I'm planning on climbing Mt. Sukai this month, but I'm not sure of the best route to take. The approach from the west is via the Kuriharakawa forest road (栗原川林道)which was partially washed out in a typhoon last year. This is the shortest route to the summit, but I've got to bring my mountain bike for the bumpy 20km ride to the trailhead. The approach from the east isn't much better, as you've got a long walk to get to Koshin hut (庚申小屋) and then a gnarly ridge traverse over 12 different peaks to reach Mt. Nokogiri (鋸山). Any words of wisdom from people who've made it to the summit?

i finally managed to climb Mt. Sukai after approaching from the west. the forest road is now re-opened after extensive repairs, and I opted for the bumpy bicycle ride. The hike itself is short, muddy and very steep, with lots of ropes to help you along. all in all not a bad hike, but I'd like to attempt from the east next time because that's the traditional (and probably more interesting) way up.