Mt. Kurikoma

Mt. Kurikoma (栗駒山) is a 1,626m volcano on the borders of Miyagi, Iwate, and Akita Prefectures, one of the 200 Famous Japanese Mountains, the 100 Famous Flower Mountains, and the New 100 Famous Flower Mountains.
Its autumn foliage, called the “Carpet of the Gods,” is among Japan’s finest; from late September to early October the slopes turn red, yellow, and green. Rich in alpine flora, it is popular even with beginners.
From Ichinoseki Station, access Sukawa Onsen by Iwate Kenkotsu Bus.

The trailhead reachable by public transport is Sukawa Onsen (Sukawa Kogen Onsen).
From the Sukawa trailhead, via Nagorigahara to the Kurikoma summit takes about 2 hours 20 minutes; a round trip takes roughly 4 to 5 hours. After descending, you can enjoy the open-air baths of Sukawa Kogen Onsen.
*The Sukawa course is currently closed near Showa-ko due to volcanic gas (hydrogen sulfide); hikers detour via the Ubunuma course to reach the summit (works are underway aiming for full reopening in FY2026). Always check the latest restriction information before entering. On the Miyagi side, Iwakagami-daira is served only by temporary buses in the autumn-foliage season, with no year-round public transport.

*Timetable last checked: unverified

How to access the trailheads

1. [Outbound] Ichinoseki Station → Sukawa Onsen
2. [Return] Sukawa Onsen → Ichinoseki Station

1.[Outbound] Ichinoseki Station → Sukawa Onsen

From JR Ichinoseki Station, take the Iwate Kenkotsu Bus “Sukawa Onsen Line” and get off at Sukawa Onsen.
Travel time: about 1 hour 35 minutes
Fare: ¥1,500
Service: roughly June–October (seasonal, two round trips a day). The start date varies by year, so check the latest information.

Bus TimetableIchinoseki Station to Sukawa Onsen

For a day hike, use the morning departure (9:00).

Reference: [Iwate Kenkotsu]

2.[Return] Sukawa Onsen → Ichinoseki Station

From Sukawa Onsen, take the Iwate Kenkotsu Bus “Sukawa Onsen Line” and get off at JR Ichinoseki Station.
Travel time: about 1 hour 35 minutes
Fare: ¥1,500
For a day hike, use the 16:35 departure to descend.

Bus TimetableSukawa Onsen to Ichinoseki Station

Reference: [Iwate Kenkotsu]

Photo by Raita Futo / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0