Mt. Kurikoma, autumn foliage routes
Updated: Oct 19
栗駒山
Mt. Kurikoma (栗駒山, 1,626 m), also known as Mt. Sukawadake (須川岳), is an active volcano straddling Iwate, Akita, and Miyagi prefectures.
Famous for its spectacular autumn foliage, the mountain is also home to a rich variety of alpine flora in spring and summer, earning it a place among Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains of Flowers. The area is also known for its highly acidic hot springs. Be sure to check out our article on Sukawa Onsen if you have time.
Several hiking routes lead to the summit, offering different levels of difficulty and starting points. Here are four of the main routes: ・Chuo Course (中央コース): Starting point: Iwakagami Daira, Miyagi Prefecture, Approximately 3 km; suitable for beginners and families. ・Higashikurikoma Course (東栗駒コース): Starting point: Iwakagami Daira, Miyagi Prefecture approximately 4 km; suitable for beginner to intermediate hikers. ・Yubama Course (湯浜コース): Near Yubama Onsen, Akita/Miyagi Prefectures, Approx 9km, a longer, more demanding route for experienced hikers. ・Sukawa Course (須川コース): Starting point: Sukawa Kogen Onsen, Iwate Approx 4km, a scenic route starting near Sukawa Onsen 🌟The Sukawa Course reopened in July 2026 after a seven-year closure. However, it is now closed for the winter season. Check the latest official trail information before planning your hike. In this article, I'll share our experience hiking from Sukawa Onsen, Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture, to enjoy the autumn colours.
The foliage around Sukawa Kogen Onsen typically reaches its peak around early October, while the colours closer to the summit tend to peak earlier. For the latest foliage updates, check the Sukawa Visitor Center on Instagram.: https://www.instagram.com/sukawa_vc/
We parked our car at Sukawa Visitor Center (須川ビジターセンター) and started our ascent from ①須川高原温泉 (sukawakougenonsen) at about 7am.
Walk up toward the iconic Daiichi Rock and enjoy the view of the bubbling hot spring.
As you walk up you will see the Sukawa Onsen Shrine. The trail will lead you to a a vast open expanse ② 名残ヶ原 (nagorigahara). In spring, it transforms into a field of cotton grass and in autumn, Japanese pampas grass.
As you go further, you will start to see some amazing landscapes decorated with Kurikoma's signature, multicolored autumn foliage.
Follow the signs up towards ④ 昭和湖 and continue onto ⑤天狗平 (tengudaira)
⑤天狗平（tengudaira): Not long until we reach the summit now. Be sure to remember which path you have taken up because there are many ways down the mountain from this point. If you are uncertain, there is a sign which can guide you ↓
The summit! And on a clear day, you will be able to see Mt. Chokai in the distance.
※If the Sukawa course is unavailable such as in previous years, the alternative is to take route ③苔花台 (Taikitai) and proceed towards ④産沼 (Ubunuma) to reach the summit. Along the way, you'll need to cross two streams by stepping on rocks, so hiking boots are recommended. The hike is manageable for those with an average level of fitness.
Alternative Route
If you do not have time to get to the summit, this alernative route will lead you to some spectacular, rocky formations and cliff faces.
At ② 名残ヶ原 (nagorigahara) take the alternative route (right at the fork) and follow the trail
The barren rocks reminded me that I am indeed on top of a volcano. As waves of clouds started to engulf the mountains, it was time to head back.
In the last few years, Mt. Kurikoma has gained a lot of popularity. Hiking from Miyagi Prefecture's Iwakagami Daira route can get very congested during high season. In contrast, the Sukawa Course is less busy, but if at all feasible, I suggest visiting early on a weekday morning.
Access:
From JR Ichinoseki Station take the Iwate-ken Kotsu Bus (Bus stop 9). *Buses are infrequent so do make sure to plan ahead, if unsure double check with the tourism center. English speaking staff are available.
For those planning to go by car park at the visitor center that I have pinned on the map.
This article is based off the article that I wrote for the Kitakami Times → http://www.iwate-ilc.jp/eng/ktimes/kurikoma-hiking-with-the-seasons/
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