Mt. Hiyamizu

Mount Hiyamizu (Hiyamizuyama, 1,262 m) rises on the border between Tanabe City (Wakayama) and Totsukawa Village (Nara) and is the highest peak of the Hatenashi mountain range. One of the 100 Famous Mountains of Kansai (and the Kinki 100), it is clad in natural forest of beech and Japanese stewartia, with a colony of Shirayashio azalea around the summit. The old “Hatenashi-goe” path of Prince Moriyoshi crosses here — a deep, quiet peak of the Kii mountains.

*Timetable last checked: 2026-06-15

How to access the trailheads

1. [Outbound] Kii-Tanabe Station → Ryujin-Hongu forest road, Mount Hiyamizu trailhead
2. [Return] Mount Hiyamizu trailhead → Kii-Tanabe Station

1. [Outbound] Kii-Tanabe Station → Ryujin-Hongu forest road, Mount Hiyamizu trailhead

Trailhead = the Mount Hiyamizu trailhead along the Ryujin-Hongu forest road (approx. 1,080 m).
The rail hub is Kii-Tanabe Station on the JR Kinokuni Line. Ryujin Bus runs from Kii-Tanabe toward National Route 311 (Nakahechi), but there is no public transport to the Ryujin-Hongu forest road, so you reach the trailhead by chartered taxi or private car.

● By private car
Turn onto the Ryujin-Hongu forest road from near Kobiro on Route 311 and drive about 14 km to the Mount Hiyamizu trailhead (a trailhead with a ladder; parking for 6–7 vehicles). The forest road is narrow and closed in winter.

● By public transport plus taxi
From Kii-Tanabe Station, take the Ryujin Bus toward Nakahechi / Kumano-Hongu, then take a chartered taxi to the trailhead on the Ryujin-Hongu forest road. Since the forest road is long and the taxi ride is a long-distance, advance booking, check the distance and fare in advance with a taxi operator in the Kii-Tanabe or Nakahechi area. If a day trip is difficult, consider staying the night before in Nakahechi or at Ryujin Onsen.

2. [Return] Mount Hiyamizu trailhead → Kii-Tanabe Station

After the descent, as on the way out, return from the trailhead on the Ryujin-Hongu forest road to Route 311 and Kii-Tanabe by taxi or private car. Beware of driving the forest road and skyline after dark and of winter closures, and plan to finish while it is still light. If using a taxi, arrange the return time and pickup in advance for peace of mind.

3. Climbing route and estimated trail times of Mount Hiyamizu

Mount Hiyamizu lies on the main ridge of the Hatenashi range, and the shortest approach is to gain the ridge from the trailhead on the Ryujin-Hongu forest road. For a fuller walk, there is a traverse from the Yamasemi Onsen area on the Wakayama side via Tanomori, Mount Ando and Mount Kuo to Mount Hiyamizu, and a Hatenashi-range traverse (1 night, 2 days) linking Mount Ando, Mount Hiyamizu and Mount Ishijiriki.

● Shortest route (out and back from the Ryujin-Hongu forest road trailhead)
From the trailhead (approx. 1,080 m), climb the ridge through beech forest along the main ridge to the summit of Mount Hiyamizu. The shortest round trip is about 2 hours. The summit area is a colony of Shirayashio azalea (late May to June), with beautiful natural forest of beech and Japanese stewartia.

● Hatenashi-range traverse (for fit hikers, 1 night / 2 days)
A long course traversing the Hatenashi range, Mount Ando → Mount Hiyamizu → Mount Ishijiriki, with a course time of about 11 hours. Escape routes are limited, so it requires ample gear and planning.

Standard trail times for the main sections (snow-free guide)

• Ryujin-Hongu forest road trailhead → Mount Hiyamizu summit: about 1 hour
• Mount Hiyamizu summit → trailhead (descent): about 50 min

Highlights
As the highest peak of the Hatenashi range, Mount Hiyamizu offers primeval-like natural forest of beech and Japanese stewartia and colonies of Shirayashio azalea, with views of the Omine range and the deep Koya mountains from the ridge. The old “Hatenashi-goe” path is also known as a historic route associated with Prince Moriyoshi of the Nanboku-cho period.

4. Season and emergency contacts

Best season and gear

• The best season is fresh greenery to autumn leaves (May–November, while the forest road is open). Shirayashio azalea is late May to June. In winter the forest road is closed, making access difficult.
• There are almost no toilets or water sources at the trailhead or on the mountain. Carry plenty of drinking water and food.

Emergency contacts

• Wakayama Pref. Police, mountain rescue / Tanabe Police Station: 0739-22-0110
• Tanabe City, Ryujin Administrative Bureau: 0739-78-0820
• In an accident or distress: 110 (police) / 119 (fire & rescue). File a climbing plan.