First visit to the fascinating Mt. Myogi
Mt. Myogi, located in the western part of Gunma Prefecture, is a natural treasure trove known for its unique landscape of oddly shaped rocks. I first visited this area several years ago in autumn. I visited the area several years ago in the fall, aiming for the season of autumn leaves, and was impressed by the experience, which far exceeded my expectations. Mt. Myogi is one of the 100 most scenic spots in Japan, and the combination of its rugged rock surfaces and deep greenery is truly a place worthy of being called a hidden gem. Official tourist information can be found in detail on the official Gunma Prefecture website. Here, based on my own experience, I would like to share with you the charms of hiking Mt. Myogi. To visit, it is convenient to take a bus or cab from Matsuida Myogi Station on the JR Shinetsu Honsen Line. It takes about 10 minutes from the station to Myogi Shrine, where the real hiking course begins.
Hiking courses on Mt. Myogi are available for both beginners and advanced hikers, but I chose the route from Nakanotake Shrine to Dai-no-ji. I chose the route from Nakanotake Shrine to O-no-ji, which was thrilling, with rocky sections to climb along the way. What was visually impressive was the way the golden autumn leaves decorated the rock face. The delicate texture of each leaf and its soft movement in the wind made me feel as if it were alive. The surrounding air was fresh and clean, and the fragrance of the trees created an atmosphere that made us forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Hiking Course Details and Recommended Routes
The hiking trails on Mt. Myogi vary widely, and for my experience I chose a course that lasted about four hours. The course starts from Myogi Shrine and gradually gains altitude as you climb stone steps. Along the way, there is a section called the “Chain Place,” where we had to grab onto rocks, and I wore gloves to take on this challenge. The highlight of this course is the panoramic view from the observatory near the top. The valley below and the mountains in the distance loom over you on a grand scale.
- Dress in comfortable trekking shoes and layers. Rainwear is also essential in case of sudden weather changes.
- Do not forget to drink water. There are no vending machines along the course, so be prepared beforehand.
- Beginners should consider a guided tour. You can check the local Gunma tourism website for tour information.
In my case, I left early in the morning to reach the summit in the morning. The moment I reached the top, I was breathtaken by the golden glow of the sun’s rays illuminating the rocks. The atmosphere of the rugged texture of the rocks mixed with the soft morning mist was magical and captivating. This visual attraction adds to the real thrill of the hike. As a related article, we also recommend Private Wisdom’s Gunma Onsen Experience.
Surprising Discoveries I Encountered on Mt. Myogi
During my hike, my most surprising encounter was with local wildlife. We saw an antelope along the way, and the time we spent quietly observing it was exceptional. Mt. Myogi has a rich ecosystem and rare plants grow wild. For example, flowers blooming on the rocky terrain unique to Mt. Myogi accentuate the hiking experience. When I think of the pictures I took, small pink flowers peeked out from the crevices of the rocks, their vivid colors contrasting with the surrounding gray rocks. The delicate texture of the petals and the way they gently swayed in the wind created a peaceful atmosphere.
Visitors can also enjoy the cultural aspect of Mt. Myogi with historical stone monuments and shrines along the course. Known as a place of worship since the Edo period (1603-1868), each climb provided a sense of spiritual fulfillment. These discoveries elevate the experience to a special one that goes beyond a mere stroll. For more detailed history, please refer to the official Shimonita Town page.
Relaxation and Gourmet Food after Hiking
After completing my hike up Mt. Myogi, I took a trip to a nearby hot spring to relieve my fatigue. Myogi Onsen is alkaline hot spring water that leaves the skin smooth and refreshed. Spending time while bathing and enjoying the view of the surrounding mountains is the ultimate in relaxation. Imagine the steam from the hot spring rising up, the white haze of steam softly spreading, and the warm texture of the water enveloping your body. The feel of the smooth stones on the edges of the bathtub and the tranquil atmosphere added to the afterglow of our hike.
For a gourmet meal, we tasted the local baked manjuu. The fluffy dough with sweet and spicy miso sauce was the perfect way to satisfy our hunger after the hike. Served at a nearby diner, you can find a similar restaurant on Jalan’s gourmet page; from Private Wisdom’s perspective, this combination is the perfect ending to an upscale trip. See also :Local Gourmet Food in Gunma.
Frequently Asked Questions and Advice
I have compiled a Q&A based on questions I receive from readers about hiking Mt. Myogi. These are findings from my own experiences.
Q: Is hiking Mt. Myogisan safe for beginners?
A: Yes, there are courses for beginners, but check your fitness beforehand. My first time I started with a lighter route and gradually challenged myself. For safety reasons, we recommend that you climb in a group.
Q: When is the best season to climb?
A: The best time is in the fall when the leaves are changing colors. When I visited in October, the leaves changing colors are beautiful and the temperature is comfortable. Fresh greenery in spring is also nice, but in summer, avoid the heat and go early in the morning.
Q: What do I need to bring?
A: Don’t forget trekking poles, a hat, and sunscreen. In my experience, poles worked great on the rocky terrain.
Q: I hear it is not easy to get to?
A: A car is convenient, but public transportation is also available. Check the JR East website for details.
If you put these tips into practice, you will have a more fulfilling experience. Finally, the most impressive part of my hike was the view from the summit at sunset. As the sun set, the gradation of the sky shifted from orange to purple, stretching the shadows of the rocks long enough to create a mysterious atmosphere. The clean texture of the air and the serenity of the atmosphere made for an unforgettable memory.
Private Wisdom-like Summary
Hiking Mt. Myogi is more than just an outdoor activity; it is a special, soul-stirring experience. For a traveler like me, this unexplored region is the ultimate place to reset the everyday. The time spent blending the beauty of luxury nature with a unique adventure is a perfect fit for Private Wisdom’s worldview. We invite you to visit us for your next trip. It will add a new page to your life.
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