Odagi-ga-hara to Osugi

A 'different' but superb and hugely varied 2-day trail through one of Japan's wettest, and therefore ebulliently green, areas. 

Beginning on the high plateau of Odai-ga-hara, replete with moss-draped old forests, the trail crosses the high point at Hide-ga-take at 1,695m, from where you can see the Omine-san, mountains, then drops into the Osugi-dani, one of the gorges which crashes down from the highlands.

Thrillingly (or scarily) vertiginous in places, you will be at times inching along cliff walls, gripping the fitted chains. This is not a beginner's walk and care will be needed.

Superb gorge scenery, with eight waterfalls to admire, and gorgeous leaf colours in autumn. 

If you don't feel like tackling the thrills and dangers of the gorge, you can spend a very rewarding day on the Odagi-ga-kara plateau.

Good chances to see the Japanese deer, and possibly the Japanese serow, a (goat-like) creature - as well as, perhaps less welcomely bear and boar.

The 'season' is rather specific, 25^th April to 23^rd November, when buses run to the top of Odai-ga-hara and huts are open. Both the start and end are at bus stops, so getting to and from is not too hard despite the remoteness.

You can stay at Momonoki-yama-no-ie halfway down, so no need to carry tents etc

Lonely Planet's excellent Trekking in Japan has good information on the practicalities, including getting there/away. And a good box in Lonely Planet's Japan.

Have a look at the dreaded TripAdvisor . You should get good, current views on this walk/area.

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