19/10/25
Located on the border of Nagano and Gunma prefectures, Mt. Azumaya (四阿山) is one of the 100 famous mountains of Japan. With an elevation of 2,354 metres, it offers breathtaking panoramic views on clear days.
This was actually my very first time climbing a mountain in Japan, so I was buzzing with excitement and full of high expectations for the view from the top! I went with a friend who was also new to hiking, which made the challenge even more exciting.
The trail is rated intermediate—not too tough for experienced hikers, but steep enough to test your stamina. The access is quite convenient: you can drive from Ueda Station to Sugadaira Farm Parking Lot (菅平牧場駐車場) in about 30 minutes.
Where I Started to Climb
I started my hike from the Sugadaira Farm Parking Lot, where a clear sign points toward the Mt. Azumaya trailhead. The air was fresh, the sky was blue.
My hiking gear was simple—lightweight clothes, sturdy shoes, and a jacket that’s easy to put on and take off. As the weather tends to change quickly in the mountains, I wanted to keep things simple and flexible.
The day began with fine weather, but as I climbed higher, the sky gradually turned misty and cloudy. It felt like the mountain was wrapping itself in a quiet veil of fog.
Views Along the Way
The first section was gentle until the gage , but it soon turned into a steep, rocky path. I had to stop several times to catch my breath. My legs were almost dead, and honestly, I felt like turning back right there.
On the way, I passed several groups of hikers descending from the peak. Each one greeted us with a cheerful “Konnichiwa!” and some kind advised about pacing myself. Those brief exchanges gave me small bursts of motivation to keep going.
The Peak of Mt. Azumaya
We finally reached the summit, taking 2 hours. I was expecting to see the grand view, but…. the clouds rolled in just as I arrived. The peak was completely covered, and I couldn’t see anything beyond the white mist…
Still, standing there brought a quiet sense of achievement. Even though the view was gone, I knew I’d earned that moment. We saw Mt. Nego (根子岳) from here, another nearby peak. We were already exhausted, but we decided to bite the bullet and go for it. With a faint hope of overcoming the next hard part, we began our climb toward Nego through sasa (bamboo grass) swaying in the wind.
The Peak of Mt. Nego
The ridge between Azumaya and Nego was simply stunning. Golden sasa fields stretched as far as the eye could see.
As we reached the top of Mt. Nego, the trees had turned shades of yellow, orange, and deep red, perfectly framing the autumn landscape.
Descending
The descent was no joke. The path was covered with slippery stones and fallen leaves. At one point, I almost twisted my ankle, and my right knee began to ache. Still, I kept going slowly and carefully.
Despite the pain, the scenery was spectacular. Autumn leaves glowed in every direction, and the cool air carried the earthy scent of the forest!!
Suggestions for Future Hikers
- If you’re a beginner, try a different course and check if the gondola service is available. It’s a good shortcut to higher points.
- Always check the season and weather before you go. Conditions change quickly, especially.
- Enjoy the sense of profound achievement that comes after all the pain and effort.
Mt. Azumaya may not always show its best view like today, but it always rewards those who reach the top—with strength, pride, and peace of mind.
Duration: 5 hours to 6hours
Difficulty: Intermediate (return leg can be steep and slippery)
Access: 2.5-hour drive from Takasaki, Gunma. 30minutes from Ueda Station.
