2025.8.22-23 Hiuchiyama Mountain Climbing and Tengu Garden Boardwalk Walking Record by Genya

The program featured Mt. Hiuchi, Takaya Pond, and Tengu Garden, which were selected as one of CNN's "31 Most Beautiful Places in Japan."

Looking at the photos, we can see the beautiful autumn leaves, but we decided to go for a walk through the marshes of Tengu Garden to see what it would be like in midsummer.

On the first day, get off at Myoko Kogen Station. Take a direct bus to the Sasaga Mine trailhead. Follow the mountain trail through the forest and stay overnight at Kurosawaike Hut.

On the second day, we planned to climb Mt. Chausu, Takaya Pond, Tengu Garden, and Mt. Hiuchi, and then descend to the Sasaga Mine trailhead. We recorded our progress again while taking photos.

Day 1

There was a swallow's nest under the eaves of the information center next to Myoko Kogen Station. There were three chicks inside. Every time the parents brought food, the chicks opened their mouths wide to receive it. As soon as they were done, the parents flew away. There were about 10 swallows flying around in the square. I was fascinated by the view, which can no longer be seen in the city. I hope this view will last forever.

A magnificent reception building from the Compass era. The entrance fee is 500 yen and I received a wooden commemorative gift.

The trail begins with a boardwalk. There are beech trees and oak trees. Many plants unique to the Sea of Japan coexist on the forest floor.

As you climb up to an altitude of around 1,900 m, the area becomes a coniferous forest, dominated by Abies mariesii.

At an altitude of around 2,000 m, once you pass the Takayaike junction, the tall trees disappear and the trail becomes dominated by bamboo grass.

I came to Kurosawaike Marsh, but there has been little rain, and the bottom of the small pond is visible, with the ground cracking. It seems that the effects of global warming are being felt even in places like this.

You can see a pond in the distance. Normally, the water level comes up to the dead tree on the right.

After this we arrived at Kurosawaike Hut and stayed overnight.

　

Day 2

Kurosawaike Hut (blue roof in the background left) and the lakes and marshes of Kurosawaike Wetland from the hiking trail to Chausuyama.

Chausuyama summit (2175 m above sea level). Approximately 50 minutes from the hut.

The boardwalk to "Tengu Garden" The mountain in front is Mt. Hiuchi.

This waterway is also dry.

A distant view of the lakes and ponds in Tengu Garden.

The lakes and ponds of Tengu's Garden.

The overall view of Tengu Garden from Raicho-daira.

A flower field beside the hiking trail.

It takes about an hour to reach the summit of Mt. Hiuchi from Tengu Garden.

Rowan berries.

A bent Erman's birch tree. Its twisted branches clearly show the harshness of the environment.

Takayaike Pond and Takayaike Hut

This triangular-roofed mountain hut stands on the banks of the Takataniike Marsh, giving the impression of standing in the marshland.

Next time I come, I'll stay here and enjoy this heavenly paradise. The autumn foliage scenery is captivating.

After 1pm, there were no more climbers going uphill.

As I descended the mountain, the sunlight filtered through the trees and I was grateful for the shade provided by the leaves, blocking the direct sunlight.

With almost no wind, the occasional breeze rustling the leaves made my underwear flap, and I felt the coolness all over my body.

I felt like I was in a world cut off from all other sounds, hearing only the sound of my own footsteps. I reached the trailhead and finished.
I gave thanks to the mountain god.

Afterword

The autumn foliage at Takaya Pond on Mt. Hiuchiyama, which was selected as one of the "31 most beautiful landscapes in Japan" by CNN in the United States, is known as a "ceiling paradise," but it is also beautiful even without the autumn leaves.

I had planned to see the view twice before, but kept postponing it.

My wish finally came true and I was able to visit even though it was hot out.

This year's heat was worse than expected.

There was little rain, so the ponds dried up, exposing the ground and it was painful to see cracks in the ground.

As we climbed, we were able to see the changes in the vegetation between 1,300 m and 2,000 m above sea level, and we were impressed by the amazing adaptability of the environment.

I was looking forward to seeing the water and flowers united up close in the marshland, so it was a bit disappointing that I could only see it from a distance.