Tsurugi-dake Course[Advanced]

Mt Tsurugi Course

1. 

   Start from Kamiichi Station on the Toyama Chiho Railway Main Line

   At the foot of Mt Tsurugi in the Northern Alps

   Toyama Chiho Railway allows cycle trains (carrying bicycles) on all lines only on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and during the New Year holidays.
   URL: Toyama Chiho Railway Co., Ltd. | Cycle Train (About bringing bicycles)

2. 

   Right after passing through the ticket gate, there is a bakery on your left where you can get a bite to eat before your cycle ride.

3. 

   "Anantan Soy Sauce Rusk" made with "Anantan's sacred water" spring up from the ground near Mt Tsurugi

4. 

   "Porbilla Konbu" made with kelp beloved by the people of Toyama.

5. 

   "Anantan Soy Sauce Mochi" with a chewy texture.

6. 

   Have a light snack

7. 

   Check your bicycle

8. 

   Leave Kamiichi Station

9. 

   And departure to Banbajima, the base camp for the famous Mt Tsurugi.

10. 

    After leaving Kamiichi Station, turn left at the first traffic light, "Yokohoonji" intersection.

11. 

    After this, just keep going straight to your finish line at Banbajima.

12. 

    On this course to Mt. Tsurugi, the only hydration points such as vending machines and convenience stores are only at this starting area.

13. 

    The beginning of the course is a gentle climb.

14. 

    From the sign board indicating 18km to Banbajima, the road starts to be gradually steep.

15. 

    Up ahead will be the first difficult point: a mountain pass.

16. 

    Be careful with the wet road due to the spring water.

17. 

    Also, be careful of passing trucks.

18. 

    Go to Banbajima direction.

19. 

    Be careful of cracks on the road.

20. 

    Go down towards Hayatsuki River.

21. 

    Keep going along the Hayatsuki River. At open spots, Mt Tsurugi can be seen.

22. 

    Cross the Hayatsuki River from the left bank to the right bank. Now enjoy easy riding at open area.

23. 

    Another 8km to Banbajima.

24. 

    Next, cross Iori Bridge from the right bank to the left bank.

25. 

    The view from Iori Bridge offers a panoramic view of Mt Tsurugi, Mt Oku-Dainichi, and Mt Dainichi, a part of magnificient Tateyama mountain range.
    Especially 2,999 meters high Mt Tsurugi, with its sharply pointed rock peaks, can be seen above the river, creating a majestic and impressive sight.
    The Hayatsuki River is a stream from Mt Tsurugi. The air in this area is so clear, so that the mountains are particularly visible.

26. 

    Sign board indicating 6.5km to Banbajima.

27. 

    This Iori Gate is closed during the winter and no vehicles passing through.
    Closing period: Late November to late April
    For the latest information on traffic restrictions, please visit the Kamiichi Town website.
    URL: Kamiichi Town Homepage

28. 

    After passing through the Iori Gate, it will be widely open area with nice view.
    The slope in the photo may look gentle, but the ride till the finish line Banbajimaso, elevation of 750m, is not so easy.

29. 

    3km to Banbajima, almost at the finish line.

30. 

    As you approach the finish line, the road gradually narrows.

31. 

    Once you leave the snow shelter, you will see the Shirahagi Power Station. Please be careful with narrow road.

32. Shirahagi Power Station is also known as the "Zoromeki Power Station," which means the rocks in the river are lined up in a row.

33. 

    Near this bridge, you will see the "Nakayama Trailhead." knows as observation deck for Mt. Tsurugi, and is a popular low mountain for intermediate hikers.

34. 

    Once you cross the bridge, the finish line is right in front of you.

35. 

    The stone monument of Mt Tsurugi in Chubu Sangaku National Park can be seen on the left.

36. 

    Once you pass the stone monument, you will see a white building on your right.

37. 

    Top of the hill is the finish line, Banbajimaso.

38. 

    Arrived at Banbajimaso

    This place is a base camp for climbing Mt. Tsurugi and an administration office for the campsites around Banbajima.

    Facilities include a restaurant, accommodation rooms, a drying room, and laundry, and the restaurant serves delicious hand-made soba noodles and seasonal mountain vegetable tempura.
    Handmade soba noodles are only available on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Mountain vegetable tempura will be available until mid-June.
    *Please contact Banbajimaso in advance for handmade soba noodles or mountain vegetable tempura.
    URL: Baba Sanso "Climbing base for Mount Tsurugi" (facebook)