Katsuudake, located in Nago City, is a mountain with an elevation of 452 meters and can be climbed in about 40 minutes one way, making it enjoyable even for beginners.
The summit offers a spectacular view of the city of Nago and the sea and nature of Yanbaru.
Furthermore, because it offers opportunities to take unique photos, it has recently become increasingly popular as a photo spot.

However, since a mountaineering accident occurred on Mount Katsuu in 2018, caution is necessary.
I wonder what kind of place it is...
*Incidentally, the person who was involved in the incident was rescued safely.

I recently climbed Mount Katsuu, so I'll be sharing my report, tips for taking photos at the summit, and important points to keep in mind for a safe and enjoyable climb!

<Table of Contents>
1. I tried climbing Mount Katsuu.
1-1. First, how to get to Katsuudake
1-2. Kazuudake mountain trail entrance
1-3. The hiking trail is "very rugged terrain."
2. Let's take a picture.
3. Four points to safely enjoy Mt. Katsuu
3-1.Clothing
3-2. Preparations
3-3. Weather
3-4. A schedule that allows you to descend the mountain before dark.
4. Summary

Show all table of contents

1. I tried climbing Mount Katsuu.

Now, let's move on to the climbing report for Mount Katsuu!!

1-1. First, how to get to Katsuudake

Head north on National Route 58. ① Turn left at the intersection where Gusto Nago store is located and enter National Route 449..

After driving along National Route 449 for a while,② Turn right at the intersection where you will see "Marui Construction" on your right.We are going up the slope leading to the entrance.

In the middle③ You will see a sign that says "Katsuudake Entrance" on your right, so turn right there.enter.

After climbing for a while, you'll arrive at the foot of Mount Katsuu. The parking lot is spacious and easy to park in.

1-2. Kazuudake mountain trail entrance

There was a public restroom at the Katsuudake parking lot.

The sign at the entrance to the hiking trail begins with, "The terrain is extremely rugged."

The trailhead is right next to the sign. Let's head straight for the summit.

1-3. The hiking trail is "very rugged terrain."

The signpost said, "The terrain is extremely rugged," so I was prepared for a rough climb, but it seemed to be well-maintained.

Just as the naive thought crossed my mind that "this might be easier than I thought," a rocky path appeared before me.

"This certainly looks tough," I thought, steeling myself. The ground was not only rough and uneven, but there was moss growing on the rocks and the soil was damp and slippery, so I proceeded carefully, paying attention to where I was stepping.

Incidentally, red ribbons were tied to tree branches at various points along the route to serve as markers for the correct path.

It's harder than I imagined, and I'm out of breath.
In some places, it's dimly lit even during the daytime.

There were some flat areas with gentle slopes along the way, which was a relief as I could catch my breath.

The more challenging the journey, the more likely you are to feel unsure and wonder, "Am I on the right path?" So, it's a good idea to check the red ribbons tied to the tree branches from time to time.
Sometimes you see a large "正" (correct/correct) character on a rock. I suppose it indicates that the route is correct. Is this the right path...?

Just when you think you're nearing the summit, the slope suddenly becomes much steeper, as if to say, "This is the final challenge."

We climbed our way up and finally reached the top...!!

Unfortunately, the weather was mostly cloudy, but the view was still spectacular. We had a panoramic view of the city of Nago, as well as the sea, sky, and nature of Yanbaru.

3. Let's take a picture.

The summit of Katsuu-dake offers a spectacular photo opportunity. You can take pictures of the cityscape of Nago or the nature of Yanbaru, but we also recommend taking unique photos, such as hanging from the rocks in the background.

It looks like you're hanging from a sheer cliff, and at first glance you might think, "Huh? Won't I fall off? That's too scary, no way..." But actually, your feet can touch the ground, so you can take photos that look like you're hanging from a cliff.

Besides just hanging from the rocks, taking photos while sitting on them is also a great and impressive option.

Whether you're hanging from a rock or sitting on one, the key to taking good photos is to avoid including the rocky ground in the frame as much as possible.
If you focus on photographing only the rocks, it will look like a sheer cliff, resulting in a thrilling photograph.

However, the area around the rock is immediately sloped, and one wrong step could lead to a fall.
The rocks and summits have rough, uneven ground, making footing unstable, so be extremely careful and don't get too distracted by taking photos.

3. Four points to safely enjoy Mt. Katsuu

After actually climbing Mount Katsuu, I noticed four things that I think are important to keep in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, so I'd like to share them with you.

3-1.Clothing

Because there are many rough, rocky areas, shoes are essential and you should wear sandals or slippers.
Also, I think it would be even easier to climb if you have gloves, work gloves, and a towel.
Having a change of clothes just in case would be perfect!

3-2. Preparations

There were no vending machines in the parking lot at Katsuudake, so be sure to bring your own drinks.
Also, if you're uncomfortable using public restrooms, it's recommended to use the restroom beforehand.

3-3. Weather

The ground was already slippery, so it seemed like it would be even more dangerous on rainy days.
The wind at the summit was so strong that it felt like my hat might blow away, so it's probably best to avoid climbing in bad weather for safety reasons.

3-4. A schedule that allows you to descend the mountain before dark.

Finally, a fundamental principle of mountaineering is to "descend while it's still light." There have been cases in the past where people who started climbing around 16 PM have gotten lost.
This time, the round trip to Mount Katsuu and taking photos at the summit took a little less than two hours.
Start climbing by 13 PM at the latest, and finish descending by 15 PM.

4. Summary

So, in this article, we introduced you to Mount Katsuudake.
The journey to the summit is challenging, but the natural beauty of Yanbaru along the way is also a highlight.
If you plan to visit, please use this article as a guide to prepare thoroughly and enjoy your experience.

Name: Katsuudake
Address: 889 Katsuyama, Nago City
Parking: Yes
Price: Free