Mt. Ryozen Susuki Grass Trail

The Mt. Ryozen trail is reached from Ohmi Railway Samegai Station in Maibara, Shiga, via a roughly 15-minute taxi ride to the trailhead near Kashiwabara, since public transit does not run directly to the mountain and a car or taxi is recommended. No permit is required. From the trailhead, a dirt path climbs through mixed forest before opening onto the mountain's signature susuki (pampas grass) slopes, covering about 8 kilometers round trip to the 1,212-meter summit with a sustained elevation gain over 4 to 5 hours. The lower forest sections offer good shade and firm dirt footing, while the upper grass slopes are fully exposed to sun and wind, with a trail that becomes faint and easy to lose where the tall grass grows over the path, particularly in early autumn before it is trampled down. There is no technical scrambling, but the combination of exposure, faint tread, and changeable mountain weather makes navigation aids worthwhile. Landmarks along the route include the treeline transition where forest gives way to open grass slopes, ridge knolls offering rest points with valley views, and the rocky summit marker looking over the Suzuka Mountains toward Ise Bay. Hikers pressed for time or uncertain of the upper trail can turn around at the treeline transition, which already offers strong views back toward the Nohi Plain. There are no water sources, huts, or shelters anywhere on the mountain, so hikers must carry all the water and food needed for the 4–5 hour round trip. Weather can shift quickly on the exposed upper slopes, and the trail's popularity peaks in October when the pampas grass turns golden, so early starts help avoid both crowds and afternoon cloud buildup.