Hiking Season
The hiking season for Mt Kurikoma is from late May to early November. Trails are closed outside of this period and during the snow season for safety reason, as it is extremely dangerous to hike on the mountain when it is covered with snow.

spring
Spring
summer
Summer
fall
Autumn
winter
Winter

Trails
There are nine trails that lead to the summit of Mt. Kurikoma. Each trail has its own characteristics which allows you to choose the most suitable trail.
The easiest trails are the Chuo and the Sukawa trails. The hike to the summit only takes 90 minutes from the starting point on these two trails. These trails are popular with most hikers, and are easy for beginner hikers, children, and families. The Higashi Kurikoma trail is highly recommended for intermediate hikers. Not only it is a very enjoyable course, the trail also has great scenery. It takes about two hours from the starting point to the summit.
All the other trails are for intermediate and advanced hikers. It takes approximately four to six hours to the summit on each of these trails, so we highly recommend that hikers taking these trails to bring adequate water, food and equipment with them.

Weather Information
Although Mt. Kurikoma stands at only 1,626 meters (5,335 feet) tall, which is not that tall for a mountain, the weather condition is similar to areas with an altitude of 2,500 meters (8,202 feet) such as the Japan Alps, due to the mountain’s location in the temperate zone. The wind generally is very gusty in the mountains. At times when there are strong wind, the apparent temperature can be much lower than the actual temperature. (Approximately -1.0℃ per 1 m/sec of wind velocity). In summer, there are frequent occurrence of dense fog and thunderstorms, increasing the risk of hikers losing their way. If you hear the sound of thunder, stop whatever you are doing and take shelter in a safe place immediately.

Equipment
You must carry rainwear, warm clothing, a head lamp and a map. You should check your equipment before departing for the hike. When you hike Mt. Kurikoma, you should be adequately equipped when climbing at an altitude 1,500 meters or higher, so that you can cope with any sudden weather changes or unexpected delays in descending the mountain.

Recommended Clothing and Equipment:
Shoes: Trekking shoes/boots
Rainwear: Water proof jacket and trousers, or a poncho
Clothing: Fleece, sweater or down jacket
Underclothes: Quick-drying
Light: Head lamp
Water: About 1.5 liters (there are no shops in the mountain)
Food: Easy to carry snacks
Trash bags: To bring trash back
Other: Cap/hat, map, sunglasses, sunscreen, walking poles, emergency food supplies

Access
【Chuo and Higashi Kurikoma Trail】
By Car
Wakayanagi-Kannari Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway

Miyagi Prefecture Route 42(Tsukidate-Kurikoma park line)

Iwakagamidaira Trail Entrance
By Bus
Kurikoma-Kogen Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen

Iwakagamidaira Trail Entrance

【Sukawa Trail】
By Car
Ichinoseki Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway

Route 342

Sukawakogen-onsen Trail Entrance
By Bus
Ichinoseki Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen

Sukawakogen-onsen Trail Entrance

Rules and Regulations for hiking Mt. Kurikoma
Mt. Kurikoma is designated as part of the Mt. Kurikoma Quasi-National Park. The following actions are prohibited in the designated area
Disturbing animals and plants
Removing rocks from the area
Pitching a tent/lighting a fire
Leaving pets off-leash
Sowing seeds or planting seedlings

Prevent hiking accidents
Mt. Kurikoma is not considered a high mountain in Japan. Despite this, weather conditions are unpredictable throughout the year, and many people do not take their hike seriously. As a result, dangerous and fatal hiking accidents have occurred in the past
*Mountain trails and other facilities are typically open from late May to early November.