Photo: Naganojmmmm, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mt. Azumaya Hiking Guide: The Sugadaira Bokujō Loop via Mt. Neko
A guide to Mt. Azumaya (2,354 m) on the Nagano–Gunma border, one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains. Nagano Prefecture grades the Sugadaira Bokujō loop via Mt. Neko as stamina 3, technical B, about 7.3 hours and 9.5 km. Also covers the ¥300 entry fee and the Ueda Bus Sugadaira line.
This guide is based on Nagano Prefecture's "Shinshū Mountain Grading" list (2026 edition), the Ueda Bus timetable (revised October 1, 2025) and Sugadaira Highlands' official facility list, checked October 24, 2026.
Introduction
Mt. Azumaya (四阿山, Azumaya-san) is a 2,354 m mountain on the border of Nagano and Gunma prefectures, and one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains. The usual start, Sugadaira Bokujō (a pasture at 1,590 m), keeps the climb moderate, so it is a popular Hyakumeizan day hike.
Difficulty by the official grading
From Nagano Prefecture's 2026 grading list (course times exclude breaks):
| Route | Stamina | Technical | Time | Distance | Total ascent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mt. Azumaya from Sugadaira Bokujō, via Mt. Neko | 3 | B | 7.3 h | 9.5 km | 1.10 km |
| Mt. Azumaya from Torii-tōge | 3 | B | 6.7 h | 13.9 km | 1.06 km |
| Mt. Azumaya from Minenohara | 3 | B | 7.0 h | 12.6 km | 1.18 km |
| Mt. Neko only, from Sugadaira Bokujō | 2 | A | 3.7 h | 5.1 km | 0.62 km |
If you are unsure about time, Mt. Neko (2,207 m) on its own is a good hike.
The Sugadaira Bokujō loop
From the trailhead at Sugadaira Bokujō, trails split toward Mt. Neko and Mt. Azumaya. The Minenohara Highlands Tourism Association also introduces a loop that climbs Mt. Neko first and continues to Mt. Azumaya.
Access
Entry fee
Sugadaira Highlands' official facility list gives the Sugadaira Bokujō entry fee as ¥300 for adults and ¥100 for children.
By bus
Ueda Bus runs the Sugadaira Kōgen line from stop 3 in front of Ueda Station. On the timetable revised October 1, 2025, the bus takes about 75 minutes to the Sugadaira Kōgen Ura-Tarō terminus. Some departures run only in July–August and from mid-December to March, and some do not run on Sundays and holidays, so check the current timetable. We could not confirm the walking time from the bus stops to the Sugadaira Bokujō trailhead, so plan your day around the last bus back.
Season
Snow-free hiking is from early summer to autumn. At over 2,300 m, expect snow, ice and frozen ground from October onward.
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Gear
- Hiking boots for mud, loose stones and big steps on the descent
- Rain gear, warm layers, gloves and a hat
- Water, snacks, a headlamp, an offline map app, a power bank and a first-aid kit
Cautions
- Long day: the loop is about 7.3 hours without breaks. Decide your turnaround time before you start.
- Bad weather: rain makes rocky sections slippery. Turn back if cloud rolls in.
- Rules: Ueda City asks hikers on Mt. Neko and Mt. Azumaya to follow Nagano Prefecture's rules and manners for natural parks.