Mt. Myogi (妙義山) spans Tomioka and neighbouring areas in Gunma Prefecture; its highest peak, Sōmadake, is 1,104 m, and it is one of the 200 Famous Japanese Mountains.
With its rows of sheer rock spires it is one of Japan’s Three Great Scenic Wonders and a renowned spot for autumn foliage. It is also listed among the 100 Famous Mountains of Gunma.
Reach Myogi Shrine by demand-responsive shared taxi from Jōshū-Tomioka Station on the Jōshin Dentetsu line, or by taxi from Matsuida Station on the JR Shin’etsu Main Line.
For general hikers the recommended route is the Chūkan-dō (middle trail, part of the Kanto Fureai-no-michi) along the southern foot of Omote-Myogi. From Myogi Shrine you follow the middle trail past the Fourth Stone Gate and the Taihō-iwa (“Cannon Rock”) and the stone-gate circuit to Nakanotake-jinja — a loop of about 4 to 5 hours, around 450 m of elevation gain, intermediate level. The stone-gate circuit has continuous chain sections, so a helmet is recommended.
By contrast, the Omote-Myogi ridge traverse over Sōmadake and beyond is a super-advanced route with continuous chains where fatal falls have repeatedly occurred. General hikers should refrain from entering it.
The hiking season runs from April to November. All trails reopened on December 27, 2025 after entry restrictions were lifted. Bears are frequently sighted, and leeches appear from late spring to autumn. Check the latest restrictions with Tomioka City.
How to access the trailheads
1. [Outbound & Return] Jōshū-Tomioka / Matsuida Station → Myogi Shrine
There is no scheduled route bus to Myogi Shrine; use the reservation-based demand shared taxi or a regular taxi.
① Demand shared taxi “Aitaku” (Jōshū-Tomioka Station → Myogi Shrine)
From Jōshū-Tomioka Station (Jōshin Dentetsu), take Tomioka City’s shared taxi “Aitaku” and alight at Myogi Shrine. About 40 min; fare ¥500 per ride (¥100 for Tomioka residents). It is reservation-only (no timetable); book from 5 days before up to 15 minutes before, by phone or app.
・Reservations 0274-63-8500 (7:00–18:00)
② Taxi (Matsuida / Jōshū-Tomioka Station → Myogi Shrine)
From Matsuida Station on the JR Shin’etsu Main Line it is about 10 minutes by taxi to Myogi Shrine. A regular taxi is the surest option when in a hurry or for the return.
・Jōshin Hire, Tomioka office 0120-64-2621
・Nihon Chūō Kōtsū 0274-62-3531
※For the return, likewise use the shared taxi (reservation required) or a taxi. As options are limited, it is wise to book in advance for your expected descent time.
Source: [Tomioka City shared taxi “Aitaku”]
Routes and safety notes
Chūkan-dō / stone-gate circuit (for general hikers, intermediate): Myogi Shrine → middle trail → Fourth Stone Gate and Cannon Rock → stone-gate circuit → Nakanotake-jinja, a loop of about 4 to 5 hours. Chain sections (named “kani-no-kote-shirabe,” “kani-no-yokobai,” “kani-no-tatebari,” etc.) are continuous, and Cannon Rock in particular is very exposed. A helmet and some rock-scrambling experience are recommended.
Omote-Myogi ridge traverse (super-advanced, not for general hikers): The traverse over Sōmadake, the Takamodoshi and other points is a continuous chain route where fatal falls have repeatedly occurred. General hikers without ample rocky-ridge experience and equipment should refrain from entering.
In an emergency: Call 110 (police) or 119 (fire). Carry bear deterrents (bell/spray), and guard against leeches from late spring to autumn.
・Tomioka Police Station 0274-62-0110 / Myogi police box 0274-73-2552
・Tomioka City Tourism Division 0274-73-2585
Photo by Jesse Fuller / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
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