Country:
For this first part, follow the signs for "Takamizuyama".
(S) When you leave Ikusabata Station, turn left onto the lane that runs alongside the railway line. Cross the railway line quickly and continue along the lane towards the north-east until you reach a tarmac road. Follow the road north for about 800 metres.
(1) At the T-junction, turn left onto the road that stays on the right bank of the small stream (leave the main road that goes up to the right).
(2) Less than 1 km before a small temple, cross the stream on the right and follow the small road uphill.
(3) At the last house, with two basins/reservoirs, the road ends and becomes a path that turns into steps to cross the dam (dry when I passed, but still very high). Continue along the path, which climbs fairly steadily.
(4) When you see the buildings, leave the ridge path and take the path on the left that leads to the foot of the stairs that allow you to enter the Buddhist temple through the main gate. At the foot of the stairs, the path continues and joins a carriage road and a water source (not verified!). After a quick visit to the temple, head towards the ridge line to join the path that offers a nice view.
(5) Pass by the summit (759m) where, unfortunately, the abundant vegetation prevents you from admiring the possible panoramic views. Continue westwards on the path more or less along the ridge.
(6) At a fork, take the path on the right (marked with arrows) that climbs up to the ridge (ignore the path that branches off to the left on the south side). The route is challenging, with many different tracks on very steep, rocky terrain, requiring you to use your hands from time to time. At the top of the difficult section, you will see a sign in Japanese saying "Caution, danger, no path...". After that, it becomes easier. Stay on the ridge line until you reach the summit.
From here, follow the signs for "Sôgakuyama" and/or "Mitaké-éki" (Mitaké station).
(7) Iwatakéishi summit (793m), the highest point of the hike. Fairly clear views of the surrounding mountains as far as the suburbs of Tokyo. Continue west then south-west along the path, which zigzags downhill roughly along the ridge. Join the bypass path and continue more or less southwards along the least rugged section of the route. After a short climb, you will reach the Shinto temple built at Sôgakuyama (756m), the last peak of the hike.
(8) Then follow the path south or south-southeast, which descends at a more or less steep gradient, sometimes with hairpin bends, until you reach Mitaké. Cross the railway line, turn right, walk up the street a little and arrive at the station (E).
Visorando member
Moderate 
