Remote grassy peak of Mt Asakusa

Hike date: August 15

Unlike its famous and incredibly crowded Tokyo namesake, Mt Asakusa is a quiet and remote peak at the end of a narrow forest road that had me praying that nothing would come in the opposite direction. I had wanted to come here since visiting nearby Mt Sumon last year, and was delighted to finally make it, and all without incident on the terrible road. After finally arriving, I parked in the surprisingly large car park and began climbing the steep trail through the forest. There were occasional steep rocky sections with ropes and chains, occasionally interspersed by views through the trees to towering Mt Sumon, which I had climbed this time last year. I finally made it to the ridge line from where it was a short hike across a grassy plateau towards the summit. Although it was a short hike, my trekking pole snapped clean in two when I slipped on a treacherous muddy section. From the summit area there were fine views all around including over the treacherous traverse to Mt Onigatsura to the south, but the clouds suddenly closed in and the views suddenly disappeared. I made my way down via a long loop that took me back to the car park. This is a great little climb to a beautiful peak, but it’s also very difficult to access. There were a few other cars in the parking lot, and a small number of hikers.

Check here for more information about Mt Asakusa.

Finally made it to the summit

An interesting-looking mushroom

Across the grassy summit with Mt Sumon in the background

Mt Asakusa summit

Looking south from Asakusa summit

A strange knobbly peak on the ridge line

The route back down to the car park

A strange, battered bell tower

The abandoned forest road leading back to the trailhead car park