CONTRIBUTED BY QUENTIN RICHARDSON
Katsuu Peak
For a quick, but tough hike with an awesome view of Nago, head up Mt. Katsuu. It took me about 20 minutes to reach the top, the trail was rough, muddy & in some places, steep. Once I reached the top, I saw as far as Cape Zanpa in one direction and Kayauchibanta and Kouri-jima in the other.
Katsuu Pano
Katsuu Parking
Katsuu Base
Katsuu White Cloth
At the beginning of the trail, there is a wide parking area with a observatory and a Japanese-style bathroom. The beginning of the trek starts with stairs and changes back and forth between rocks and muddy paths during the first stretch. Parts of the trail cuts through dense overgrowth and near steep edges protected by ropes. Other parts of the trail require you climb up and around tree roots and rock. Halfway up the climb, there is a fallen tree, which you have to crouch down over mud and walk over.
Katsuu Stairs
Along the route and near the top there are several other trails that branch off. The route you want to follow is marked by white rags tied to trees. Once you reach the final clearing, you climb to the summit. At the summit, there is a red metal pole and the most amazing view of Nago.
Katsuu Outcropping
Katsuu Sign
Directions: Drive north on Highway 58 until you reach Nago. Veer left at the fork with Highway 449 (Miyazato 3-chome Intersection) instead of heading north on Highway 58. Immediately after you pass Pref. Route 72, turn right and follow the white signs for Mt. Katsuu Entrance. Follow the signs until they end at the parking area.
Did this hike yesterday. I wasn’t really paying attention to the route because there only seemed to be one trail but then I noticed blue markers on the trees. The blue route was tough in places.
My son (age 7 at the time) and I did this hike one afternoon and it was wonderful. Once you get to the part where the rocks make up the majority of the trail you need to be careful. But the reward at the top is well worth it. To keep him going we made “missions” for him to hike up to and added the theme song from Mission Impossible. We have been gone for 3 years and are heading back to Okinawa this summer. I can’t wait to share this hike with my husband. Super easy to get to as the road signs are clearly marked in Nago.
This trail is pretty rugged, dont bring any toddlers and such. The trail is overgrown in a few spots and mostly made up of mud, tree roots, and tumbled rocks. I went in the middle of the day and no one else was there, so beware if you take a fall or think you might need help.
Also there was a bathroom before the trail but didnt seem like there was running water. Bring a bottle or two.