Mount Shiraga

What?
To cite Hiking in Japan, (emphasis added) “Mt. Shiraga is a bald, rocky peak sandwiched between Sanda and Sasayama cities in central Hyogo Prefecture. The unspoilt panoramic views and tranquil forest make it one of Kansai’s hidden treasures.” The hike goes straight to the peak of Mount Shiraga (白髪岳) at 722 meters just to immediately descent steeply before easing into a comfortable ridge hike to the top of Mount Matsuo (松尾山) at 685 meters. The peak of Mount Shiraga indeed offers great views. Mount Matsuo does not, but you can use your imagination as it used to house a castle. What’s left are a few ruins and a line of graves a little way down.
Where?
Mount Shiraga is located in Sasayama (篠山) in Hyogo Prefecture (兵庫県). The start of the trail can be reached by getting off at Furuichi Station (古市駅) on the Fukuchiyama-line (福知山線), more commonly known as Takarazuka-line (宝塚線). From there it’s a around 45 minutes to the foot of Mount Shiraga.
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Hiking in Japan Pinoy Mountaineer Furumaya House

At my work there were some positional changes that lead to the formation of a new team. One thing that goes together with a new team is getting used to each other, and what better to do that than to have a hiking trip?
As all our conditions were at different levels I needed to find a hike that was not too strenuous but not too easy, and ideally in the vicinity of a nice place to stay. After a bit of research the choice quickly became Mount Shiraga, reachable in one straight line from our workplace.
We followed the directions that can be found on the Hiking in Japan. Truth to be told, I can stop right here with writing because everything you need to know is described in detail on their homepage, and while it was written a while ago it was still 100% valid.
After an initial flat hike toward to base of the mountain the climbing begins, and it’s quite steep. Very short though, so you quickly arrive at an open spot with the first fantastic views on the surrounding villages and the mountains of Hyogo Prefecture. From this point there is a fun part: to continue you need to make your way over and through various rock formations and narrow paths. While not absolutely necessary some of these passages have ropes, and ropes always mean fun! You are rewarded on the top of Mount Shiraga with even more stunning views. While the mountain is only 722m high, the panorama is truly breathtaking – who knew such a view was within quite easy reach?
From the peak of Mount Shiraga we continued our way to the peak of Mount Matsuo, with 685m a little lower. Beware of the descent which is almost as steep as the ascent, and some in our group hit the ground at this point. The hike from this point is pretty straightforward. There are some interesting ruins along the way, a waterfall that honestly speaking is just a drizzle on a side of the rock and a forest of mammoth cedar trees. I really felt tiny.
Getting out of the forest into civilization again the sunlight seeped through the trees with the Japanese Pampas grass gleaming in the sunlight. Even though there were 4 of us I experienced this as a rare solitary ethereal moment.

The approach to Mount Shiraga is beautiful.

Great views from the top.

The autumn colours were still bright here and there.

Steep descent. Very steep descent.

With the hike finished we trained along to our next destination, an old farmhouse in the village of Ayabe in Kyoto Prefecture. A hot bath, beer, games and a delicious dinner cooked by the proprietress were the perfect ending for a relatively easy but very rewarding hike. The next day I awoke early and enjoyed a leisurely stroll through the quiet village. Even if you don’t like hiking, the Japanese countryside has something truly peaceful. If you get the chance, don’t hesitate to stay at this farmhouse in Ayabe; it’s not easy to reach nor very cheap, but you do get bang for your buck. The link can be found above.