Mount Hyonosen stands on the border between Yabu City in Hyogo Prefecture and Wakasa Town in Yazu District, Tottori Prefecture. Rising to 1,510 meters, it is the highest mountain in Hyogo Prefecture and is also known as Suga-no-sen. Recognized as one of Japan’s 200 Famous Mountains and among the 50 Notable Mountains of Hyogo, it attracts hikers and nature enthusiasts throughout the year.
Mount Hyonosen is the second-highest mountain in the Chugoku region, after Mount Daisen. Its slopes above 800 meters are covered with rich natural beech forests, providing habitat for a variety of wildlife, including rare species such as the golden eagle and the Japanese black bear. The golden eagle is designated as a Natural Monument of Japan.
The mountain forms part of Hyonosen-Ushiroyama-Nagisan Quasi-National Park, together with areas such as Tottorikawa-daira and Mount Nagisan. Its landscapes have also been recognized in selections celebrating Japan’s outstanding natural scenery, including the “100 Natural Landscapes of Japan to Preserve for the 21st Century” and the “100 Hidden Regions of Japan.”
A traditional story offers an intriguing explanation for the name Hyonosen. According to the old text Inaba-shi, the sun goddess Amaterasu saw frost-covered trees glowing in the morning sunlight and named the mountain “Hie-no-yama.” Over time, the name is said to have evolved into Hyonosen.
Traditions associated with Amaterasu also survive in the village of Tsukiyone at the foot of the mountain. On the Tottori side, a path known as the Ise Road is traditionally associated with the goddess. During the Edo period (1603–1868), the route was used by travelers making pilgrimages to Ise Shrine. A large stone called Sazare-ishi, said to have served as a resting place for Amaterasu, is still preserved along the route.
Mount Hyonosen is composed largely of andesitic lava known as Hyonosen volcanic rock, which erupted approximately 2.58–2.55 million years ago. The mountain belongs to a volcanic complex formed roughly 3.1–2.2 million years ago. Along with nearby mountains such as Mount Hachibuse, Mount Torokawa, and Mount Oginosen, it is associated with the Teragi volcanic region, part of Japan’s Quaternary volcanic history.
During the early stages of volcanic activity in the Teragi region, a major pyroclastic flow erupted at a location approximately 10 kilometers north of present-day Mount Hyonosen. This event led to the formation of a large collapse caldera, known as the Teragi Caldera, measuring approximately 14 kilometers from east to west and 17 kilometers from north to south.
A lake later formed within the caldera, leaving behind deposits of lakebed gravel and mud. Andesitic volcanic activity subsequently began around 2.8–2.5 million years ago, contributing to the formation of the summit area of Mount Hyonosen. These volcanic deposits gradually filled the collapsed basin, and the geological structure that remains today is known as the Teragi Cauldron.
Several trails lead to the summit from the Hyogo side, offering different levels of challenge and hiking time. Conditions can vary with the season, so hikers should check trail information before setting out.
This route starts near Hyonosen International Ski Resort and Narawo Campground. The trail passes the East Ridge emergency shelter and Kandai Hut before reaching the summit shelter. The ascent takes approximately 170 minutes, while the descent takes around 120 minutes.
Beginning at the Odan-ga-daira trailhead, this route continues through Odan-ga-daira and Kandai Hut to the summit. The ascent takes approximately 150 minutes, and the descent takes around 120 minutes.
This trail begins at Fukusada Shinsui Park and passes Jizodo before climbing to Hyonosen-goe, also known as Hyonokoshi, and continuing to the summit. It provides a route through the mountain’s forested terrain and traditional mountain passes.
Starting at the Sakanotani trailhead, this route passes Nin-no-maru before reaching the summit. The ascent takes approximately 225 minutes, and the descent takes around 180 minutes.
The Denka trailhead provides access to a route that climbs through Nin-no-maru to the summit. Allow approximately 175 minutes for the ascent and 140 minutes for the descent.
This popular route starts at Wakasa Hyonosen Campground and passes Hyonokoshi and the Sengoku Valley junction before reaching the summit. The ascent takes approximately 120 minutes, while the descent takes around 90 minutes.
Beginning at Wakasa Hyonosen Ski Resort, this trail climbs to the Sengoku Valley junction and continues to the summit. The ascent takes approximately 150 minutes, and the descent takes around 105 minutes.
This route also begins at Wakasa Hyonosen Ski Resort, passing the San-no-maru emergency shelter before reaching the summit. The ascent takes approximately 170 minutes, and the descent takes around 110 minutes.
From Yoka Station on the JR San’in Main Line, take a Zentan Bus bound for Hachibuse. The journey takes approximately 50 minutes; get off at Fukusada for access to the mountain trails.
By car, take the Yoka-Hyonosen Interchange on the Kitakinki-Toyooka Expressway, then follow National Route 9 and the Sekimiya-Ojiro Line toward Hyonosen Ski Resort.
From Wakasa Station on the Wakasa Railway, take the Wakasa Town-operated Tsukiyone Line bus. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes to Hyonosen Fureai-no-sato. During winter, the bus operates as far as Hyonosen Ski Resort.
The Mount Hyonosen area offers a range of facilities for outdoor recreation, nature study, and winter sports. These include Hyonosen International Ski Resort, Wakasa Hyonosen Nature Experience Village, Wakasa Hyonosen Campground, Hyonosen Kogen-no-Yado Hyota-kun, and Wakasa Hyonosen Ski Resort.
On the Tottori side, the Tottori Prefectural Hyonosen Nature Experience Museum Hibiki-no-Mori introduces visitors to the mountain’s ecosystems. Its large-scale diorama recreates a beech forest, providing an engaging way to learn about the area’s natural environment.
The surrounding Tajima region is rich in forests, waterfalls, valleys, and highland landscapes, making it an excellent destination for travelers who enjoy exploring nature beyond the mountain itself.
Onzui Valley is known for its clear streams and forest environment and has been included in Japan’s “100 Forests of Water Sources.” Nearby Harafudo Falls is recognized among Japan’s 100 Famous Waterfalls.
Torokawa Valley is celebrated for its secluded scenery and is included in the “100 Hidden Regions of Japan.” The nearby Torokawa-daira highland offers expansive natural landscapes and access to attractions such as Tajima Kogen Botanical Garden and the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Wood.
Amadaki Valley is known for its lush forest and tranquil atmosphere, making it a rewarding destination for forest walks. Amadaki Falls, one of Japan’s 100 Famous Waterfalls, is a highlight of the area.
Other places worth exploring include Kumanami Valley, Kusube Valley with its waterfalls such as Kaname Falls, Sandan Falls, and Suzutaki Falls, as well as Mount Hachibuse and Hachikita Highland. Usano Highland, selected among Japan’s 100 Scenic Landscapes, is another attractive destination for enjoying the open countryside.
With its 1,510-meter summit, extensive beech forests, fascinating geological history, and network of hiking trails, Mount Hyonosen is one of the defining natural landmarks of the Tajima region. Whether you plan to climb to the summit, explore the surrounding valleys and waterfalls, or enjoy the mountain’s ski resorts and nature facilities, the area offers a memorable introduction to the landscapes of Hyogo and neighboring Tottori Prefecture.