Mt Mugikusa

Mt Mugikusa (Japanese: 麦草岳) is one of the quiet, lesser‑known peaks of the Central Alps, an unassuming mountain that rewards those who seek out its solitude and rugged charm. The climb begins at the Kogara campsite trailhead accessed from Kiso valley. After a steep but brief climb through the forest you come across a river crossing that can be tricky or even impassable after heavy rain with fast, deep water and slippery rocks.

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Once across, the trail rises steeply through dense forest. It’s a sustained climb, the kind that quickly settles you into a rhythm as you work your way upward toward the emergency hut. The hut sits on a small clearing, a welcome landmark that marks the transition from the forested lower slopes to the narrower, more exposed upper paths. From here, the mountain becomes more dramatic. The trail tightens and weaves between huge boulders and rocky outcrops before the final push to the summit.

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The summit of Mt Mugikusa is a rugged crown of stone, shaped by wind and snow. You can enjoy wide, open views across the Central Alps. To the east rises nearby Mt Kisokoma (木曾駒ケ岳), while to the west the silhouettes of Ontake (御嶽山) and Norikura (乗鞍岳) stretch across the horizon. Mt Mugikusa may not be famous, but its steep climbs, narrow paths, and expansive views make it one of the Central Alps’ hidden gems and proves that the Central Alps are much more than the more famous peaks of Kisokoma and Utsugi (空木岳).

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