Mt Iwasuge - better than last time!
Hike date: September 12, 2026
The last time I climbed Mt Iwasuge there were rain and strong winds. After a week of heavy rain I was not so hopeful of anything different today, but I was pleasantly surprised (although not overwhelmed). It wasn't great weather, but there was no rain and I had occasional glimpses of views through the clouds.
I'd wanted revenge on Mt Iwasuge for a long time. The steep road to Shiga Kogen was enveloped in thick fog, and the start of the hike had more of the same. I started early at the trailhead by the forest road and climbed up the stone and wooden steps, puddles all around. I then put my life on the line, carefully crossing slippery wooden bridges over streams swollen by the recent rains. However, there was fun to be had with the discovery of a small snake and some interesting looking fungi. Despite these diversons, it didn't take long for my socks and shoes to become soaking wet with the thick mud and puddles on the trail. Eventually I made it above the tree line and scrambled up the slippery rocks to make the summit. From there I decided to head along the ridge line to Mt Ura-Iwasuge, a target I hadn't reached the previous time due to the appalling conditions. It was a good walk, but apart from brief glimpses I was once again unable to enjoy the sweeping views over Shiga Kogen. Perhaps next time?
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