I strongly do not recommend you attempt this trail, as I almost died here. But if you're interested in knowing why, read on.

Back in 2019, my friends and I decided to take on Mt. Myogi—a mountain notorious for its deadly terrain and frequent rescues. We knew the risks, but we were up for a challenge, or at least, we thought we were. The plan was simple enough: tackle the East Side trail, which is considered the "easier" route compared to the West Side. It was supposed to be a 7 to 8-hour loop, bringing us back to Myogi Shrine by late afternoon. What we didn't realize was how brutal this hike would turn out to be.

The East Side, despite being the "less technical" trail, is packed with chain sections that force you to scale near-vertical rock faces. Some of these drops are as much as 50 meters straight down. We didn’t bring any safety ropes, just our hands, and a lot of nerve. By midday, our pace had slowed to a crawl, each of us carefully navigating the cliffs with one hand gripping the cold, rusty chains. The technical difficulty of the trail was beyond anything we’d imagined, and by the time the sun began to set, we were still far from finished.

It was mid-November, and darkness hit fast, well before 5 PM. That’s when things went from difficult to dangerous. We were forced to continue the hike in pitch-black conditions, with only a couple of headlamps between us. Three separate times, I nearly stepped off a cliff, not realizing just how close I was to the edge. With every step, we were risking more than just a sprained ankle—one wrong move, and it could have been the end of us. We seriously debated calling for a rescue, but somehow, we kept going, inching down the mountain, hoping for daylight that never came.

After more than 10 grueling hours, we finally made it back to the base of the mountain, physically and mentally drained but alive. We crashed at a place near the foot of Mt. Myogi, thankful we had made it out in one piece. Then, early the next morning, we were jolted awake by the sound of sirens. An ambulance had arrived. We found out that a 40-year-old man from Mitaka, hiking the West Side the same day we were on the East, had fallen to his death. Hearing that news hit us hard. It was a sobering reminder of just how deadly this mountain can be, even for experienced hikers.

Mt. Myogi has two main trails: the East and the West. While both are highly technical, the East Side is slightly more forgiving, but that doesn’t make it safe. This mountain has claimed many lives, and unless you’re highly skilled, well-prepared, and ready for a serious challenge, I strongly advise against attempting it.

But if you are an experienced hiker, love the thrill, and want to take on this beast of a mountain, the trail info is below. Just remember—you’ve been warned. Proceed at your own risk.

East Summit Loop Trail

• Trailhead: Myogi Shrine

• Trail Map and Photos on YAMAP (JP only)

Hike Details:

• Distance: Approx. 10 km (loop)

• Duration: 7 to 8 hours

• Incline: 800 meters

• Difficulty: Very Difficult – This is an advanced trail with steep ascents, chains, ladders, and exposed ridgelines. It is recommended for experienced hikers with proper gear, including gloves for the chain sections.

The Hakuunzan Course is a challenging and rewarding route on Mt. Myogi, featuring dramatic rock formations, exposed ridges, and stunning panoramic views. The trail begins at Myogi Shrine, passing the iconic Dai-no-ji rock formation and continuing up to Tsuji, and then the sacred Okuno-in. From there, hikers will reach Miharashi and traverse rocky areas like Tamaishi and Ō-nozoki, offering spectacular viewpoints.

The route includes the peak of Tenguiwa and culminates at Sōmadake, Mt. Myogi's highest point at 1,104 meters. The descent via the Bara Ridge leads through Horikiri, then reconnects with the intermediate trail near Miharashi Hut, before descending back to Myogi Shrine via First and Second Miharashi viewpoints.

East and West

• Trailhead: Myogi Shrine

• Finish at Nakanotake Shrine

• Trail Map and Photos on YAMAP (JP only)

Hike Details:

• Distance: Approx. 8 km (one way)

• Duration: 10 hours

• Incline: Around 900 meters

• Difficulty: Very Difficult – This is an advanced trail with steep ascents, chains, ladders, and exposed ridgelines. It is recommended for experienced hikers with proper gear, including gloves for the chain sections.

Hike Description:

1. Myogi Shrine to Ō-no-ji (大)
   Starting at Myogi Shrine, the trail immediately begins with a steep ascent through forested terrain. After an hour, you’ll reach the iconic Ō-no-ji rock formation, which offers incredible views of the surrounding area. This is where the real challenge begins, as the trail becomes much more technical.

2. Ō-no-ji to Tengu-iwa
   Continue from Ō-no-ji to Tengu-iwa, one of the highest peaks on Mt. Myogi. Along the way, you’ll encounter multiple chain sections, requiring upper body strength and careful navigation over sharp ridges. The exposure on these ridges is extreme, so hikers must be comfortable with heights.

3. Tengu-iwa to Sōmadake
   After summiting Tengu-iwa, the trail continues towards Sōmadake, Mt. Myogi’s highest peak at 1,104 meters. This section involves a mix of scrambling, chain-assisted climbs, and narrow ridgelines, offering thrilling views and heart-pounding moments. Sōmadake’s summit is a rewarding stop, providing panoramic vistas of the Kanto Plain and distant peaks.

4. Sōmadake to Takamodoshi
   The descent begins after Sōmadake, but it’s no less challenging. You’ll soon encounter the infamous Takamodoshi, a section with a near-vertical drop that requires careful navigation using chains. This is one of the most dangerous spots on the entire trail, and many hikers choose to bring helmets and safety gear for this section.

5. Takamodoshi to Nakanodake
   After safely navigating Takamodoshi, the trail continues to Nakanodake, where you’ll pass some more stunning rock formations and viewpoints. The terrain begins to level out as you approach the end of the hike.

6. Nakanodake to Nakanodake Parking Lot
   The final stretch of the trail descends gradually towards the Nakanodake Parking Lot, where your hike will end. Be sure to take in the views of the surrounding peaks and forests as you wind your way down. This section is less technical, but your legs will feel the strain from the earlier parts of the hike.