Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Mount Myogi is a famous mountain that straddles the cities of Tomioka and Annaka in Gunma Prefecture, and is characterized by its landscape of sharp, sheer, strangely shaped rocks and rocky ridges. The hard rock masses formed by volcanic activity and erosion millions of years ago are exposed, and the landscape of strangely shaped rocks and bizarre stones has long been featured in poetry and illustrations as one of the "beautiful places of Western Joshu."
Historically, it has also been known as a place of mountain worship, with Myogi Shrine at the foot of the mountain attracting many worshippers. There are a variety of hiking routes, from "alpine-style" hiking trails with chains and ladders to relatively gentle hiking routes at the back, making it an appealing spot for a wide range of hikers, from advanced rock climbing to intermediate and general hikers. The mountain also displays different faces with each season, from the fresh greenery of spring, the colorful leaves of autumn, and the snowy landscapes of winter.
Highlights
- Ridgeline of strangely shaped rocks (Omote-Myogi): A dynamic ridgeline walk with a series of sharp rock peaks. There are many sections with chains, ropes and rocky areas, and the views are outstanding.
- Myogi Shrine: An ancient shrine at the foot of the mountain. The approach and shrine building are elegantly designed with the mountains and rocks as a backdrop, making it ideal for worship and strolling.
- Ura-Myogi Hiking Trail: A relatively safe and gentle trail suitable for nature observation and family strolls.
- Viewpoint: From the ridgeline you can see the Usui Pass area, Mt. Asama, and on clear days even the distant mountains.
- Rock climbing areas: There are rock climbing areas scattered around (for advanced climbers, some areas have permits and rules).
- Nature in the Four Seasons: The scenery changes with each season, from the fresh greenery of spring, flowers in early summer, autumn leaves, and snowy scenery in winter.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Public transportation (somewhat inconvenient, so check in advance):
- From JR Takasaki Station: After getting off at Takasaki Station, take a local bus or taxi towards Myogi (approximately 50 minutes to an hour, limited number of buses).
- From Joshin Dentetsu Joshu-Tomioka Station (Joshin Dentetsu): Take a taxi or local bus from the station to the Myogi Shrine area (approximately 10-20 minutes by taxi; buses run infrequently).
- There is also an accessible route from JR Yokokawa Station (Shinetsu Main Line), but bus services are limited so please check the schedule in advance.
- car:
- It is convenient to use the Kan'etsu Expressway or Joshin'etsu Expressway and get off at the nearest IC (Matsuida-Myogi IC, Tomioka IC, etc.). Parking is available around Myogi Shrine and at the trailhead (paid and free, may be crowded depending on the season).
- From Tokyo, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours (depending on traffic conditions).
- Note: Public transport services are infrequent in some areas, so we recommend checking timetables and arranging taxis in advance.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Visit to Myogi Shrine + stroll around the area: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Ura-Myogi Hike (Short Course): 1.5 to 3 hours
- Omote-Myogi Ridge Traverse (Full-scale course including chain sections, for advanced hikers): Half a day to a full day (3 to 8 hours) *Varies greatly depending on route and physical strength
- Day trip (including travel time): Half a day to a full day (if you plan to include mountain climbing, we recommend leaving early in the morning)
Nearby spots
- Tomioka Silk Mill (World Heritage Site, approximately 20 minutes by car): This Meiji-era industrial heritage site is easily accessible and attracts many tourists.
- Usui Pass/Megane Bridge (Usui Third Bridge) (approximately 30 minutes by car): A tourist attraction where the brick bridge of the former Shinetsu Main Line remains.
- Mt. Arafune (approximately 30-40 minutes by car): A mountain in western Joshu that rivals Myogi. Popular for trekking.
- Hot spring facilities (surrounding area): There are many day-trip hot springs and inns that you can visit after hiking or sightseeing.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Safety measures: There is a risk of slipping on chain sections and ladders at Omote-Myogi, so choose a route that suits your climbing experience and physical strength. We recommend wearing a helmet (to protect against falling rocks), gloves, and non-slip hiking boots.
- Weather: The rocks become very slippery in rain and snow, so avoid climbing in bad weather or the day after it has rained the night before. In winter, the risk increases due to freezing.
- Public transport: There are some sections where buses are infrequent, so please check the return timetable or consider arranging a taxi.
- Crowds: Parking lots tend to fill up during the autumn foliage season and on weekends. Plan to arrive early in the morning or use public transportation.
- Manners: Always take any trash you find on the trail with you. Be careful not to damage trail chains or footholds, and be considerate when passing others. Please be quiet when visiting shrines.
- Mobile phones and emergency preparedness: There are areas where mobile phone reception is unstable, so check the route and weather in advance and share an action plan with your companions. Carry emergency equipment (first aid kit, snacks, water).
- Nature conservation: Respect the habitats of rare plants and animals, and do not enter or collect anything outside of designated areas.
Summary: Mt. Myogi is a popular mountain thanks to its unique rocky landscape and thrilling ridge walks, but it's important to be prepared with safety gear and gather information beforehand. Choose a route that suits your physical strength and skill level, and combine it with sightseeing in the surrounding area, such as Myogi Shrine at the foot of the mountain and the Tomioka Silk Mill.
