READ BEFORE HIKING
You are about to enter Japan’s untamed forests. Please read the following safety warnings carefully before venturing into the mountains.
Hiking season:
JUNE 10TH - NOVEMBER 1ST*
*Please don't attempt hiking outside the hiking season without one of our guides.
Though some sections are suitable for beginners, the full pilgrimage of the Rokujurigoe Kaido is not recommended for beginner hikers.
Much of the Rokujurigoe Kaido consists of unmarked dirt trails winding through dense beech forests and long sections on paved roads. While this offers an exciting challenge for nature lovers and experienced hikers, the route should never be attempted alone or by complete beginners.
Although efforts are ongoing to improve trail signage, it will take time before the entire route is fully marked with English signs. Please carefully review GPS data, maps, and the following safety instructions before continuing your hike.
CLIMATE.
The Rokujurigoe Kaido features an elevation gain of up to 1,500 meters above sea level. The first course begins at Kobo no Watashi in Tsuruoka City and the full course concludes at Hondoji village in Nishikawa Town, both municipalities being located in Yamagata Prefecture.
At the highest point of the trail, near Mt. Yudono’s Yudonosan Shrine, the temperature is on average 10°C lower than in the surrounding plains, and hikers are advised to bring warmer clothing.
The region experiences a continental climate, characterized by snowy winters and warm summers.
Seasonal conditions along the trail are as follows:
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Snowy season: November to early June
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Fresh green leaves (spring) season: begins in May
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Hot season: mid-June to early September
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Autumn foliage season: generally late October
SNOW.
Residual snow may remain until early to mid-July, depending on seasonal temperatures, particularly above 800 meters in elevation. Hikers should proceed with caution and watch their footing carefully.
From early November, trails between Tamugimata and Shizu Onsen are typically snow-covered. Please do not attempt to hike outside the official hiking season, which runs from June 10 to November 1.
Snow remaining around the Sasagoya site in June
10-22°C
What to wear:
Light hiking clothes, rainwear, fleece vest
MAY - JUNE
25-37°C
JULY - AUGUST
What to wear:
Light clothes, insect repellent, hiking boots, hat
5-16°C
SEPTEMBER- NOVEMBER
What to wear:
Warm hiking clothes, hiking boots, rainwear
-5-7°C
DECEMBER - APRIL
What to wear:
Skiing gear, snow boots, snow grips.
DON'T ATTEMPT HIKING OUTSIDE THE SEASON WITHOUT ONE OF OUR GUIDES
CANCEL YOUR HIKE OR IMMEDIATELY SEEK SHELTER UNDER THOSE CONDITIONS:
HEAVY RAIN
During heavy rain, trails can quickly become slippery, flooded, or unstable, increasing the risk of falls, landslides, and getting lost. River levels may rise suddenly, and visibility can deteriorate. For your safety, please refrain from hiking when heavy rain is forecast or officially announced.
STRONG WINDS
Strong winds can cause falling branches, sudden gusts, and a loss of balance, especially on ridges and exposed sections. Weather conditions may change rapidly. For your safety, please refrain from hiking during periods of strong winds or when wind warnings are issued.
STORMS
Storms can bring sudden lightning, heavy rain, and strong winds, creating dangerous conditions on trails. Visibility may drop quickly, and shelter can be limited. For your safety, please refrain from hiking during storms or when storm warnings are issued.
GETTING DARK
As daylight fades, visibility decreases and the risk of getting lost or injured increases. Trails become harder to follow, and wildlife can become more dangerous. For your safety, please refrain from hiking if it is getting dark or if you cannot finish the hike before sunset.
EARTHQUAKES
Earthquakes can trigger landslides, falling rocks & trees, and sudden changes to trail conditions. Aftershocks may occur without warning. For your safety, please refrain from hiking during or immediately after an earthquake until the local authorities lift the warning state.
