Time Up :15
Time Down :15

Difficulty 0
Ascent 330m
Descent 0
Length 830m

The easiest way to get to Nishi-jima is obviously the chairlift. The pleasant ride helps reduce the time and effort to/from the top, or its just nice to take in the great view from Nishi-jima if you don't have the time or energy to hike to the summit.

Time Up :55
Time Down :45
Difficulty 2.5

Ascent 330m
Decent 0
Length 1.35 km

Base Trail A is the shorter and steeper of the two base trails, its almost constant uphill and you are sure to break a sweat. When going down, if you jog its almost as fast as the chairlift (but don't break your ankle!)

Time Up 1:10
Time Down :55
Difficulty 1.8

Ascent 330m
Descent 0
Length 1.95 km

Base Trail B is the less demanding of the two base routes. The lovely trail goes through pretty forest and past the source of the Iya River, with only a few steep sections.

Time Up :40*
Time Down :30*
*This does not include the time to/from Nishi-jima via either Chairlift or Base Trail
Difficulty 2.7

Ascent 205m
Descent 0
Length 0.96 km

This is the fastest & shortest way to the top of Tsurugi from the Nishi-jima Lift Station. Following the north ridge, its almost constant uphill, and sometimes steep, but there are lots of nice views along the way.

Time Up :55*
Time Down :45*
*This does not include the time to/from Nishi-jima via either Chairlift or Base Trail
Difficulty 1.8

Ascent 205m
Descent 0
Length 1.2 km

The "Tsurugi Trail" goes out gently from Nishi-jima, with only a few steep spots that are mainly in the second half. It goes past Otsurugi Shrine, from where there are great views.

Time Up 1:15*
Time Down 1:05*
*This does not include the time to/from Nishi-jima via either Chairlift or Base Trail
Difficulty 2.4

Ascent 205m
Descent 0
Length 2 km

The majority of the "Promenade Trail" is rather level as it goes from Nishi-jima around the west side of Mt Tsurugi. Then the final portion goes steeply up the southwest ridge to the summit. Great views abound.

 Also consider doing this trail in reverse after climbing up to the top via the "Ridge Trail" or the "Tsurugi Trail", allowing for a great loop back to Nishi-jima.

Time Up :55*
Time Down :55*
*This does not include the time for getting to/from the top of Mt. Tsurugi.
Difficulty 2.5

Ascent 125m
Descent 150m
Length 1.5 km

If looking for an undeveloped peak, a splendid hike, and a bit of mountain solitude, head over to Mt Jirogyu. The views are amazing and worth the effort. Add it to the "Promenade Trail" on the return route after Tsurugi.

  Regarding Time and Bus Access:
If looking to use the Local Bus for a one-day hike to here, the approximate total time to go from Minokoshi up to Mt Tsurugi via the Chairlift and "Ridge Trail", then over to Mt Jirogyu and then back to Nishi-jima via the "Promenade Trail" and return down to Minokoshi by Chairlift is about 3.5 hours not including breaks.
So only if you are in good shape and move efficiently would you have enough time to use the Local Bus of Oku-Iya, which arrives at 11:00am and departs at 15:00pm. So yes, its possible, but do be careful with your time!

Time Up :50*
Time Down 1:00*
*This does not include the time for getting to/from the top of Mt. Tsurugi.
Difficulty 1.6

Ascent 155m
Descent 180m
Length 1.5 km

Hiking across the ridge to the tranquil Ichi-no-moi is a beautiful hike. Not all that difficult, and full of views for much of the way. A nice side trip from Tsurugi, or opt to stay at the lovely staffed hut near the top of Ichi-no-mori.

  Regarding Time and Bus Access:
If looking to use the Local Bus for a one-day hike to here, the approximate total time to go from Minokoshi up to Mt Tsurugi via the Chairlift and "Ridge Trail", then over to Mt Ichi-no-mori and then back to Nishi-jima via Mt Tsurugi and again on the "Ridge Trail" with the return down to Minokoshi by Chairlift is about 3.5 hours not including breaks.
So only if you are in good shape and move efficiently would you have enough time to use the Local Bus of Oku-Iya, which arrives at 11:00am and departs at 15:00pm. So yes, its possible, but do be careful with your time!
Also, if you have the ability, Mt Ichi-no-mori can be accessed by daily Local Bus from Koyadaira Town (Mima City) that links to JR Anabuki Station. This route is explained at the end of this hike description.

Time:
Tsurugi to Bridges 3:35*
Bridges to Tsurugi 4:45*
*This does not include the time for getting to/from the top of Mt. Tsurugi.
Difficulty:
Tsurugi to Bridges 3.0
Bridges to Tsurugi 4.0

Ascent 260m
Descent 1240m
Length 8 km

Looking for a challenge? Not for beginners, this hike links Mt Tsurugi with the Double Vine Bridges via the Maruishi section of the South Ridge Trail. With amazing views through pretty meadows and virgin forest, it could be nice if split into 2 days by staying at the Tsurugi Hut or at the (kinda crummy) Maruishi Hut. **Its much harder to do in reverse with starting from the Vine Bridges.