Mt. Kamagatake

Mt. Kamagatake (Kamagatake, 1,161 m) is a sharp peak of the southern Suzuka Range on the border of Komono Town in Mie and Kōka City in Shiga, and one of the 100 Famous Mountains of Kansai. With Mt. Gozaisho and others it is counted among the “Suzuka Seven Mountains”.
Its pointed granite summit has a run of chains and ropes, and although it is not high, the rocky climb and the wide views of Suzuka are its appeal. It is climbed by the Nagaishidani and Mitsuguchidani courses from Yunoyama Onsen, or by the shortest course from Buhei Pass, taking about 2 hours 30 minutes up and 2 hours down from the trailhead. There is public-transport access by Mie Kotsu Bus from Kintetsu Yunoyama-Onsen Station to Yunoyama Onsen (Gozaisho Ropeway-mae).

The trailhead is Yunoyama Onsen (Gozaisho Ropeway-mae), from where you follow the rocky Nagaishidani or Mitsuguchidani course up to the summit of Mt. Kamagatake.
The section just below the summit is steep rock with chains and ropes, so take care after rain or when crowded. The best seasons are spring to autumn with fresh greenery and autumn colour; watch for leeches and heat. The shortest route is about 2 hours from Buhei Pass on the road, and by car the car park at Buhei Pass is convenient. There is also a strenuous traverse to Mt. Gozaisho, but this article describes the climb of Mt. Kamagatake from Yunoyama Onsen.

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1. [Outbound] Kintetsu Yunoyama-Onsen Station → Yunoyama Onsen (Mt. Kamagatake trailhead)
2. [Return] Yunoyama Onsen → Kintetsu Yunoyama-Onsen Station

1. [Outbound] Kintetsu Yunoyama-Onsen Station → Yunoyama Onsen (Mt. Kamagatake trailhead)

For the trailhead at Yunoyama Onsen (Gozaisho Ropeway-mae), take the Mie Kotsu Bus (Line 76, Yunoyama Line) from Kintetsu Yunoyama-Onsen Station on the Kintetsu Yunoyama Line, about 10 minutes (fare 460 yen). After getting off, head for Mt. Kamagatake by the Nagaishidani or Mitsuguchidani course (about 2 hours 30 minutes up and 2 hours down from the trailhead). Kintetsu Yunoyama-Onsen Station is about 25 minutes from Kintetsu-Yokkaichi Station on the Yunoyama Line.

Bus (outbound, weekdays): Kintetsu Yunoyama-Onsen Station → Gozaisho Ropeway-mae (Mie Kotsu Bus, Line 76 Yunoyama Line)

Bus (outbound, weekends & holidays): Kintetsu Yunoyama-Onsen Station → Gozaisho Ropeway-mae (Mie Kotsu Bus, Line 76 Yunoyama Line)

Reference: [Mie Kotsu Bus]

2. [Return] Yunoyama Onsen → Kintetsu Yunoyama-Onsen Station

After descending, take the Mie Kotsu Bus from Gozaisho Ropeway-mae (Yunoyama Onsen) back to Kintetsu Yunoyama-Onsen Station. Descend with time to spare for the last bus, and you may like to stop at the hot spring before heading home.

Bus (return, weekdays): Gozaisho Ropeway-mae → Kintetsu Yunoyama-Onsen Station (Mie Kotsu Bus, Line 76 Yunoyama Line)

Bus (return, weekends & holidays): Gozaisho Ropeway-mae → Kintetsu Yunoyama-Onsen Station (Mie Kotsu Bus, Line 76 Yunoyama Line)

Reference: [Mie Kotsu Bus]

Photo by Alpsdake