Mocchomudake is the lowest mountain on the Go Yakushima mountain tour hike menu, but it is probably the most strenuous. There is little respite from start to finish and during the last 30 minutes there are a number of ropes to climb, including the final rope-climb where nerve as well as upper-body strength are necessary. The good news is that the ascent can be achieved within only a few hours and the descent is quite quick (but be prepared for jelly-knees!).
The hike begins near the Senpiro Waterfall and before entering the trail there is a small shrine that is used when the villagers from Onoaida make the pilgrimage (takemairi) up to Mocchomudake. On the summit you can see a few small shrines tucked under the front of the rock facing the Onoaida village. Feel free to give a small donation to the gods at the top – you may require their help at some stage along this tough trail!
The hike begins as it means to go on – UP! However, we do pass some wonderful scenery along the way including a few streams (where the water is good) and around halfway up we come across Bandai sugi – a 3,000 year old sugi. This is a very picturesque tree as its base is almost entirely hollow and you can see right through it. It sits upon a ridge that seems to have room only for the tree.
After about 3 hours, the climb shows its real rewards as a brief clearing from Kamiyama Tenbodai gives a glimpse of the peak of Mocchomudake and the village of Haro down below. The final stage of this ascent is along a narrow ridge that leads to the summit of Mocchomudake.
From the top of the mountain the view is thrilling. Directly 900 metres below is Onoaida. You can see right along the coastline and far out to sea. The views are so good that you have to tear yourself off the top to make the journey back down.
The top of Mocchomudake is exposed to the sun and a hat is essential. It can also be windy on the ridge and summit, so bring something warm to wear as lunch at the top is recommended – weather permitting. There is not that much space on the mountain peak and on a windy day caution is required.
Water is available along this trail.
Level 5/5 | Distance: 8km | Time 7 – 8 hours | Altitude 270m ～994m
Guide Rate (per person)
1 person: 44,000円
2 people: 22,500円
3 people: 19,000円
4 or more: 16,500円
Included in the guide rate： lunch bento | transportation