LANDSLIDES
Landslides can occur suddenly, especially after heavy rain or earthquakes, blocking trails and causing falling rocks or debris. For your safety, please refrain from hiking in areas at risk of landslides or when landslide warnings are issued.
WILDLIFE.
As you walk through a protected area of Bandai-Asahi National Park, you may encounter native wildlife along the Rokujurigoe Kaido trails. Most animals are harmless, but some may present risks if approached. To ensure your safety and to help protect local wildlife, please read the information below.
JAPANESE BLACK BEARS.
The Japanese black bear: Tsukinowaguma
If you plan to hike the Rokujurigoe Kaido alone or in a small group (two people), extra caution is required due to the presence of Japanese black bears.
Japanese black bears are generally shy and avoid humans. Most bear attacks occur when a bear is startled or feels threatened. But one must know Japanese black bears do not actively hunt humans for food. They feed on fruits, nuts, insects and small mammals.
To reduce the risk of an encounter, make noise regularly while hiking. In Japan, many outdoor and home-center stores sell bear bells, which can be attached to your backpack or clothing to alert bears to your presence.
Never leave food on the trail, and never approach bear cubs, even if they appear to be alone, as the mother is likely nearby.
Bear spray, a highly concentrated pepper spray, is also available in Japan. When used correctly, it can temporarily deter a bear and provide time to escape in an emergency.
DON'T LEAVE TRASH
Leaving trash or food waste attracts black bears and teaches them to associate humans with food, increasing the risk of dangerous encounters. Bears that become accustomed to human food may lose their natural caution and approach people or campsites. For the safety of local people and to protect wildlife, always carry out all trash and food waste.
DON'T APPROACH BEARS
Approaching bears is extremely dangerous. Bears may appear calm but can react suddenly if they feel threatened, especially when protecting cubs or food. Getting too close increases the risk of serious injury or death. For your safety and to protect wildlife, always keep a safe distance and never approach bears.
DON'T FEED THE BEARS
Never feed bears. Feeding bears causes them to lose their natural fear of humans and associate people with food, increasing the risk of aggressive behavior and dangerous encounters. For your safety and the safety of local people, and to protect wildlife, never feed bears under any circumstances.
More info on how to be a "Responsible Traveler" on Japan Tourism Agency's webpage here
"Bear bells" (kumasuzu 熊鈴) let the bears know that humans are approaching. By nature, Japanese black bears normally fear humans. Be kind to bears: avoid attacks by attaching a bear bell to your gear!
IF YOU ENCOUNTER A BEAR:
1. DON'T PANIC
2. USE YOUR BEAR SPRAY
3. BRACE FOR AN ATTACK
Don't scream, don't make loud noises, it could trigger a defensive attack. Slowly step back, but NEVER TURN YOUR BACK: it could trigger a chase response.
Once the bear understands you're not a threat, it normally flees away.
If a bear approaches, do not hesitate to use your bear spray. It is critical to keep the spray in an easily accessible place: never inside your backpack, but attached to your belt or shoulder strap. Use the time while the bear is temporarily blinded to move away and seek safety as quickly as possible.
If an attack becomes inevitable, do not try to fight. Make yourself as small and non-threatening as possible by curling into a ball: tuck your knees toward your stomach (if possible, keep your backpack on, it'll protect your back), protect your head with your arms, and cover your neck. Many bear attacks are bluff charges and may stop once the bear loses interest. When it is safe to do so, leave the area and immediately contact emergency services by calling 119.
JAPANESE MACAQUES.
You might also encounter Japanese macaques especially around Tamugimata. Feral monkeys can be very aggressive if they feel threatened. Do not try to pet them or to get close to them. Do not throw food at them, and do not make sudden movements. Take off your earrings and accessories to prevent injuries caused by robbing (monkeys like shiny items). Avoid eye contact and walk away.
The Japanese macaque: Nihonzaru
INSECTS.
GIANT HORNETS
HORSEFLIES & ALIKE
Giant hornets (suzumebachi スズメバチ) are present throughout Japan, including along the Rokujurigoe Kaido, as well as other bees and wasps.
