Satisfying route for beginners: Donden Highland Hike

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Satisfying route for beginners: Donden Highland Hike

Starting from Donden Highland Lodge, this circling route takes you to the view from Mount Shiritate and the mirror-like Donden Pond on the top of the mountain.

ドンデン池

  • Course

    • Length: 3.5 km
    • Ascent: 100m
    • Time required: 2 1/2 hours (including breaks)
    • Recommended season: May to November
    • Difficulty:
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  • Facilities along the route

    • Restrooms: Donden Highland Lodge / Mount Kinpoku Traverse Route Entrance (Mid-May through early November)
    • Shops: Donden Highland Lodge
    • Water: None

  • Itinerary

    Donden Highland Lodge [27 min] ➡ Entrance to the Mount Kinpoku Traverse Route [20 min] ➡ Tsubakigoe Pass (Donden Emergency Shelter/Donden Pond) [20 min] ➡ Mount Shiritate [20 min] ➡ Donden Highland Lodge

  • Course Outline

    This is a circular route to enjoy the Donden Highland. It is a relatively safe route with few elevation changes and yet it is full of interesting sights. First, you will climb from Donden Highland Lodge via the car road and forest road to the traverse leading to Mount Kinpoku. Even though you will be walking along forest roads, the mountains of Sado are not to be underestimated. Even along the forest road, you will see flowers such as katakuris, kikuzakiichige and hitorishizuka. This is indeed an island of flowers!

  • Equipment and Clothing

    This is a 2.5 hour hike for beginners. Watch your step when coming down from Mount Shiritate and be careful not to slip and fall over the edge. Do not wear sneakers. Around early May, if you are lucky, you will be able to see almost all of the flowers that bloom in this season.

  • カタクリ

    Katakuri (Japanese dogtooth violets)

    Follow the traverse route to the northeast and you will see the Donden emergency shelter with its red roof near mirror-like Donden Pond.

  • キクザキイチゲ

    Kikuzakiichige (Anemone pseudoaltaica)

    Around Donden Pond, you can see flowers such as skunk cabbages, umbrella leaves, and amanas. Sitting around the pond, surrounded by flowers and looking at the reflection of the beautiful sky on Donden Pond is a perfect experience.

  • サンカヨウ

    Sankayou (Umbrella leaves)s

    Leaving Donden Pond behind, you will climb up to Mount Shiritate, the highest peak on Donden Highland. The view from the summit is 360 degrees! From the summit you can see the ridge leading to the highest peak on Sado Island, Mount Kinpoku, as well as Ryotsu Harbor and the Sea of Japan below.

  • アマナ

    Amana

    The view from the sea to the ridge line is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the origins of Sado Island, which was formed by the uplift of the sea floor.

  • 尻⽴⼭⼭頂

    The summit of Shiriri Mountain

Facilities

  • ドンデン高原ロッジ自然リゾート

    Donden Kogen Lodge Nature Resort

    Donden Kogen Lodge Nature Resort is an indispensable place to enjoy trekking in the Osado Mountains. There are several routes starting from this location, including traversing and circling the Dongden Plateau. If you stay at the lodge, you will surely have an unforgettable time viewing the Milky Way at night and the sea of clouds in the morning. If you wish to walk the routes described in this article, we recommend that you stay here the night before and leave early in the morning.

    Address
    697 Tsubaki, Sado City GoogleMap
    Phone number
    0259-23-2161
    Room Rates
    With half board: from 8,800 yen
    Closed
    Mid-November to mid-April
    WEB / SNS
    Official website Instagram

Recommended hot springs after descending the mountain

After disembarking from the mountain, Shiizaki Onsen is conveniently located near Ryotsu Port. It is convenient to take a cab from Ryotsu Port, but it takes about 30 minutes on foot.

  • 夕日と湖の宿 あおきや

    Sunset and Lake Inn Aokiya

    Built on a hill overlooking Lake Kamo, all rooms have a lake view. The sunset over the lake and into the Osado Mountains is especially beautiful and will leave a deep impression on your heart.

    Address
    685 Harakuro, Sado City GoogleMap
    Phone number
    0259-27-4145
    Accommodation fee (tax not included)
    With half board: 10,000 yen～ With breakfast: 7,000 yen～ With no meal: 6,000 yen～
    One day trip bathing
    16:00-21:00 (irregular holidays) / Adults: 500 yen, children: 300 yen
    WEB / SNS
    Official website Instagram
  • 朱鷺伝説と露天風呂の宿 きらく

    Legend of the Egret and Open-air Bath Inn Kiraku

    The hotel stands on a hill in Shiizaki overlooking Lake Kamo. In addition to the large panoramic bath on the top floor, guests can relax in the "Yuraku Nagaya" private open-air bath (for overnight guests only), and the "Toki no Maiyu" open-air bath (day-trip bathing also available).

    Address
    658 Harakuro, Sado City GoogleMap
    Phone number
    0259-27-6101
    Room Rates (tax not included)
    With half board: 9,000 yen～ With breakfast: 7,000 yen～ With no meal: 6,000 yen～
    One day trip bathing
    15:00-22:30 (irregular holidays)/Adults 500 yen, children 300 yen
    *Last admission at 22:00
    *In consideration of the spread of new corona infection, you may be asked to wait during busy times.
    WEB / SNS
    Official site
  • ホテルニュー桂

    Hotel New Katsura

    A hot spring hotel with a view of Lake Kamo where time passes slowly. In addition to the large men's and women's baths, there are two open-air baths, a private open-air bath, and a variety of day-trip bathing facilities.

    Address
    696-1 Harakuro, Sado City GoogleMap
    Phone number
    0259-27-3151
    Room charge (tax not included)
    With half board: 10,000 yen～ With breakfast: 8,000 yen～ With no meal: 7,000 yen～
    One day trip bathing
    16:00-21:00, open daily/ Adults/500 yen, children/ 300 yen
    WEB / SNS
    Official site

In addition to accommodations near Ryotsu Port that offer hot spring bathing for non-guest visitors, there are many other inns on Sado perfect for a pre-night or post-night stay.

View more hot springs on Sado Island

  • Directions

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  • Book a Guide

    • Sado Trekking Council

      Sado Trekking Council is made up of members who are well versed in trekking on Sado Island. You can book your mountain climbing guide through the Council.
      (Up to 10 people) Half day 10,000 yen / Full day 20,000 yen

    • Sado Outdoor Base

      Guided tours of various routes, including the route shown above, can be booked online.