Mt. Hiuchi trailhead
The Sasagamine trailhead is at the north side of Sasagamine, a plateau to the west of Mt. Myoko (the far side of Mt. Myoko, as seen from Akakura). A parking lot immediately below the entry gate (photo below) can accommodate some 30 cars; a much larger parking lot is nearby. Toilets are available next to the large parking lot.

From the Sasagamine trailhead to the Kurosawa Bridge/Kurosawa River

The trail is largely on boardwalks here, built to help reduce trail erosion. The boardwalk can become slippery when wet or when frost occurs. From the start, it will take about 50 minutes to reach Kurosawa Bridge.

Ju-ni Magari (“The 12 Turns”)

After passing the Kurosawa Bridge, the trail begins to twist and become more steep—12 times, hence the name. You may feel a sense of relief at the top of Ju-ni Magari, but in fact a steeper section called Babagaeshi (literally “Grandma goes home”) awaits. Above this is a cool, fragrant oshirabiso (Maries’ fir) forest.

 

Fujimidaira (“Mt. Fuji-view plain”)

Just beyond the oshirabiso forest is Fujimidaira, a fork in the trail, with paths leading to Mt. Hiuchi and the Kurosawa Marsh. On the way to Mt. Hiuchi the trail rises to an open area where, on a good day, you can see as far as Mt. Fuji.

 

Koya Ike Marsh, Tengu no Niwa (the “Tengu’s Garde n”)
The next landmark is Koya Ike Hut. The Alpine wetland around the hut and at Tengu no Niwa are famous for the variety of wildflowers unique to this environment. As the trail rises from Koya Ike Marsh to Tengu no Niwa, there's a high point offering views of both Mt. Hiuchi ahead, as well as of Mt. Myoko to the south.

 

Raicho-daira (literally Ptarmigan Plain)

As you near the summit, this flat area provides a good place to take in the view of Tengu no Niwa below, and an increasing number of mountains all around. As the name implies, you may see the rare rock ptarmigan in this area—Mt. Hiuchi is the northernmost limit of this Alpine bird in Japan.