Because they are attracted to strong smells, avoid wearing perfume or strongly scented cosmetics, and do not carry unsealed food.
Do not swat or make sudden, large movements, as this may provoke an attack. Hornets are also known to be attracted to dark colors, so wearing light-colored clothing is recommended.
Anyone with insect-sting allergies should always carry an EpiPen and inform their hiking companions.
There are many mosquitoes and horseflies in Japan in summer. As you will be walking inside the forest, the temperature will be comfortable enough for you to be wearing long sleeves and long trousers of light colors (dark colors attrack light and warmth attracts insects like horseflies). Please do so to avoid being stung by insects. We recommend you to spray yourself regularly with an insect repellent as the effects are lessened as you sweat.
THE PERFECT EQUIPMENT TO HIKE THE ROKUJURIGOE KAIDO
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Long sleeves, long pants
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Raingear at all time
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No black, navy, dark brown colors (preferrably light colors)
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Hat
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Good hiking shoes
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Backpack with enough water, insect repellent and snacks (no unsealed food) AND A BEAR BELL
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Fleece jacket (especially in June & from September to November)
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Bear spray attached to your belt
SNAKES.
This one is friendly!
This one is called Aodaisho (アオダイショウ / Japanese rat snake). It is considered a protective deity of Mt. Yudono and is commonly seen around Yudonosan Shrine. Please watch your step and treat them with the utmost respect. They are not venomous.
How to tell the difference?
→ They’re cute.
TIGER KEELBACK
The Yamakagashi (ヤマカガシ / Tiger keelback) is commonly found in the Dewa Sanzan area. Although its bite is rarely fatal, it can become seriously infected. If bitten, seek medical attention at the nearest hospital as soon as possible.
How to differenciate: has reddish/orange patterns along its body, yellowish face
JAPANESE PIT VIPER
The Mamushi (マムシ / Japanese pit viper) is widely found throughout Japan, including the Tohoku region, and may be encountered along the Rokujurigoe Kaido. To reduce the risk of bites, wear high-cut hiking shoes and long pants. If bitten, seek emergency medical assistance immediately by calling 119.
How to differenciate: has a wide dark stripe on the sides of its head, wide face
CONNECTIVITY.
Most areas along the Rokujurigoe Kaido are covered only by the NTT Docomo network. We strongly recommend purchasing a SIM card or using an eSIM service that operates on the Docomo network to ensure internet connectivity on most sections of the trail.
However, some sections, particularly forested areas, may have no mobile coverage at all. If you find yourself without network access and require assistance, remain calm and stay on the trail in a safe and visible location. If possible, move toward the nearest road and signal passing vehicles for help. Do not rely solely on mobile phones; inform someone of your planned route in advance, carry offline maps, and use sound or visual signals to attract attention. If traveling in a group, one person should remain with the injured hiker while another seeks help at the nearest staffed facility or village.
Key advice when there is no network coverage
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Do not rely on mobile phones alone. Always assume there may be sections with no signal.
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Inform someone in advance (accommodation staff, local guide, or a trusted contact) of your route and expected return time. Write your name and info in the "contact books" (tozan todoke 登山届) in the little boxes along the trails (see picture below). It will help searches if you happen to get lost.
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Carry offline tools such as downloaded maps, emergency contacts, and trail information.
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In case of injury or inability to continue, stay on the trail if possible and move to a visible, safe location (if possible, a car road).
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Use sound ("tasukete" 助けて means "help!") or visual signals (big waves and gestures) to attract attention from other hikers or drivers.
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If traveling in a group, one person should stay with the injured person while another seeks help at the nearest staffed location or village.
A "tozan todoke" emergency contact book box. Open the door, and write your contacts and hiking dates in the book.
EMERGENCIES.
Call 119 as soon as you require help.
If you cannot use your phone or there is no network, try to reach a road nearby and make big signs to approaching cars so they can call an ambulance for you.