Takashimizu Trail, Kagamino

The Takashimizu Trail opened in November 2019 as an 8,132-meter trekking course that traverses the prefectural border between Kagamino Town in Okayama Prefecture and Misasa Town in Tottori Prefecture. The trail follows the ridge along this border, starting and ending at Ningyo Pass at 735 meters above sea level, and continuing to Takashimizu Plateau at 950 meters and Mount Hakushu at 1,044 meters. The trail represents a modern addition to the Chugoku Mountains trekking network, designed to showcase the natural beauty of this mountainous region where Okayama meets Tottori.

The course is paved with wood chips, making it gentle on the feet and hips and accessible even for beginners. The trail provides a comfortable trekking experience with temperatures that rarely exceed 30 degrees Celsius even in midsummer. Hikers can encounter primeval beech forests along the route and observe Iwauchiwa, a wildflower with pale pink-purple blooms. The trail offers opportunities to experience the four seasons of the Chugoku Mountains, with varying natural attractions throughout the year.

Visitors can adjust their trek according to time and physical ability along the well-maintained ridge path. The view from the top of Mount Takashimizu at 950 meters elevation is particularly noteworthy. During winter, the trail receives nearly 2 meters of snow, making it inaccessible without special equipment such as snowshoes. The trail provides a health-focused outdoor experience through the pristine mountain environment.

Access to the Takashimizu Trail begins at Ningyo Pass in Kagamino Town. For tourism information and inquiries, contact the Kagamino Tourism Bureau at 0868-52-9100. The trail is free to access, with no admission fees required for hiking. Visitors should plan according to seasonal conditions, particularly in winter when specialized equipment becomes necessary for safe passage.