2024年11月27日

Rokkosan All Mountain Hike (Zenzan Jyuso)

On November 10, 2024, the 50th annual official KOBE Rokko Zenzan Jyuso (All Mountain) and Half-Jyuso (Half Mountain) events took place, attracting hiking enthusiasts from across Japan. This milestone event, organized by the Rokko Zenzan Jyuso Citizens’ Association and the City of Kobe, offered participants the opportunity to traverse the scenic Rokko mountain range, experiencing its natural beauty and challenging terrain. 

 

There were two courses, the “Full Jyuso”: A 56-kilometer trek from Sumaura Park to Takarazuka, passing through landmarks such as Suma Alps, Takatori Mountain, Kikusui Mountain, Kikusen-dai, and Ikenchaya, and the “Half Jyuso”: A 28-kilometer route from Sumaura Park to Shin-Kobe, covering key sections of the full course.

Registration for the event commenced on August 1, 2024, and concluded upon reaching the participant limit. Due to high demand, registration closed promptly after reaching capacity. So if you are thinking of giving it a try next year, be sure to register early! 

 

The event was open to individuals meeting specific age and fitness criteria, with the full course requiring participants to be 15 years or older (excluding junior high school students) and the half course open to those 12 years or older (junior high school students and above). 1,946 people signed up for the Full Jyuso of which 1,768 participated and 1,365 people finished. A 90.9% participation rate and a 77.% finish rate. For the Half Jyuso there were 814 people who signed up, 732 who participated and 670 who finished the course. This was an 89.9% participation rate and a 91.5% completion rate. 

 

Participants embarked on their journey from Sumaura Park, with the full course starting between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM, and the half course between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM. The routes offered hikers the chance to experience the diverse landscapes of the Rokko mountain range, including panoramic views, challenging ascents, and the vibrant autumn foliage characteristic of the season. 

Given the demanding nature of the courses, participants were advised to undertake adequate training and ensure they were in good health. The event emphasized self-responsibility, with participants expected to manage their own health and safety throughout the hike. Proper equipment, including suitable footwear, clothing, and navigation tools, was essential for a safe and enjoyable experience. 

 

The success of the event was bolstered by the dedication of numerous volunteers who assisted with course guidance, participant support, and safety patrols. Their contributions were integral to the smooth operation of the event and the positive experiences of the participants. 

If you did participate this year, make sure to get your official “completion certificate” by inputting your information on the web portal at: https://athlete-finiser.com/event/rokkozyuso/runner/index.html

The 50th KOBE Rokko Zenzan Jyuso and Half-Jyuso events not only celebrated a significant milestone but also reinforced the enduring appeal of the Rokko mountain range as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both challenge and natural beauty.

Be sure to check https://kobe-mt-rokko.com/ for information on the 2025 and start training now so that you can be prepared to do your best! 

 

Also with planning one can walk just parts of the full hike and see many wonderful areas on Rokkosan. 

 

Check the post we did on this back in 2017 as well as many other posts we have done about hiking on Rokkosan. https://rokkosan.center/mountainreport/rokko-zenzan-jyusou-rokko-entire-mountain-hike/

 

Make sure to check the weather, wear proper clothing and footwear and bring hydration and food depending on the length of your planned hike. 

 

(Please note pictures in the post were from previous Zenzan Jyuso hikes)

See you on Rokkosan!!