Homanzan 宝満山, Butchōzan 仏頂山, Tokinyama 仏頂山 and Sangunsan 三郡山 hiking plus camping at 宝満山キャンプセンター 2019.9.7 & 8

Homanzan 宝満山, Butchōzan 仏頂山, Tokinyama 仏頂山 and Sangunsan 三郡山 hiking plus camping at 宝満山キャンプセンター  2019.9.7 & 8

Back to Homanzan for another camping and hiking trip this time in better weather to see the sunrise in the morning. This time after setting up camp we expanded the hike to visit 3 more peaks. The main draw was to be at the top of the mountain for the sunrise and it didn't disappoint. Below are some of the pictures from the adventure. 

Spotted a large Japanese common toad on the way up. It jumped into our path. Camp set up time to go and explore some more peaks.

Butchōzan 仏頂山

Tokinyama 仏頂山

Sangunsan 三郡山

The mist was very thick on Sangunsan. The weather station and radar only came into view when we got within around 30 metres. It made for a spooky atmosphere which reminded me of silent hill.

Sangunsan weather station

After getting back from the hike to Sangunsan we were called over by a group of regular hikers who were cooking up many dishes near the lodge. We joined them and enjoyed a merry evening.  In the morning we were a woke at 4am by a youth group. We set off for the summit of Homan before sunrise and enjoyed some wonderful views of the sunrise.

The sun was up when we returned to the campsite. We packed up our things and said our goodbyes and headed off back down the mountain in great weather and good spirits.

Homanzan 宝満山 camping at 宝満山キャンプセンター welcoming the new season 2019.8.31 & 9.1

Homanzan 宝満山 camping at 宝満山キャンプセンター welcoming the new season 2019.8.31 & 9.1

The welcome the start of Autumn and let go of summer I went for a hike up Mt. Homan and camped out at the Homanzan camping centre. I was joined by my youngest daughter so was really excited to sleep outside and watch the sky grow dark as night set in.

Access: The centre can be found by either following the signs to the right near the top of the mountain on the way up (宝満山キャンプセンター) or by going to the top and climbing down the very rocky side. Once down keep walking past the signs on the left which point to Sangunsan and instead go straight on. This will bring you directly to the camp area. For prices check the official site. At the time of writing pitching a tent is free. Sleeping in the lodge hut costs 500 yen per adult per night or 200 yen for children. It is quite basic but does have electric solar powered lighting, tables, blankets etc. You can also jsut use it for a rest which costs 50 Yen. Outside there is a bio toilet and also wooden benches and tables.

Below are some pictures from the hike and camp. It started to rain in the evening but was generally a great atmosphere.

Leina has become a strong hiker. Even though she is only 6 years old she moves quickly and carefully. Her favourite sections of this hike are the rocky parts.

The views from the summit were as spectacular as ever. For the first time ever we had the summit to ourselves which was very nice and peaceful.

Our destination for the evening: The camp centre

When we got to the camp area we found a good place to pitch up without too many small stones on the floor. There were already a number of tents set up for the night and the cabin was pull of people drinking and eating.

The city in the distance. It gives off so much light pollution it is a shame.

The rain started at around 3am and continued all morning. The ground was very wet but we were able to pack away almost everything quickly and get to the cabin. I was given hot coffee by one of the fellow campers and we relaxed with some breakfast.

My bivy tent is tiny on the right.

The rain slowed and I used the chance to collapse the tent and pack away.  We said our goodbyes, packed everything up and continued with our hike down the mountain.

The view of Shioji through the clouds was wonderful and gave the impression of being much higher up than we actually were.

Almost at the bottom we were offered a ride down by a fellow hiker. We declined as it wasn't far but it was very nice to be offered. You often get to see the best of people in the mountains.

It was a wonderful trip. Mt. Homan is always great to visit and I feel lucky it is so nearby. The atmosphere at the campsite was great and I will be going back again many time to explore more and enjoy being out in nature. But maybe I will get a bigger tent if the kids want to join me. 

Tachibanayama 立花山 and Mikazukiyama 三日月山 Hiking 2019.8.24

Tachibanayama 立花山 and Mikazukiyama 三日月山  Hiking 2019.8.24

For the end of August I headed for an easy hike with my daughter to Tachibanayama and Mikazukiyama. This is a wonderful hike, the last time I went this route was in June of last year so it was good to get out and see these mountains in the late summer.


Access: Take the #23 bus from in front of JR Kashii station to Shimobaru. The bus stop is between the JR station and the Nishshitesu station. The bus only takes around 10 minutes and is very frequent.

We started from the bus stop and hiked up to the start point. This is very easy and is just a matter of following the road up towards the mountains. Eventually we came to the entrance to the forest just past this map board.

We went up to Mikazukiyama first as it is a little further and it was too early for lunch. The views on the way are great and we found lots of beautiful trees and saplings on the way.

After enjoying the view at Mikazukiyama we started are hike back to Tachibanaya. We found interesting Fungi and even more impressive trees on that side.

We enjoyed the view and then set up for a picnic lunch. There were many other people there and the rain held off until we started out descent.

It was a wonderful hike and perfect for these rainy days when the weather is unpredictable. The trees, saplings and nature of forest really enhanced the journey. Because it is not too difficult it is recommended for a short morning or afternoon hike. You can also take the route from the Tachibana side car park.