Mt. Ichifusa (市房山, 1,721 m), on the border of Mizukami in Kuma, Kumamoto and Miyazaki, is one of the 200 Famous Japanese Mountains.
Counted among the leading peaks of the Kyushu Mountains, its appeal is the giant Ichifusa cedars hundreds of years old lining the approach to Ichifusa Shrine, and the grand view of the central Kyushu mountains from the summit. It is usually climbed from the Ichifusayama Campground on the Mizukami side, and it is an intermediate-to-advanced day route with continuous steep climbing.
For public transport to the trailhead, take the Kumagawa Railway from Hitoyoshi to Yunomae Station, then a bus or taxi from Yunomae Station to the Ichifusayama Campground.
The trailhead is the Ichifusayama Campground (near Ichifusa Shrine at the 4th station, about 630 m). The standard route is Ichifusayama Campground → Ichifusa Shrine → 7th station → Mt. Ichifusa, out and back, with a standard time of about 5–6 hours. Above Ichifusa Shrine a steep climb over tree roots continues, and there is a rocky spot called “Kokoromi-no-hashi” near the summit; it is an intermediate-to-advanced route.
Along the approach stand giant Ichifusa cedars hundreds of years old, and Ichifusa Shrine at the 4th station is the start of the climb. The best season is spring to autumn (roughly April to November); beware of the steep, slippery rocks, and of summer lightning and sudden weather changes. Always check the latest trail, forest-road and transport conditions in advance.
*Last checked: June 6, 2026
How to access the trailheads
1. [Round trip] Hitoyoshi-Onsen Station → Yunomae Station → Ichifusayama Campground (trailhead)
The base is Hitoyoshi-Onsen Station on the Kumagawa Railway.
① Hitoyoshi-Onsen Station → Yunomae Station (Kumagawa Railway)
Take the Kumagawa Railway to its terminus, Yunomae Station. Due to the 2020 storm damage, as of June 2026 the Hitoyoshi-Onsen–Higo-Nishinomura section runs by substitute bus and the Higo-Nishinomura–Yunomae section by train (through service on the whole line is due to resume on 20 September 2026). Check the latest operating status on the Kumagawa Railway official site.
② Yunomae Station → Ichifusayama Campground (Sanko bus / taxi)
From in front of Yunomae Station, take a Sanko bus toward the Ichifusa trailhead and Yuyama Onsen (¥550 one way, about 20–25 minutes). From the Ichifusa-trailhead bus stop it is about 1 hour on foot to the campground trailhead. As there are few services, a taxi straight to the trailhead is more reliable, and booking both ways in advance is recommended.
― Yunomae Taxi 0966-43-3133
― Wakebe Taxi (Yunomae) 0966-43-2223
By car / inquiries: It is about 60 minutes from the Hitoyoshi IC on the Kyushu Expressway, with a free car park (about 20 cars) at the Ichifusayama Campground. For transport and climbing information, check with the Mizukami Village Office (0966-44-0311).
Source: [Kumagawa Railway] / [Kyushu Sanko Bus]
Route and safety notes
Route: Ichifusayama Campground → Ichifusa Shrine → 6th station → 7th station → Mt. Ichifusa (1,721 m), out and back. The standard time is about 5–6 hours, an intermediate-to-advanced route with continuous steep climbing. From the summit you can see the central Kyushu mountains and the Kirishima range.
Steep climb and rocks: Above Ichifusa Shrine, a steep climb over tree roots and rock continues, and there is a rocky spot called “Kokoromi-no-hashi” near the summit. It is slippery after rain or in fog, so do not overdo it and move carefully.
Giant trees and the approach: Up to Ichifusa Shrine at the 4th station, the approach is lined with giant Ichifusa cedars. As this is sacred ground, take care not to damage the trees or the shrine buildings.
Water, season and emergencies: As reliable water sources are few, carry plenty of water. The best season is April to November. Do not forget rain gear, warm clothing, a headlamp and a map/GPS.
Emergencies: In an accident or emergency, call 110 (police) or 119 (fire/rescue).
・Hitoyoshi Police Station 0966-22-0110
Photo by Sanjo / Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain
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