Mt. Arashimadake is a 1,523m solitary peak in Ono City, Fukui Prefecture. Its well-shaped profile has earned it the nickname “Ono Fuji,” and it is Fukui Prefecture’s only Japan 100 Famous Mountain. The summit offers a 360-degree panoramic view stretching to Mt. Hakusan and the Northern Alps. The mountainside features beautiful primeval beech forests, and rhododendrons bloom in early summer. The Kadohara Course is recommended for beginners.
The trailhead is at the former Kadohara Ski Area, a 10-minute walk from JR Katsuhara Station on the Etsumi-Hoku Line (Kuzuryu Line).
Access to the Trailhead
Map
1. Going: JR Katsuhara Station
Take the JR Etsumi-Hoku Line (Kuzuryu Line) to Katsuhara Station. Walk about 10 minutes from the station to the Katsuhara Trailhead at the former Kadohara Ski Area (free parking and toilets available). The trail ascends through the old ski slopes and beech forests to Shakunage-daira, then crosses chains and ladders at “Mochigakabe” before reaching the summit via a bright sasa-covered ridgeline.
Travel time from Fukui Station: Approx. 1 hr – 1 hr 15 min
Fare from Fukui Station: Approx. 1,110 yen (Hapline Fukui + JR Etsumi-Hoku Line connecting fare)
2. Return: JR Katsuhara Station
Return via the same Katsuhara route (out-and-back). After descending, take the JR Etsumi-Hoku Line from Katsuhara Station towards Fukui. Train frequency is limited in the late afternoon and evening, so plan your hike based on the return train schedule.
