Mt. Inamuragatake

Mt. Inamuragatake (稲村ヶ岳, 1,726 m) is a mountain in Tenkawa, Nara Prefecture, and one of the 100 Famous Mountains of Kansai. Part of the Ōmine range, it is called Nyonin Ōmine (the women’s Ōmine) because, unlike the women-prohibited Mt. Sanjō, women too may make the pilgrimage. The summit has an observation deck looking out over the Ōmine peaks.
From the hot-spring town of Dorogawa Onsen, the usual route climbs from the Hahako-dō trailhead over the Hōriki Pass.

Mt. Inamuragatake is one of the 100 Famous Mountains of Kansai. From Shimoichiguchi Station on the Kintetsu Yoshino Line, take the Nara Kotsu bus “Dorogawa line” to Dorogawa Onsen (about 56 minutes by express / 68 minutes by local, fare ¥1,480). From Dorogawa Onsen it is about 30 minutes on foot to the Hahako-dō trailhead, and from there about 2 hours 45 minutes to the summit via the Hōriki Pass and the Inamura hut (Sanjō-tsuji). A day trip requires the early bus, so an overnight stay at Dorogawa Onsen is also recommended.

*Timetable last checked: unverified

1. [Outbound] Shimoichiguchi Station → Dorogawa Onsen (bus) → Hahako-dō → Inamuragatake
2. [Return] Inamuragatake → Hahako-dō → Dorogawa Onsen → Shimoichiguchi Station (bus)
3. Recommended plan & area info

1. [Outbound] Shimoichiguchi Station → Dorogawa Onsen (bus) → Hahako-dō → Inamuragatake

From Shimoichiguchi Station on the Kintetsu Yoshino Line, take the Nara Kotsu bus “Dorogawa line” to its terminus, Dorogawa Onsen. From there, walk about 30 minutes along the road to the Hahako-dō trailhead, then climb via the Hōriki Pass (about 60 minutes) and the Inamura hut (a further 60 minutes), with a final pull to the summit of Inamuragatake (about 2 hours 45 minutes from Hahako-dō). The summit observation deck looks out over the Ōmine range and Mt. Dainichi. Buses are infrequent, so set out on an early service.

Ride time: about 56 min (express) / 68 min (local)
Fare: ¥1,480 (Shimoichiguchi Station – Dorogawa Onsen)

Bus TimetableShimoichiguchi Station → Dorogawa Onsen

Reference: Nara Kotsu — Shimoichiguchi Station timetable

2. [Return] Inamuragatake → Hahako-dō → Dorogawa Onsen → Shimoichiguchi Station (bus)

To descend, retrace the route to Hahako-dō, walk back to Dorogawa Onsen, and take the Nara Kotsu bus to Shimoichiguchi Station (bound for Oyodo Bus Center, about 70 minutes). Services are few, so be sure to check the departure to match your descent. Dorogawa Onsen has inns, shops, and famous spring water — ideal for a bath or rest after the hike.

Ride time: about 70 minutes
Fare: ¥1,480 (Dorogawa Onsen – Shimoichiguchi Station)

Bus TimetableDorogawa Onsen → Shimoichiguchi Station

Reference: Nara Kotsu — Shimoichiguchi Station timetable

3. Recommended plan & area info

One-night, two-day plan: stay at Dorogawa Onsen on day one, then on day two do the out-and-back from Hahako-dō via the Hōriki Pass and the Inamura hut to Inamuragatake (about 6 hours of walking) and descend on an afternoon bus. A day trip is possible using the early bus (Shimoichiguchi 8:20 dep.), but the route is long, so allow plenty of time.
Best season: fresh greenery (May–June) and autumn colour (October–November) are ideal. It is high, and the ridge is cold, so bring warm clothing. Winter is for experienced climbers in snow.

Photo by A photographer / CC BY-SA 4.0