Osugidani valley (大杉谷) is an advanced in-and-out hike in Mie. It's one of Japans top 3 most beautiful valleys and accessible from spring to fall. (The gate is closed and locked)
The valley receives a lot of rainfall and it's notoriously hard to get a good weather day. Spring and fall usually have the best weather and no or less mountain leeches.
The hike is always a bit wet and slippery and it's very exposed with most parts secured by chains. A lot of people have slipped and died on this hike so proceed with caution.
Time: 7-9h
Location: Mie
Distance: 16km
Difficulty: Difficult
Elevation Gain: 1870m
Dayhike
Let me start with saying that Osugidani has a 1000¥ maintenance fee payable at the vending machine at the trailhead. Nobody will force you to pay it but the trail was closed for 10 years because of a typhoon and requires lots of maintence.
Please support the local tourism association and pay the fee!
Access
Trailhead is at a power station with limited parking spots .
Up the road will have a couple more.
There is also a mountain bus from April to November. It's 3000¥ one way and has 1-2 departures a day from Okuise Odai Michi No Eki (道の駅奥伊勢おおだい). It's takes 90min and requires reservation beforehand.
Trail description
Start from the power station and it's pretty much a constant up and sometimes down along the river until you reach Momonokigoya after about 3h.
We continued for another hour until the river got more boring and then turned around.
The trail has lots of exposed sections and often it's chiseled into the rock.
Water is seeping out which makes it very slippery and lots of algae on the trail.
The most exposed sections have chains to hold on to.
Also lots of suspension bridges with beautiful views of the rivers.
Accommodation
You can stay at Momonokigoya (11.000¥ incl 2 meals) or Awadanigoya (10.000¥ incl 2 meals).
Both require reservations.
Elevation Profile & Map
Gallery
If you have any questions leave a comment or message me directly through the chat!