Mount Futamata (Futamatayama, 1,544 m) sits on the border of Tenei Village and Shimogo Town in Fukushima, and is one of Japan’s 300 Famous Mountains.
A shapely twin-peaked mountain made up of Odake (1,544 m) and Medake (1,504 m), its appeal lies in the trails wrapped in old-growth beech and hinoki-asunaro forest and the quiet hiking from Futamata Onsen. From the Onabe-jinja trailhead a loop over Odake and Medake takes about 4 hours 50 minutes of walking, an intermediate route.
Public transport to the trailhead is limited, so access centres on a taxi from Aizu Railway’s Yunokami-Onsen Station or an overnight stay at Futamata Onsen.
The base for the hike is Futamata Onsen and, beyond it, the Onabe-jinja trailhead (parking for 50 cars), with a temporary toilet at the Medake trailhead. The main route is Onabe-jinja trailhead → Odake (1,544 m) → Medake (1,504 m) as a loop, about 4 hours 50 minutes of walking, an intermediate route. The twin summits are wrapped in beech forest, with views of the Ōu Mountains and the peaks of Aizu.
The best season is late April to early November; the Onabe forest road beyond Futamata Onsen is about 4 km of unpaved road, and there is no emergency hut. Always check the latest trail conditions and arrange a shuttle or taxi before you go.
*Last checked: June 7, 2026
How to access the trailheads
1. [There & Back] Yunokami-Onsen / Sukagawa / Shin-Shirakawa Station ⇄ Futamata Onsen (taxi + bus)
There is no direct hiking bus to Mount Futamata, so the realistic plan is to stay overnight at Futamata Onsen and climb from the Onabe-jinja trailhead. From the nearest stations, combine a taxi or a reserved shuttle.
① Aizu Railway Yunokami-Onsen Station → Futamata Onsen (taxi)
From Yunokami-Onsen Station on the Aizu Railway it is about 30 minutes by taxi to Futamata Onsen and the Onabe-jinja trailhead. This is the most reliable option.
— Yunokami Taxi 0241-68-2345.
② JR Sukagawa Station → Futamata (Fukushima Kotsu bus)
From Sukagawa Station on the JR Tohoku Main Line it is about 1 hour by Fukushima Kotsu bus to the Futamata stop. However, there are only two services, morning and afternoon, the return bus is early so a day trip is difficult, and in winter it runs only as far as Yumoto Onsen. An overnight stay at Futamata Onsen is recommended.
③ JR Shin-Shirakawa Station → Futamata Onsen (reserved shuttle)
From Shin-Shirakawa Station on the JR Tohoku Shinkansen, the reservation-only “Yuttari Yacon-go” shuttle runs to Futamata Onsen. Check the operating days, times and reservation method with Tenei Village or your inn in advance.
By car: there is parking (50 cars) at the Onabe-jinja trailhead. It is about 1 hour 30 minutes from the Sukagawa IC on the Tohoku Expressway, and the Onabe forest road beyond Futamata Onsen is unpaved.
References: [Fukushima 30 Peaks: Mount Futamata] ／ [Tenei Village: access]
Trail Guide and Safety Notes
Route: the main route is a loop from the Onabe-jinja trailhead over Odake (1,544 m) and Medake (1,504 m), about 4 hours 50 minutes of walking, an intermediate route. The climb to Odake is steeply sustained, passing Buna-daira before linking the two peaks. Onabe-jinja is an old shrine where climbers pray for safety.
Forest road and weather: the Onabe forest road beyond Futamata Onsen is unpaved, so beware of mud and rockfall after rain. The steep climb to Odake is slippery, so take care not to fall on the descent. The summit area can be socked in by mist. It is Asian black bear country.
Nature and hot springs: the area keeps old-growth beech and hinoki-asunaro forest, lovely in fresh green and autumn colour. After the descent you can relax in the secluded hot springs of Futamata Onsen. As there is no emergency hut, plan for a day hike.
Equipment and emergencies: carry rain gear, warm clothing, a headlamp, a map/GPS, plenty of food and a bear bell. In an accident or emergency call 110 (police) or 119 (fire/ambulance).
・Sukagawa Police Station 0248-75-2191
Photo by Koda6029 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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