投稿日：2023年07月07日
Mt. Aono power-hiking, a bit of a challenge
I participated in a hiking tour in Tsuwano. Together with about 50 other participants, we climbed to the summit of Mt. Aono, which is approximately 900 metres (2,900 feet) high, with a total elevation gain of about 800 metres (2,600 feet) from the starting point.
The route consisted of two sections: the first began in Tsuwano’s old town centre and continued up to the Aonogawara parking area; the second led from the parking area to the summit of the mountain. Half of the group joined us at the parking area for the second section.
Our guides, source of interesting stories
During the climb, our guides shared information about the mountain, the forest, and various plants. They showed us both poisonous and edible plants, and I finally understood why all the experienced hikers and children had bells attached to them: there have been many bear sightings in the very forest we were walking through.
It was a challenge indeed!
I have to admit that I underestimated this outdoor event a little. Perhaps I was thinking of it as “hiking” rather than “mountain climbing,” or perhaps it was because the advertisement said “anyone can participate,” which I interpreted as meaning “anyone from 1 to 99 years old.”
While the climb is not impossible—some elementary school students also made it to the top—it is still a considerable challenge. The slope was very steep, and for much of the route, the path consisted of man-made steps through the forest. Although we did not cover much distance on the map, it felt like we were climbing the height of a skyscraper.
Another challenge was that, although the built steps showed that the trail is well maintained, some sections of the path were less than 30 centimetres wide.
At times, openings in the forest offered breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. There were also several excellent viewpoints near the summit.
Looking towards Nichihara, we could see the road below and rows of rice paddies. It was the taue (rice-planting) season when we made the climb, and the paddies shimmered beautifully under the warm spring sunlight.
The explanation for Tsuwano Hyakkeizu No. 80 states that “Mt. Aono has been described as […] a landmark used by fishermen far out in the Sea of Japan, and as a place for training domain retainers and warriors.”
When viewed from Tsuwano’s old town, the mountain is truly majestic, towering over the small castle town below. However, it was only after climbing to the summit that I truly understood the meaning behind these words from the past, written over 100 years ago.
From the summit, we could see Masuda City and Takashima Island, approximately 40 km (25 miles) away. During the shogunate period, Masuda City was still part of Tsuwano Domain. This brings to mind the famous line from the movie: “Everything you can see (from the top of Mt. Aono) was Tsuwano Domain.”
Considering that samurai retainers may have made this climb wearing full armour, the ascent must have been a considerable test of endurance.
(I do apologize for the photos, they were taken with an old phone and the yellowsand from China was in the air).
On the way back to town, we stopped at Shōrinzan Tenmangū Shrine. It was established in 1663, when chief retainer Tago Mondo transferred the goshintai (the sacred object in which a deity’s spirit is believed to reside) to this location.
Today, the shrine receives only a few visitors, as it is located slightly away from the town centre. However, it continues to be carefully maintained.
Connected with the shrine, the Tenjin Festival was traditionally held in April, during which participants carried a mikoshi (portable shrine) across the Nishiki River and up from Shōrinzan Shrine. If you decide to climb the mountain, imagine the effort required to carry a heavy portable shrine across the river and along the mountain paths to and from the shrine. It must have been a great hardship, and therefore a meaningful offering to the gods.
Hiking maps are available in Japanese at the Tsuwano Tourism Association.
Guided tours are also offered from time to time, often with local residents.
Start : Tsuwano castle town
34.466805, 131.773548
・Altitude 153m / 504feet
Shourinzan Tenmangu Shrine
34.470238, 131.778909 (approximate position)
Aonogawara Parking Area
34.469178, 131.790299
・Altitude 435m / 1’429feet
・Distance from starting point 1.5 km / 0.9mile (beeline)
Summit/Peak of Mt. Aono
34.462202, 131.797864
・Altitude 905m / 2’971feet
・Distance from starting point 3.9 km / 2.4mile (beeline)