Mount Takasuzu, Ibaraki, Japan
My goal today was to visit Oiwa Shrine and hike Mt. Oiwa (530 m) in northern Ibaraki Prefecture. I took a train from Mito Station to Hitachi Station, then transferred to a bus for the shrine.
Oiwa Shrine’s origins are unknown, but the earliest written record where it was first mentioned was over 1,300 years ago. Archaeological evidence suggests it may have been a religious centre as far back as the Jomon Period (14,000–300 BCE).
The bus stops near the entrance, and the shrine is surrounded by giant trees. Because the sacred area extends to the summit of Mt. Oiwa, hikers must follow strict rules: no pets, sandals, babies, food, drink, smoking, offerings, and no climbing during rain or snow. Luckily, it was only cloudy during my visit.
The trail was not difficult but had some icy patches. I reached the summit quickly and continued to Mt. Takasuzu (623 m), part of the Hitachi Alps. The distant mountain views were stunning. Although more trails connect deeper into the Alps, transport is limited, so I returned the same way.
I missed the bus by a few minutes, so I wandered the area and found a café to relax in until the next bus. With the wind picking up and my post-hike sweat making it chilly, I was glad the café was open.
Route Detail
Distance: 7.49km out & back from Oiwa Shrine
Total elevation gain: 422m
Time: 2h 08m (total time with breaks 2h 11m)
Difficulty: Moderate
Peaks: Mt Oiwa 御岩山 530m, Mt Takasuzu 高鈴山 623m
Transportation & Miscellaneous
Train from Mito Station to Hitachi Station ¥590
Bus from Hitachi Station to Oiwa Shrine ¥610
Food ¥990
