Tengu Iwa – A Rocky Ridge Adventure in the Konan Alps
#Shiga #Konan Alps #Trail Route #GPX File
If you’re looking for a day hike with a bit more excitement than the usual forest trail—scrambling over rocks, climbing with ropes, and enjoying panoramic views—then the hike to Tengu Iwa (天狗岩) in the Konan Alps (湖南アルプス) might be your perfect next adventure.
Located in Shiga Prefecture, just east of Kyoto, this lesser-known trail offers a rewarding challenge and dramatic scenery—but it also requires a bit of care and preparation.
📥 GPX files are available at the bottom of the contents.
Route Overview: From Kusatsu to the Konan Alps
🗺️ Trail Start: Kamikiryū Bus Stop (上桐生)
🚉 Access:
Take the JR Biwako Line to Kusatsu Station (草津駅). Both local and rapid trains (新快速) stop here.
From the station, take a Teisan Bus (帝産バス) to Kamikiryū (上桐生).
It takes about 30–40 minutes. Buses aren’t frequent, so be sure to check the schedule in advance.
Important: IC cards like ICOCA or Suica cannot be used, so bring cash.
From the bus stop, it’s a short walk to Ichijono Campground (一丈野キャンプ場), where the trail begins.
There is a toilet at the campground—make sure to go here, as there are no toilets on the trail.
🗺️ Route Summary
Trail: Ichijono Trailhead → Tengu Iwa → Mimiiwa / Amaiwa Ridge Trail → Ichijono Trailhead
🕒 Time: 4.5 to 6 hours (including lunch)
🥾 Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
🪨 Terrain: Forest paths, rocky climbs, ropes, and ridge walking
A Climb Worth the Effort: Tengu Iwa Summit
The trail starts gently through the forest, but soon becomes rocky and steep. That’s when the real fun begins.
You’ll need to use both hands and feet to climb over rocks, and in some sections, fixed ropes help you go up or down safely. It’s not technical mountaineering, but definitely more exciting than a casual walk.
Soon, you’ll reach Tengu Iwa—a striking rock formation that gives the trail its name.
A “Tengu” (天狗) is a mythical mountain creature in Japanese folklore, with a long nose and bird-like features. Some people believe they still live deep in the mountains.
From the top, you get fantastic views of the surrounding hills and Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan. It’s a perfect place to rest and enjoy lunch.
⚠️ One of my friends has a fear of heights and couldn’t climb up to the very top of Tengu Iwa. There are no safety fences or barriers—you climb at your own risk.
A Wild Descent Along the Ridge
Instead of going back the way you came, I recommend continuing along the Mimiiwa / Amaiwa Ridge Trail (耳岩・天岩線分岐).
This section follows a narrow ridge with even more rocks to scramble over. In some places, you’ll need to climb up and down using ropes. It’s fun and adventurous, but can also be tiring—take your time.
The rocks here are rough and jagged. If you climb with bare hands, you might hurt your palms. Also, if you fall, you could scratch your arms or legs badly.
That’s why I strongly recommend:
🧤 Gloves – Protect your hands when grabbing rocks
👖👕 Long sleeves and long pants, even if it’s warm – For protection against scrapes and insect bites
After the ridge, the trail gradually returns to the forest and loops back to the campground.
Personal Notes – A Trail to Remember
I hiked this trail with a couple of friends on a warm spring day. At first, we thought it would be a relaxed forest walk—but once we hit the rocky sections, it turned into a full-body workout.
We laughed, slipped a little, and helped each other over the boulders. At the summit, we sat on a big rock and enjoyed a simple lunch: onigiri (rice balls) and fresh-brewed coffee. It was quiet, wild, and beautiful—exactly why I love hiking in Kansai.
🧭 Practical Tips
🚌 Bus Info
- From JR Kusatsu Station, take a Teisan Bus to Kamikiryū (上桐生)
- Check the latest schedule on the Teisan Bus website (Japanese)
- IC cards cannot be used—bring cash for the fare
🍱 Food & Water
- No shops or vending machines near the trailhead—bring your own lunch and water
- There are toilets at the campground, but none on the trail
🧤 Recommended Gear
- Gloves or work gloves (軍手)
- Long sleeves and pants
- Grippy hiking shoes (some rocks are slippery or uneven)
- Small towel or wet wipes (hands get dusty from rocks)
Yamato
📱 Navigation
- Use the YAMAP or AllTrails app and download the map in advance
Yamato
- The mobile phone signal is weak in some parts of the trail
🕰️ Best Season
- Spring and autumn are ideal: cool and fewer bugs
- Avoid rainy days—wet rocks are dangerous
Yamato
Final Thoughts
Tengu Iwa is a thrilling and rewarding hike, perfect for people who enjoy rocky trails and don’t mind a bit of climbing. It’s not for total beginners, but if you’ve hiked a bit before and want something with more adventure, this trail is well worth your time.
Just don’t forget the gloves—you’ll thank me later.
📥 GPX files are completely free—download below and use in your favorite app!
🙌 Support this project by clicking on an ad if you found this helpful!
