, leading you to the Bessan Pass. Here, you’ll find Tsurugi-gozen-goya Hut, a great spot to rest, with stunning views of Mt. Tsurugi if weather permits.

3. Descend to Tsurugisawa-Goya Hut
   After a short break, continue past Bessan Pass down a rocky slope toward Tsurugisawa-goya Hut, where you'll stay the night. The route passes through alpine meadows and offers beautiful views of nearby peaks.

   Day 2: Tsurugisawa-Goya Hut to Mt. Tsurugi Summit and Return

1. Tsurugisawa-Goya Hut to Ippuku Tsurugi Peak
   Start the day by hiking through the stone pine belt. The trail quickly turns into an alpine path as you approach Kenzanso Hut, where the route intensifies. Ascend a zigzag path with chain-fitted sections, reaching Ippuku Tsurugi Peak after about 30 minutes.

2. Ippuku Tsurugi to Mae Tsurugi
   Continue from Ippuku Tsurugi along a challenging ridge line with steep drops and chain sections, reaching Mae Tsurugi. This stretch is challenging and requires caution, particularly at narrow ledges with chains for support.

3. Mae Tsurugi to Mt. Tsurugi Summit
   From Mae Tsurugi, descend carefully to the Heizo Col, then proceed up a series of chains and narrow ledges. Tackle the Kani no Tatebai rock face with chains, and continue to the summit.

4. Descent to Murodo
   Carefully descend the same route, navigating chain sections like Kani no Yokobai and taking extra caution on the exposed ledges. Return to Tsurugisawa-Goya Hut, and then retrace your steps back to Murodo.

Mountain Huts:

• Tsurugi-gozen-goya Hut (First Rest Point)

• Tsurugisawa-Goya Hut (Overnight Stay)

• Kenzanso Hut (Final hut before summit)

Safety Tip: Helmets, harnesses, and proper hiking boots are essential due to steep and rocky sections. Weather conditions can change quickly, so check the forecast before departure.

About:

Mount Tsurugi, also known as "Sword Mountain," is a 1,954.7-meter-high peak located on the border of Miyoshi, Mima, and Naka in Tokushima Prefecture, Japan. It's the second highest mountain on Shikoku Island and a significant site for Shugendō, a blend of Shinto and Buddhism. The mountain boasts a small shrine at its summit called 'Tsurugi Jinja' and is part of the Tsurugi Quasi-National Park.