【Kasagatake Tozan Course】
The Kasagatake Tozan Course is an advanced mountain trail that begins and ends at the Suzurikawa bus stop. It winds through a steep rocky alpine landscape to the summit of Mt. Kasagatake (2,075 m). The trail covers 7 kilometers, with an elevation change of 350 meters, and takes approximately four hours to complete.
The sharply steepled peak of Mt. Kasagatake, easily recognizable from below, is a beloved local landmark whose summit looks out at the Northern Alps and Shiga Highlands. The path up the mountain is scenic as well—particularly in summer, when it passes along the Kumanoyu Ski Slopes carpeted with the purple blossoms of fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium). Farther up the trail, lingonberry shrubs put out delicate bell-shaped flowers in early summer that become edible, bright-red berries in early autumn.
For those with time constraints, the summit is also partially accessible by car. Visitors can drive to the Tōge no Chaya café, located at an elevation of 1,920 meters. From the parking lot, the steep wooden stairway that leads to the peak of Mt. Kasagatake is easily accessible.