Not just a regular hiking route, this route is also a pilgrimage route for those climbing up to Mitsumine Shrine at the top. As such, when you first get off the bus and walk to the start of the hiking route, you will be greeted by a large torii (鳥居) gate that also makes for a great pre-hike photo spot. Following down that path, you will find this beautiful red wooden bridge that crosses the river to the start of the hike.
The hike up takes around two and a half to three hours, running 3.7km in length, and ascending more than 700 meters. The path is generally well-demarcated, with fences for safety.
You can see a full run-through of the route at this link.
Generally, as hiking etiquette in Japan, one greets passing hikers with an enthusiastic konnichiwa (今日は, Hello). It might seem strange to some to greet strangers, but it’s an enjoyable exchange with people tackling the same challenge as you are.
As you ascend, at the midway point, you will find a beautiful waterfall which serves as a great rest spot.
There are numerous great viewpoints along the way, and great photo spots for pictures of the lush greenery and steep slopes by the side. Some sections can be quite steep, and are a mixture of slopes and stairs. If you’re tired, be sure to take the occasional break, and sometimes turn back to admire the progress that you’ve made in that short period of time.
At the top of the route, you will find a lookout observatory where you can gaze out across the mountains. Seeing this stone lookout point will be a relief to your legs that will be probably pretty worn-out by then.
This torii gate marks the entrance to Mitsumine Shrine and also the end of your hike.
From the top of Mount Mitsumine (三峰山, Mitsumine-san), there are two other popular hiking routes that continue on. The hike to Mount Kumotori (雲取山, Kumotori-san) typically requires an overnight stay (or that you start really early in the morning). There is also a descent to the Chichibu Lake (秩父湖, Chichibu-ko), the path is rather worn down and the markings are quite unclear, so we don't recommend this route unless you are comfortable with going off-path. For most, the climb from Ōwa up to Mount Mitsumine would be satisfying enough for the day.
