Apoi Sanso staff can drive guests to the Mt. Pinneshiri trailhead based on advance arrangement.

The Mt. Pinneshiri trailhead is a mountain pass commonly known as Shintomi-goe along the Samani-Oizumi forest road. Be sure to sign up for a forest entry permit.

An hour's walk from the Mt. Pinneshiri trailhead takes climbers out of the forest and onto a ridge. The path ahead provides views of the spine of the southern Hidaka Mountains. Mt. Pinneshiri is the middle of the three peaks.

The route along the ridge from the summit takes climbers back into Erman's birch forest and bamboo grass. This vegetation grows due to an isolated area of non-peridotite ground stemming from the presence of a geological fault running between Mt. Pinneshiri and Mt. Apoi. Caution is needed here, as the trail is not easily visible.

A while after resuming their ascent from the halfway point between Mt. Pinneshiri and Mt. Yoshida, climbers come across roped-off flower fields along the trail and proceed along the flat ridge among colorful alpine flowers. The arrival at Mt. Yoshida is often a good opportunity for lunch.

Climbers pass the area's rugged peridotite tracts to reach the final destination along the ridge - Mt. Apoi. People often give thanks at the small shrine there for a safe journey so far before descending along the Mt. Apoi trail with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

The route up to the Umanose area provides views of flowers, the Pacific Ocean, the scenic Hidaka coastline and possibly even a sea of clouds depending on weather conditions. Care is needed during the descent from this point, as fatigue may start to set in.

A walk down the steep slope from Umanose can be hard on the knees. Rest well before resuming the descent toward the final goal.

The visitor center provides information on Mt. Apoi and other aspects of Samani's geology, natural environment, history and culture. (Time required: 30 minutes)