4.0Iimoriyama(317 reviews) - Interesting historical site Mountains • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
Historical site of the tombs of the 20 Byakkotai who got cut off from the rest of their division during the battle of Tonoguchihara of the Boshin war who looked down from the mountain to see the city in flames; thinking that Aizu had fallen, the 20 committed ritual suicide at Iimoriyama. (One was rescued and survived). The Byakkotai was a reserve unit and consisted of teenage boys. Excellent view of the city of Aizuwakamatsu from the mountain. Walking shoes would be comfortable to climb the many stairs up the mountain to the site; however, there is a motorized conveyor ramp up the mountain for those who cannot or do not want to make the climb. (It costs 250 yen to take the conveyor ramp up; the walk down is mostly a sloped, paved path.)See more..
4.5Mt. Haguro(311 reviews) - Tiring but peaceful hike (2D1N Haguro-san, Gassan and Yudono-san) Historic Sites • Mountains • Points of Interest & Landmarks
I took a bus from the front of Tsuruoka station. My initial intention was to climb up the legendary 2466 steps all the way to the top from the 羽黒センター. However, the route up was snow laden and thusly in my own opinion, treacherous. Yes snow, you hear me right. It was spring and there was snow. In view of that and my fondness for self preservation, I took the easy way up - bus. Saikan is a simple temple lodging surrounded by woods and sits on the edge of the mountain. Guess what, I was the only guest there. I spent my entire time in my room (no key, no lock, just sliding door) infront of the heater (portable type). I came to Japan with clothes meant for Spring. The whole structure of the lodging is typically Japanese, wooden. With planks covered with tatami for flooring, windows that works like sliding doors thus the cold seeped through the tiny slits. Even the journey from my room to the common toilet was a feat with the cold wind escaping into the lodging thru the cracks. When night came, I fell asleep with the sound of the wind howling & rattling on my window panes. It snowed during my slumber. I have nvr experience snowfall in my life (my country is in the Equator). I opened my eyes, and before me, snowfall. It was the most beautiful sight. I would gladly do this again even with the cold and exhorbitant bus fare.See more..
We cheated a little bit. We didn't spend 4-5 hours from the bottom, in stead, we drove the 69 turns to get to 八合目, the eighth section( I guess this is the meaning), took the ski lift up to 九合目, the 9th section and walked and climbed about 30mins to the peak. The view was breathtaking, walking down back to lift was a bit of challenge. It worths the effort.See more..
Snow wall was the main highlight of the trip to Japan for us and we were not disappointed! There were hardly any Tourist around and we had it all to ourside. The ropeway up the mountain, one must check if it is in operation and even though is Spring season, up at the summit is at Freezing point. Although we were underdress we still enjoy the picturesque view from the submit. We even manage to see MT IWAKI from there!See more..
4.5Mt. Iwate(112 reviews) - You must challenge at least once in your lifetime. Mountains
If you are a fan of Kenji Miyazawa, or Takuboku Ishikawa, the souls and inspirations for their writings came from this mountain.You must experience the trails. The great thing about this mountain is you can make a day trip without a car from Morioka.( you might need to take a cab ) There are several trails to choose, but I took the most popular one from east side approach ( Umagaeshi Trail) Trail head with a good falicilty. It is kind a strenuous , hills are steep, when you have reached to 8 station, there is a hut. Spring water is flowing abundantly , so it is good idea to take a break. and final approach is the hardest.Lava rocks keep you sliding and hard to get a traction until you reach to the gigantic crater rim. the view from the summit is excellent. and if you have a time, on the way back soak in nearby Onsen to finish your day trip. Off course staying overnight is a good idea.spring ,summer, fall, I really recommend to you if you come to Iwate region.See more..
The dive up was worth it. The view was great and you can see 3 volcanic craters from the top. There is a fee to ascend the observatory platform.See more..
4.5Mt. Gassan(87 reviews) - A hike amidst clouds in monsoons Mountains
We did the Dewa Sanzan hike over 3 days during monsoons in August. We took the afternoon bus from Tsuruoka and hiked to the 9th station rest house on Gas-san where we stayed overnight at the mountain hut. You can make a reservation at the mountain hut throughout the tourist information center at Tsuruoka or request at the reception of your hotel. They charged 8000 yen per person. The hike to the 9th station mountain hut took about 2.5 hours at a very relaxed pace. It was very overcast that day and we were walking amidst clouds throughout, as a result our hair were almost wet by the time we reached the mountain hut. It gets pretty cold in the evening at the top, so do carry some warm layer. The hike to Gas san took another hour from the 9th station hut.See more..
4.0Mt. Adatara(87 reviews) - One of the most scenic hike in Japan Mountains
The hike is challenging but is safe and not excessive. It offers an excellent view of a volcanic crater at the top and well worth the effort. We started from the Adatara Ski Resort near Dake Onsen. Total ascend to the top is about 800m. The first 500m is mild on a semi-paved, well shaded trail that take about just 1.5 hour. At the end of this part there is a hut/shop where you can rest and refill your bottles, or even an onsen bath. The final ascend after the hut is very exposed and on rugged trail, but is very safe because it was not close to any cliffs until it reached the peak. This final section took another 1.5 hour, so total is 3 hours and about 6-7km oneway.See more..
Pleasant scenery made for a relaxing afternoon. The forest is lush and quite dense. Some of the trees were in bloom which made the scenery even more pleasing. Nice winding roads. All in good shape. Loved the drive.See more..
4.0Mount Bandaisan(66 reviews) - Old volcano with view of inawashiroko Mountains
This inawashiro lake claims to be the clearest water of lake in Japan with background of 1816 metered mount bandaisan. Other view is the golden yellow rice field with background of this mountain. Even on the raining day, the peak of this mountain is blended with clouds of rain with dim light of sunset. Strolling along the lake with view of the mountain is so perfect , ypu should come in the summer time. Unfornately, the typhoon hit Japan. So there was no view inspiring me at time of my visitSee more..
4.5Mt. Hayachine(34 reviews) - Full bloom, great views Mountains • Hiking Trails
I climbed the mountain on June 27 and there were several different kinds of wildflowers in bloom and some snow at the top. The trail is mostly exposed and can get quite windy. I went up the Odagoe Trail (the most popular and easiest). Up and down is took about 5 hours with breaks, but I think you could definitely do it quicker (I was with a large group with lots of breaks). Make sure you use the toilet before you climb or else you will have to use a Portable Toilet (for sale near the upper parking lot) and carry your waste back down the mountain with you. Access is very difficult without a car... there is a bus but I've never seen it or used it.See more..
