Mt. Kurohime
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Mt. Kurohime (黒姫山, 2,053 m) in Shinano, Nagano Prefecture, is one of the 200 Famous Japanese Mountains.
For its neat conical shape it is called the “Shinano Fuji,” and is counted among the Five Peaks of Northern Shinshu along with Mt. Iizuna, Mt. Togakushi, Mt. Myoko and Mt. Madarao. The route from the Ohashi trailhead via Furuike to the summit and back takes about 7 to 8 hours at intermediate level, and is a day trip using the Shinano Railway and a taxi.
The nearest station is Kurohime on the Shinano Railway Kita-Shinano Line. From Kurohime you reach the Ohashi trailhead by taxi.
The trailhead is the Ohashi trailhead (elevation about 1,250 m). The route runs Ohashi trailhead → Furuike → Shindo → Mt. Kurohime and back; its appeal is the quiet Furuike pond, alpine flowers, and the view of the Five Peaks of Northern Shinshu from the summit.
The standard round trip is about 7 to 8 hours, intermediate. There are not many dangerous rocky spots, but because the route is long an early start and careful pacing are needed.
There are no mountain huts, so a day trip is the rule. The season is June to October; watch for snow and ice in early season and late autumn. There is also the Koizumi trail from Kurohime Kogen, but the former Kurohime Kogen route bus was discontinued in March 2024, so you reach the trailhead by taxi from Kurohime Station.
1. [Round trip] Kurohime Station → Ohashi trailhead (Mt. Kurohime trailhead)
From Nagano Station, take the Shinano Railway Kita-Shinano Line to Kurohime Station (about 30 minutes). From Kurohime, the Ohashi trailhead is about 15–20 minutes by taxi.
The route bus toward Kurohime Kogen was discontinued in March 2024, so access to the trailhead is basically by taxi. For visitors who come by public transport, Shinano Town issues a “sightseeing taxi subsidy voucher” (the base fare is free, up to 3 per trip), available at the window and tourist information at Kurohime Station. Ask at the window before boarding.
– Nojiriko Taxi 026-219-2829 / Toriigawa Kanko Taxi (Shinano office) 026-255-3155
Source: [Shinano Town sightseeing taxi subsidy] / [Shinano Railway, Kurohime Station]
Route and safety notes
Route: Ohashi trailhead → Furuike → Shindo → Mt. Kurohime. The standard round trip is about 7 to 8 hours, intermediate. It is gentle as far as Furuike, but the Shindo beyond it climbs steadily to the summit.
A long route: there are not many dangerous rocky spots, but the distance and time are considerable. Start early to keep a margin in your moving time, and check your position often.
Day trip only: there are no mountain huts. Carry plenty of water and food, and plan it as a day trip.
Gear and season: the season is June to October. Watch for snow and ice in early season and late autumn, carry rain gear and warm clothing, and submit a climbing plan.
In an emergency: call 110 (police) or 119 (fire/rescue).
・Nojiriko Taxi 026-219-2829
Photo by Apple2000 / Wikimedia Commons, CC0
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