[Central Alps] Mt. Kisokomagatake | Kogara Circuit 15.6km: A Quiet Ridge Walk Starting from Mt. Chausu

It was a weekend where I could finally expect good weather for the first time in a while.

Actually, I had planned to hike the Cosmo Circuit, aiming for the 100 High Mountains.

However, the forest road leading to the trailhead was closed.

I hurriedly changed my destination and hiked the Kogara Circuit, which goes from Mt. Chausu through Mt. Shogikashira to Mt. Kisokomagatake.

It was a quiet day in the Central Alps that I only encountered because it was unplanned.

Introduction

The route I hiked this time starts from the Kogara trailhead, climbs to Mt. Chausu, passes through Mt. Shogikashira to reach Mt. Kisokomagatake, and loops back via the Fukushima B course.

When people think of Mt. Kisokomagatake, the route from Senjojiki, which uses the ropeway, is famous.

On the other hand, this route allowed me to gain elevation from the trailhead and enjoy a quiet forest and ridge walk.

In this article, I will introduce:

・The trail conditions of the Kogara Circuit
・The ridge from Mt. Chausu to Mt. Shogikashira
・The state of the flowers and the views
・The charm I felt while hiking

based on my actual hike.

I hope this will be helpful for those who want to hike Mt. Kisokomagatake via a slightly different route.

What is Mt. Kisokomagatake?

Mt. Kisokomagatake (2,956m) is one of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains that represents the Central Alps.

It is popular as a mountain that can be easily climbed from the Senjojiki Cirque, and many hikers visit it.

On the other hand, there are many trails that start from the foot of the mountain, each with its own unique character.

The Kogara Circuit I hiked this time is a long route that passes through Mt. Chausu and Mt. Shogikashira.

It starts from the forest zone and leads to a ridge where alpine plants bloom.

And it continues with views that overlook Mt. Ontake, the Northern Alps, and the Southern Alps.

I felt that this course allows you to enjoy not just Mt. Kisokomagatake itself, but also the journey to get there.

Hiking Overview

Mountain Name: Mt. Chausu, Mt. Shogikashira, Mt. Kisokomagatake
Region: Central Alps
Date: July 11, 2026
Weather: Sunny

Course

Kogara Trailhead → Mt. Chausu → Mt. Shogikashira → Mt. Kisokomagatake → Fukushima B Course → Kogara Trailhead

Activity Data

Distance: 15.6km
Cumulative Elevation: +1,902m / -1,903m
Activity Time: Approx. 9 hours 30 minutes

Standard Course Time: 12 hours 7 minutes
Physical Difficulty: ★★★★★

This is a course that requires physical stamina due to the long ascent and significant elevation gain.

Recommendation Rating: ★★★★☆

Recommended for

・Those who want to hike to Mt. Kisokomagatake via a quiet route
・Those who want to enjoy ridge walking
・Those who want to climb a 100 Famous Mountain without using the ropeway

Overall Course Map

Climb from the Kogara Trailhead to Mt. Chausu, then pass through Mt. Shogikashira to reach Mt. Kisokomagatake.
The descent uses the Fukushima B Course in a clockwise loop.

Reason for Choosing This Mountain

Initially, I planned to hike the Cosmo Circuit with the goal of visiting the 100 High Mountains.

However, the forest road leading to Inagawa Dam was closed.

I had to change my plans on short notice.

The weather forecast was too good to pass up.

It would have been a waste to go home without hiking.

So, I chose the Kogara Circuit in the same Central Alps area, a route I hadn't walked yet.

There are days when you can't walk as planned.

Make decisions as you go, and enjoy the mountains you can walk on that day.

It was a day that made me feel that such mountain trips aren't bad either.

Course Overview and Impressions

Kogara Trailhead to Mt. Chausu

For a while from the trailhead, it's a quiet forest zone.

After crossing the stream, you just keep gaining elevation.

As you approach the timberline, the view opens up all at once, and Mt. Ontake and the Northern Alps appear right before your eyes.

Forest flowers like Pyrola japonica and Cornus canadensis also provide enjoyment.

Mt. Chausu to Mt. Shogikashira

From here on, it's a pleasant ridge walk typical of the Central Alps.

Alpine plants, starting with Geum pentapetalum, were blooming one after another.

Looking back, you can see the ridge you've walked.

Looking ahead, there is Mt. Kisokomagatake.

Scenery that makes you want to walk slowly continues.

Mt. Shogikashira to Mt. Kisokomagatake

As you get closer to Mt. Kisokomagatake, the number of people gradually increases.

Once I joined up with the hikers using the ropeway, the atmosphere suddenly became lively.

There was a line waiting for photos at the summit, but the contrast with the quiet time I had spent walking before that was striking.

Descending via the Fukushima B Course

The descent is via the Fukushima B Course.

The well-maintained and easy-to-walk trail continues.

The weather held up until the end, making for a fulfilling mountain trip that didn't feel like a change of plans at all.

Course Conditions and Points of Caution

Kogara Trailhead to Mt. Chausu

There is a river crossing.

Caution is required when water levels are high.

The trail is well-maintained, and there are markers indicating the altitude in 'gome' (tenths of the way up).

Mt. Chausu to Mt. Shogikashira to Mt. Kisokomagatake

There are few dangerous sections, but it becomes susceptible to wind once you pass the tree line.

In summer, there is little shade, so heat protection is also necessary.

Fukushima B Course

It is an easy-to-walk trail, but it is quite long.

Since fatigue builds up toward the end, it is recommended to descend without rushing.

Summary of Course Conditions

Risk of getting lost: ★★☆☆☆

Physical fitness required: ★★★★★

Dangerous sections: ★★☆☆☆

View: ★★★★★

Tranquility: ★★★★★

Recommended season: June to October

*As of July 2026

Related articles

▶ A day hike traverse of Mt. Kisokoma - Mt. Hoken - Mt. Sannosawa from Kogara trailhead | A day of chain sections, flower fields, and ptarmigans

▶ Mt. Mugikusa | A record of a 1,450m winter steep climb from Kogara trailhead and a spectacular view after the clouds clear

▶ Mt. Shogikashira | A long winter day hike with snowy ridges and grand views that open up after the hard work

Reflections

It feels a bit disappointing when you can't go to the mountain you had planned.

However, thanks to that, sometimes you can discover a new route.

The Kogara Circuit I walked this time was exactly that kind of day.

Walking through a quiet forest, admiring the flowers, and heading out to the ridge.

And finally, arriving at Mt. Kisokoma, which is bustling with many people.

Even for the same mountain, the impression changes if the route you climb changes.

Once again, another ridge I want to walk has been added to my list.

Conclusion

Focusing on the mountains of Shizuoka,
I walk the ridgelines every weekend.

Rather than flashy mountains,
I prefer quiet mountains, deep mountains, and mountain trips where I read the conditions.

▶ Magazine "One Mountain at a Time, Hiking Records"

▶ Click here for the July 2026 summary

If you like mountains,
I would be happy if you followed me.

See you next time with a record of another mountain.