“Jigokudani” in Ashiya Rock Garden and the variation route stretching to Arechi-yama is one of the most popular and adventurous trails on Mt. Rokko. Appreciating the landscape and pioneering spirit of “Mr. Kuzo Fujiki”, the founder of “Rock Garden”, we will follow “Jigokudani” all the way to “Banbutsusou” enjoying countless clusters of uniquely shaped granite rocks which make this place one of a kind. After taking a short break, we will continue our hike to “Arechi-yama” (549m) via “Castle Wall” and/or “Black Face”.

We will have lunch on one of the boulders with a spectacular view of Kobe and Osaka.

From “Arechi-yama”, we will descend to Hankyu Okamoto Station via “Kazefuki-Iwa”. (Wind Blowing Rock. 440m)

Though cumulative elevation and total distance may not be very intense, this is a “1.5 star” hike which demands good balance and scrambling over rocky terrain. Technically not very difficult, you need to be in a good physical shape to join this event.

Meeting point and time: Hankyu Ashiyagawa Station   9:30 a.m.

This event will take approximately 5 hours. 

Requirements/What to bring: Hiking attire, rain wear, head light (just in case), lunch, snack, water. Hiking boots are highly recommended. Gloves with rubber coating come in handy for protecting your hands while scrambling. (You can get them at any 100-yen store)   

Max # of participants: 6 

Deadline for sign-up: October 7, 2018  

Cancellation policy: 30% chance of rain by 6:00 a.m. on the day of the event. (You will receive a call. Please don’t forget to provide your phone number when signing up.)