[Shizuoka] Mt. Awagatake | A Greedy Loop Visiting the "Jumbo Zodiac" with 3 Ascents from 3 Directions

Introduction

Although Mt. Awagatake in Kakegawa City, Shizuoka Prefecture, is a low mountain, it is packed with views, religious significance, and a rural atmosphere, making it a mountain you will want to hike again and again.

This time, with the goal of the annual Jumbo Zodiac Tour, I walked a greedy loop course that involves climbing Mt. Awagatake three times from three different directions: Higashiyama, Ojiro, and Kurami.

It was a day where the strength of the wind due to the winter pressure pattern was a concern, but I was blessed with the blue skies typical of the Pacific side and views of Mt. Fuji.

In this article, based on the route I actually walked, I have summarized
the characteristics and points of caution for each of the three courses, as well as my impressions from the hike.

I hope this will be helpful for those who want to hike a loop of Mt. Awagatake in the future, or those who are thinking about a Jumbo Zodiac tour.

What kind of mountain is it?

Mt. Awagatake has an elevation of 532m. Despite being a low mountain, it has great views, and the Awawa Shrine is enshrined at the summit, making it beloved as a mountain of faith.

Because it has good access and many hiking trails, it is a mountain loved by a wide range of hikers, from beginners to veterans.

In particular, the Jumbo Zodiac installed at the beginning of the year is a seasonal tradition unique to Mt. Awagatake that many people look forward to every year.

Why I chose this day

・Due to the winter pressure pattern, I could expect clear weather for low mountains on the Pacific side
・To go see the annual Jumbo Zodiac of Mt. Awagatake
・I wanted to visit all three locations, including the Jumbo Zodiacs in Ojiro and Kurami
・I wanted to thoroughly enjoy Mt. Awagatake by climbing from three directions

What you will learn in this article

・The overall picture of looping Mt. Awagatake from 3 directions
・Characteristics of each route: Higashiyama / Ojiro / Kurami
・How to combine the hike with a Jumbo Zodiac tour
・Descent and junction points that require caution

Overall course map

The entire route I walked this time. A loop course that also serves as a Jumbo Zodiac tour, climbing from Higashiyama to Mt. Awagatake, descending to Ojiro and Kurami, and climbing back up again.

Hiking summary

・Mountain name: Mt. Awagatake
・Mountain region/area: Kakegawa City, Shizuoka Prefecture
・Date: January 11, 2026
・Weather: Sunny (temporarily snowy in the second half)
・Course: Higashiyama → Mt. Awagatake → Ojiro → Mt. Awagatake → Kurami → Mt. Awagatake → Higashiyama
・Distance: 22.5km
・Cumulative elevation: +1813m / -1813m
・Activity time: 5 hours 47 minutes

Reasons for choosing this mountain

・It was the season when I could visit all three Jumbo Zodiac locations
・Even on a mountain I have climbed many times, changing the route changes the impression
・I wanted to enjoy a greedy course where I could walk thoroughly even in a short time

Course conditions and impressions

Trailhead to Mt. Awagatake (Higashiyama Route)

The Higashiyama route has clear signposts, making it a reliable trail that is easy to follow even for beginners.

After a short climb, I reached the summit and first encountered the first Jumbo Zodiac sign.
The New Year atmosphere naturally lifted my spirits.

Mt. Awagatake - Ojiro - Mt. Awagatake

The descent to Ojiro has a visible trail, but there was a section that followed an old forest road not marked on the YAMAP course.

The path itself is solid, but it feels like it is not frequently used, so checking the map is essential.

The Jumbo Zodiac sign at Ojiro has a great expression and is so cute that you can't help but want to take a picture.

Mt. Awagatake - Kurami - Mt. Awagatake

The descent to Kurami is a very steep slope.
This was the point that required the most caution on today's route.

In return, the climb back up offered the openness typical of a ridge trail, and I was able to enjoy views of the city of Hamamatsu and Mt. Fuji in the distance.

My third ascent of Mt. Awagatake. This increases my total number of ascents for this mountain, which makes me laugh.

Course conditions and points of caution

・There are many junctions, so checking the map at each one is recommended
・Be careful as there are paths toward Ojiro that are not listed on YAMAP
・The descent to Kurami is a steep slope, so be especially careful when going down
・In winter, be aware of sudden weather changes (it snowed in the second half of this day)

Equipment notes

・Even for low mountains, the distance is long, so bring plenty of trail snacks
・In winter, wind protection and warm clothing are essential

Reflections

It was a very luxurious and fun day, climbing Mt. Awagatake from three directions and visiting the Jumbo Zodiac signs.

As it is a popular mountain, I passed many other hikers, and I realized once again why this mountain is so loved.

Even on the same mountain, changing the route leads to fresh discoveries. It was a hike that reaffirmed that for me.

Reference links

▶ Click here for this month's summary

For those hiking in Shizuoka for the first time
▶ Click here for a guide to low mountains in Shizuoka chosen by scenery

Conclusion

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

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

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

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

See you next time with a record of another mountain.