Mt. Takami

Mount Takami (Takamiyama, 1,249 m) sits on the border of Higashiyoshino Village in Nara and Matsusaka City in Mie, and is one of Japan’s 300 Famous Mountains.
Its neat pyramid shape has earned it the nickname “the Matterhorn of Kansai,” and its appeal lies in the rime ice that decorates the summit white in winter and the sweeping views of the Daikō and Ōmine ranges from the top. In the winter rime-ice season a direct “Rime Bus” runs from Kintetsu Haibara Station to the trailhead, making it easy to reach by public transport.
For access, take the Nara Kotsu Rime Bus (in winter) or a taxi from Kintetsu Haibara Station to the Takami trailhead.

The trailhead is Takami-tozanguchi (about 500 m), and the descent point, Takasumi Onsen (Hirano), has a day-use hot spring. The main route is Takami-tozanguchi → Kotōge → Mount Takami → Takasumi Onsen (Hirano), a circuit with a standard time of about 4–5 hours, an intermediate route. The summit gives wide views of the Daikō and Ōmine ranges and Ōdaigahara, and the rime ice in January–February is superb.
The best season is all year (the rime-ice season in January–February is popular). Light crampons are essential in the rime-ice season. Always check the latest bus operating days and reservation status before you go.

*Last checked: June 6, 2026

1. [Outbound] Haibara Station → Takami Trailhead (Nara Kotsu Rime Bus + taxi)

Haibara Station on the Kintetsu Osaka Line is your base. In the winter rime-ice season take the direct Rime Bus to the trailhead; at other times of year use a taxi to the Takami trailhead.

Bus timetable ①: Haibara Sta. South Exit → Takami Trailhead (Nara Kotsu Rime Bus, winter)

Rime Bus reservations: book online or by phone from 9 a.m. one month before your travel date until 4 p.m. the day before. The bus accepts hiking-plan forms on board and hands out Takasumi Onsen discount vouchers.

Taxi (outside the rime-ice season): outside the Rime Bus period public transport is limited, so a taxi from Haibara Station is reliable (about 40–50 minutes to the Takami trailhead; Uda Kintetsu Taxi 0745-82-0234).

By car: there is parking at the Takami trailhead and at Takasumi Onsen (mind car logistics if doing the circuit).

References: [Nara Kotsu Rime Bus] ／ [Higashiyoshino Village]

2. [Return] Takasumi Onsen → Haibara Station (Nara Kotsu Rime Bus)

After the circuit you descend to Takasumi Onsen (Hirano) and return to Haibara Station by Rime Bus. After the descent you can also take a day-use bath at Takasumi Onsen.

Bus timetable ②: Takasumi Onsen-mae → Haibara Sta. South Exit (Nara Kotsu Rime Bus, winter)

References: [Nara Kotsu Rime Bus] ／ [Higashiyoshino Village]

Trail Guide and Safety Notes

Route: Takami-tozanguchi → Kotōge → Mount Takami (1,249 m) → Takasumi Onsen (Hirano) circuit. The standard time is about 4–5 hours, an intermediate route. The final stretch to the summit is steep, with landmarks such as Usuiwa and Yurugi-iwa rocks. The summit gives wide views of the Daikō and Ōmine ranges and Ōdaigahara.

Rime ice and winter gear: in the January–February rime-ice season the summit area freezes and gets snow. Light crampons (chain spikes), warm clothing and gloves are essential, and take special care on the steep descent. The rime-ice season is popular and the trail gets crowded.

Hot spring and seasons: there is a day-use hot spring at Takasumi Onsen at the descent point. Fresh greenery and autumn colours are lovely too; in summer the views are limited but the breeze is pleasant.

Equipment and emergencies: carry rain gear, warm clothing, a headlamp, a map/GPS and plenty of food. In an accident or emergency call 110 (police) or 119 (fire/ambulance).
・Sakurai Police Station 0744-42-0110

Photo by N yotarou / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.5