Nekodake (Aso): Mountain Climbing on the Jagged Peaks Called "Devil's Face"

[Important] About the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake

Because of the Kumamoto Earthquake of 28 July 2026, some tourist facilities and roads in Kumamoto Prefecture may be closed or impassable. Kumamoto Castle reopened on 13 August 2026, but the Kumamoto Castle Museum "Wakuwaku-za" remains temporarily closed (as of 13 August 2026). Please check the official information for each facility before you set out.

Always confirm the latest information on each facility's official website and in announcements from the local authorities before you travel.

Rugged rock peaks piercing the sky like saw teeth, a wild profile rising from green foothills — Nekodake, which towers over Takamori Town in Kumamoto Prefecture, is the mountain with the most distinctive jagged ridgeline among the Five Mountains of Aso. Its unusual shape is said to be the mark left where a demon showed its face, earning it the nickname the Devil's Face. Offering varied climbing while commanding a magnificent Aso panorama, it is a celebrated peak popular with hiking enthusiasts.

Nekodake, the Character of the Five Mountains of Aso

Nekodake is a 1,433-meter mountain in Takamori Town, Kumamoto Prefecture. It is counted among the Five Mountains of Aso (Takadake, Nakadake, Eboshidake, Kishimadake, and Nekodake), the symbol of Aso. Among these mostly gentle peaks, only Nekodake features steep rock spires lined up like saw teeth. Its wild, distinctive form is recognizable at a glance from afar and adds a singular accent to the Aso landscape.

The Legend of the Devil's Face

Nekodake's characteristic jagged ridge has a unique legend. When a deity galloped on horseback across the face of a sleeping demon, the hooves struck it and gave it today's jagged shape. From this appearance it is affectionately called the Devil's Face. Viewed from the side, the wild yet expressive range truly conveys the mythic atmosphere of Aso. Nature's sculptural beauty and legend together deepen the pleasure of the climb.

A Climb Full of Variety

Nekodake's appeal lies in its varied routes. Aiming for the relatively accessible East Peak (about 1,408 meters) is common, and as you climb the green slopes the magnificent Aso panorama unfolds before you. From near the summit, spectacular views extend over the Aso caldera, surrounding mountains, and the distant ranges of Kyushu. However, the reach for the highest point, Tengu Peak, is an advanced route of continuous steep rock, and it is considered dangerous for ordinary hikers to enter casually. Choosing a route that matches your ability is what matters most. The seasonal nature is also a draw, with fresh greenery and autumn foliage bringing especially beautiful expressions.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Takamori, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture
• Elevation: 1,433 meters (the highest point, Tengu Peak). Ordinary hikers aim for the East Peak
• Trailhead: The Odoone route trailhead (on the Takamori Pass side) is among those used
• By public transport: From Takamori Station on the Minami-Aso Railway, reach the trailhead by taxi or car
• By car: About 1 hour 30 minutes from central Kumamoto to Takamori Town; access from the Aso summit and Minami-Aso areas is also convenient
• Nearby: Spring-water spots of Minami-Aso such as Shirakawa Suigen are scattered nearby and popular for a stop after descending

Practical Travel Notes

• Difficulty: The East Peak is intermediate. Tengu Peak involves rock-climbing elements and assumes advanced climbers or a guide
• Gear: Always carry hiking boots, rain gear, a map and compass or GPS, and ample water and snacks. The ridge is windy and chills easily, so bring warm layers
• Time of day: A day hike is standard. Starting early and reaching the ridge in the morning gives clearer air and better views
• Check trailhead and road conditions: Forest roads and trails can change due to disasters and weather. Confirm the latest status through Takamori tourism or hiking information before setting out
• Hiking plan: Whether solo or in a group, share your plan with family and, if possible, submit a hiking notification for safety

A Word of Advice

Nekodake photographs beautifully as Aso's jagged peak, but the area around Tengu Peak is a difficult zone prone to accidents. There is no need to force your way to the highest point; simply enjoying the spectacular view from the East Peak and the ridge walk is rewarding enough. After descending, combine your trip with Minami-Aso spring water, hot springs, and akaushi beef cuisine for a day that savors Aso's nature in full.

📚 Sources

This article was edited as general hiking information based on the climbing and road-condition information issued by Takamori Town and the local tourism association where Mt. Nekodake is located, public information on trails such as the Oodoone route, and public information on the spring sources of Minami Aso. Forest and mountain roads may change in passability due to disasters and other factors. Before you set out, please always confirm the latest situation through official sources such as Takamori Town tourism and climbing information.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: A day hike aiming for the East Peak is standard; the itinerary varies with fitness and route, so plan with leeway
• What to bring: Always carry hiking boots, rain gear, a map and compass or GPS, and ample water and snacks, and bring warm clothing since the ridge is windy and cold
• Check difficulty: The East Peak is intermediate, while the highest Tengumine is advanced with continuous rocky terrain, so casual entry is dangerous
• Suggested route: Aim for the East Peak from the Oodoone route trailhead, enjoy views of the Aso caldera and ridge, then after descending head to Minami Aso spring water such as Shirakawa Suigen, hot springs, and akaushi beef
• Climbing plan and checks: Share your climbing plan with family and submit a climbing notice if possible, and check the trailhead and road conditions before departure

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Trail closures (most important): The official information from Takamori Town (updated February 6, 2025) states that "because there are places on the route where you could slip and fall and it is dangerous, the Oto Ridge route and the Maebaru Makino route, which climb from the Takamori side, have been closed since July 18, 2023 (Reiwa 5)," and advises that "only the Hakoishi Tsurui Ridge route, which climbs from the Aso City side, is open for climbing"
• Reason for the closure: According to the Kyushu Regional Environment Office of the Ministry of the Environment, cracks were found on the route near the summit of the East Peak of Mt. Nekodake after the heavy rain from the end of June to early July 2023, and an emergency inspection confirmed that "the ground was overhanging (with the erosion progressing) and the surface could be felt shaking," so the route was closed for the time being to prevent accidents
• Peaks you can climb: At present only the East Peak is accessible
• Elevation: Takamori Town's tourism information gives Mt. Nekodake an elevation of 1,408 meters and notes that "the rocky ground at the summit is dangerous, but the trail from the foot of the mountain remains steadily popular, especially among enthusiasts"
• Restrictions at the Nakadake crater of Mt. Aso (from June 21, 2026): According to the Aso Volcano Crater Restriction Information, an eruption warning level 2 (near-crater warning) has been issued, stating that "because a near-crater warning (eruption warning level 2) is in effect, entry within roughly 1 km of the crater is prohibited," so the Nakadake crater cannot be viewed. It is a separate place from Mt. Nekodake, but be sure to check when planning a tour around Aso
• Where to check before setting out: About the Mt. Nekodake Trails on the Takamori Town website (Policy Promotion Division), the Kyushu Regional Environment Office of the Ministry of the Environment, and the Aso Volcano Crater Restriction Information

* The number of parking spaces at the Mt. Nekodake trailhead, whether there are toilets, any entry fee, and where to submit a climbing plan are not published in official sources. * When the closures of the Oto Ridge route and the Maebaru Makino route are expected to be lifted is not published in official sources. (Sources: Takamori Town website, About the Mt. Nekodake Trails; Ministry of the Environment Kyushu Regional Environment Office, On the Closure of the Mt. Nekodake Oto Ridge Route and Maebaru Makino Route; Takamori Town tourism information website, Mt. Nekodake; Aso Volcano Crater Restriction Information)