Mt Ryozen

Mt Ryōzen (Japanese: 霊仙山 rises quietly in the northeastern corner of Shiga Prefecture, a mountain of gentle slopes and open highlands that feels worlds apart from the steep ridges of the nearby Mt Ibuki (伊吹山) and Suzuka ranges (鈴鹿連峰). It's not a towering peak, but its broad summit meadows, rolling terrain, and windswept grasslands give it a distinctive character that hikers sometimes compare to the Scottish moors. Like Scotland, Ryozen contains wide, treeless expanses, low shrubs, scattered rocks and a moorland atmosphere.

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The mountain’s topography is shaped by its position at the northern edge of the Suzuka Mountains. The lower slopes are forested, but the upper reaches open suddenly into a spacious plateau, offering long views towards Mt. Ibuki, Lake Biwa and the distant Hira range. In spring, Ryōzen becomes a celebrated flower mountain, famous for its carpets of  alpine blooms. In winter, the summit takes on a stark feel that is snow‑covered, wind‑scoured and quiet.

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The hike begins near the abandoned village of Ryōzen, a haunting and atmospheric place where old houses, stone walls and overgrown paths hint at a community that once thrived but slowly faded as residents moved away. Starting from this forgotten hamlet, the trail climbs steadily through forest before emerging onto the open highlands. For me, this feature near the trailhead was an eerie highlight of the climb. The ascent is moderate and accessible, making Ryōzen a welcoming mountain for hikers of all levels. As you rise above the trees, the landscape widens into the moor‑like summit zone. I found it a fascinating and atmospheric peak and preferred it to the more famous Ibuki on the other side of the valley.

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(All information here is based on personal observations and experiences. Check official sources before planning or starting any hikes.)