Mount Aono Trail

The Mount Aono Trail climbs to the 907 m summit of Mount Aono above Tsuwano, a historic castle town in western Shimane Prefecture. The trailhead is reached from JR Tsuwano Station by taxi or car to the Sasayama trailhead, about 15 minutes away; parking is limited and there are no toilets at the trailhead, so hikers should prepare in town beforehand. The round trip covers about 8 km with a steady climb to the summit, taking four to five hours at a moderate pace. The lower trail follows a dirt forest path through cedar and broadleaf woodland, well shaded and with a firm surface; the upper section steepens over rocky, root-crossed ground with occasional short scrambles but no serious exposure. Local authorities have reported bear sightings in the area, and a bear bell is recommended gear. Landmarks along the route include a ridge junction roughly two-thirds of the way up, which offers views over the Tsuwano valley and serves as a reasonable turn-around point in poor weather, and the open summit itself, which looks out over the Chugoku mountains and, on clear days, toward the Sea of Japan coast. There are no water sources, huts, or shelters on the mountain, so hikers must carry all the water they need for the round trip. The trail can be muddy and slick after rain given the exposed root sections near the summit, and winter snow can make the upper trail difficult without additional gear.