Mt. Mitake

Mt. Mitake (三嶽, 793 m), in Tamba-Sasayama, Hyogo, is the main peak of the Taki-renzan range (the “Taki Alps”) and the highest point in Tamba-Sasayama. It is one of the 100 Famous Mountains of Kansai and is also written 御嶽 (Ontake).
With Mt. Kogane-ga-take (726 m) and Mt. Nishi-ga-take (727 m) it forms the three peaks of the Taki-renzan; from the Kamakura to the Muromachi period it flourished as a centre of Tamba Shugendo, and the ruins of the Daigakuji temple and a stone shrine remain near the summit. The usual route climbs from the Hiuchiiwa trailhead via the Toriidō-ato; many hikers traverse on to Mt. Kogane-ga-take. By public transport you head from Sasayamaguchi Station on the JR Fukuchiyama Line via the castle town to Hiuchiiwa.

The base is the Mitake trailhead at Hiuchiiwa (about 300 m). Climbing past the Toriidō-ato and a water source, a steep section leads to the ridge and the summit of Mt. Mitake (Ontake). It is about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours from Hiuchiiwa, and from the top, on a clear day, the view reaches the Tamba hills and as far as the Seto Inland Sea and Mt. Daisen. Popular plans drop to the Ōtawa pass and take in Mt. Kogane-ga-take (726 m), or traverse all three Taki-renzan peaks including Mt. Nishi-ga-take (727 m).
There are no staffed huts on the mountain, so it is a day climb. Buses to Hiuchiiwa are infrequent, so take the frequent bus from Sasayamaguchi Station to the castle town (Honsasayama), then change to the Shinki Green Bus Fukusumi Line, or use a taxi (about 20 minutes from Sasayamaguchi Station). By car, the Taki-renzan hikers’ car park at Hiuchiiwa or the Ōtawa car park is convenient. The best seasons are the fresh green of May–June and the autumn colours of October–November; the Mt. Kogane-ga-take side has rocky ridges and chains, so take care.

*Information last checked: June 15, 2026

Access to the trailhead (Hiuchiiwa)

1. [Outbound] Sasayamaguchi Station → castle town (Honsasayama) → Hiuchiiwa
2. [Return] Castle town (Honsasayama) → Sasayamaguchi Station

1. [Outbound] Sasayamaguchi Station → castle town (Honsasayama) → Hiuchiiwa

From Sasayamaguchi Station on the JR Fukuchiyama Line, take a Wing Shinki bus to the Tamba-Sasayama castle town (Nikaimachi / Honsasayama; about 13–16 min). From the castle town to the Hiuchiiwa trailhead, change to the Shinki Green Bus Fukusumi Line (infrequent, so check the official timetable in advance), or take a taxi (about 20 minutes from Sasayamaguchi Station to Hiuchiiwa). The Mitake trailhead at Hiuchiiwa is the start. The table below shows the bus from Sasayamaguchi Station to the castle town.

Bus timetable ①: Sasayamaguchi Station → Nikaimachi (castle town) (Wing Shinki, outbound)

To Hiuchiiwa: the Shinki Green Bus Fukusumi Line (Sasayamaguchi/Honsasayama–Hiuchiiwa–Fukusumi) passes Hiuchiiwa but runs few services. By car: use the Taki-renzan hikers’ car park at Hiuchiiwa, or the car park at Ōtawa, the saddle between Mt. Mitake and Mt. Kogane-ga-take.

Reference: [Tamba-Sasayama access & bus timetables]

2. [Return] Castle town (Honsasayama) → Sasayamaguchi Station

After descending, return from Hiuchiiwa to the castle town (Honsasayama) and take a Wing Shinki bus from Nikaimachi to Sasayamaguchi Station (about 13–16 min). The Fukusumi Line from Hiuchiiwa to the castle town runs few services, so a taxi is worth considering. The castle town is the tourist hub of Tamba-Sasayama, so it makes a good stop after the descent.

Bus timetable ②: Nikaimachi (castle town) → Sasayamaguchi Station (Wing Shinki, return)

Reference: [Tamba-Sasayama access & bus timetables]

Route and safety notes

Hiuchiiwa route (main route): Mitake trailhead at Hiuchiiwa → Toriidō-ato → water source → Mt. Mitake (Ontake, 793 m). It begins as a steep climb on log steps and eases as you get into your stride. About 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours from Hiuchiiwa. At the summit are a stone shrine to the mountain ascetics and the ruins of the Daigakuji temple, telling of the history of Tamba Shugendo.

Taki-renzan traverse: dropping from Mt. Mitake to the Ōtawa pass (with a car park) and taking in the rocky Mt. Kogane-ga-take (726 m) is popular. The Mt. Kogane-ga-take side has chains and crags, so watch for slips. A traverse of all three peaks including Mt. Nishi-ga-take (727 m) is also enjoyable.

Huts and water: there are no staffed huts on the mountain, so it is a day climb. There is a water source on the Hiuchiiwa route, but carry enough drinking water.

Weather and gear: the elevation is low, but with a steep climb and crags, wear hiking boots and carry rain gear and a map even on this low mountain. The best seasons are the fresh green of May–June and the autumn colours of October–November; it is hot in summer and can have snow and ice in winter.

In an emergency: call 110 (police) or 119 (fire/rescue). The Hyogo Prefectural Police cover this range. Check the latest trail information with Tamba-Sasayama tourism or the local hiking map before setting out.

Photo by 松岡明芳 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0