This hike offers some of the best views of the surrounding mountain ranges, including Mt. Oyama, Goshikigahara, and Murodo Plateau. I highly recommend combining this with a hike to Mt. Oyama, as the trails are closely connected and offer diverse scenery. I make a point of hiking this peak every time I’m in the area. It’s relatively easy from Murodo and beginner-friendly, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a rewarding, accessible mountain experience.

Trailhead: Murodo Station.

Route Details:

• Distance: 5 km round trip.

• Time: 3 hours

• Elevation Gain: 500m

About:

Ryuodake, also known as the dragon king mountain, offers a fun and engaging climb on its East ridge. With stunning panoramic views of Tateyama and the North Alps, this route is perfect for practicing alpine climbing skills. Accessible from Murodō, it's a popular day hike destination with a mix of terrain including slabs, cracks, chimneys, and airy scrambling. The summit at 2872m rewards climbers with breathtaking views. Overall, it's a great spot to introduce novice climbers to alpine climbing techniques while enjoying the beauty of Japan's mountains.