Mt. Nagusa

Mt. Nagusa (Nagusayama, 683 m) rises in Fukusaki Town, Kanzaki District, Hyogo Prefecture, and is the town’s highest peak and one of the 100 Mountains of Kansai.
It cradles the 72-metre Nanakusa Falls (the male fall) and is known for strange rocks such as Tsunagi-iwa and Kasa-iwa and for steep rock climbing. Together with Mt. Nagusa-yari and Mt. Nagusa-yakushi (Yakushi Peak) it forms the “Three Peaks of Nagusa,” a varied mountain that combines a waterfall with rocky ridges. The main Nanakusa Falls route runs from the outdoor activity centre past the falls to the summit, about 2 hours up and roughly 4 to 5 hours round trip, with steep rock climbing above the falls. It is also a symbolic peak of Fukusaki, birthplace of the folklorist Kunio Yanagita and a “town of folktales” rich in yokai legends.
Public transport to the trailhead is scarce, so access it by taxi from JR Fukusaki Station or by private car.

Besides the Nanakusa Falls route (beginner, main), which goes via the falls to the summit, Mt. Nagusa has advanced options such as a traverse from Mt. Nagusa-yari and the full Three Peaks of Nagusa traverse taking in Yakushi Peak. This article focuses on the Nanakusa Falls route, the most popular and best signposted. The season is spring to early winter; midsummer is hot, and in winter, although snow is light, watch for ice on the rocks.

*Information last checked: June 15, 2026

Getting to the trailhead

1. [Outbound & Return] JR Fukusaki Station → Youth Outdoor Activity Centre (Nanakusa Falls route trailhead)

1. [Outbound & Return] JR Fukusaki Station → Youth Outdoor Activity Centre (Nanakusa Falls route trailhead)

There is no regular bus to the Fukusaki Town Youth Outdoor Activity Centre at the trailhead. From Fukusaki Station on the JR Bantan Line, reach it by taxi in about 10 minutes, or by private car. On foot it is about 5 km and 1 to 1.5 hours from the station, with a long stretch of road walking. Book a taxi in advance with operators such as Kanzaki Kotsu (in front of Fukusaki Station, 0790-22-0043).
By car it is about 20 minutes from the Fukusaki IC on the Bantan Renraku Road to the parking area near the activity centre. Fukusaki Town also runs the “Salvia” community bus on weekdays, but it does not go directly to the trailhead, so for hiking a taxi from the station or a private car is the realistic choice. Booking the return taxi to match your descent time is wise.

Reference: [Fukusaki Tourism Association (Mt. Nagusa climbing)] / [Fukusaki Town (Mt. Nagusa)]

Climbing routes and trail times

Route 1: Nanakusa Falls route (main, about 4 to 5 hours round trip)
Youth Outdoor Activity Centre parking → (about 30 min, forest road and pavement) → Sakumonji gate (the old gate) → (about 30 min, riverside path) → Nanakusa Falls (the male fall, 72 m) → (about 40 min, steep rock on the right of the falls) → summit of Mt. Nagusa (683 m). About 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours up and about 1 hour 30 minutes down, roughly 4 to 5 hours round trip with breaks. The first half to the male fall is well maintained, but from the falls to the summit it is a steep rocky climb with places where you rely on ropes and tree roots. The summit is wooded with limited views, but strange rocks such as Tsunagi-iwa and Kasa-iwa are dotted about.

Route 2: Three Peaks of Nagusa traverse (advanced)
A traverse from Mt. Nagusa-yari to Mt. Nagusa, or the Three Peaks traverse taking in Yakushi Peak, runs along narrow ridges and rocky sections and is for fitter hikers. Distance and cumulative climb both increase, and some sections have few signs or markers, so carry a map and compass (GPS). A loop descending the Nanakusa Falls route afterwards is also popular.

Bases and lodging

Fukusaki Town Youth Outdoor Activity Centre (trailhead): a lodging and training facility next to the trailhead, a base for tent or bungalow stays. Use is by advance reservation, so check opening periods and bookings with Fukusaki Town. Use the toilet here beforehand.

There are no mountain huts or water sources on the trail. The Nanakusa Falls route is a day trip with no staffed huts or clear water sources en route, so carry the water and food you need.

Around Fukusaki Station: there are business hotels and the tourist hub of Fukusaki, “town of folktales,” usable for the night before or a meal on the way down. Sights include the Yanagita Kunio and Matsuoka family memorial hall and the yokai benches.

Hazards, gear and best season

Difficulty: the Nanakusa Falls route is beginner to intermediate; the path to the male fall is easy walking, but from the falls to the summit it is a steep rocky climb. There are few chains, but wet rock and tree roots are slippery, so take particular care on the way down. The Three Peaks traverse is an advanced course of narrow ridges and rocky terrain.

Falls and high water: the rock around the male fall is wet and slippery, so beware of falling rocks and slips in rain or high water. Do not force a crossing when the water is high — turn back.

Season: the season is spring to early winter. Midsummer is hot at this low elevation, so start early and carry extra water. In winter snow is light, but watch for ice on the rocks and wet ground under fallen leaves.

Gear: wear non-slip boots and carry rain gear, warm layers, a headlamp and plenty of water and food, and file a climbing plan. Gloves are reassuring on the rock.

In an emergency: call 110 (police) or 119 (fire and rescue).
– Fukusaki Police Station 0790-22-0110

Photo by Yama0904 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0