19 Mountains in Yamagata worth your time

A 1,417-meter granite peak in Yamagata known as the Matterhorn of Tohoku, offering challenging climbs and national park views.

What it is

• A 1,417-meter mountain located in western Yamagata Prefecture within the Asahi Mountain Range.
• One of Japan's 300 Famous Mountains primarily composed of granitic plutonic rock.
• The northern ridge is a protected part of Bandai-Asahi National Park.
• A distinctive peak nicknamed the Matterhorn of Tohoku spanning Nagai City and Oguni Town.

What to see

• The sharp granite peak and northern ridge lines within the national park.
• Views of the surrounding landscape from the 1,417-meter summit.
• Nagai Dam and Kijiyama Dam located in the vicinity of the mountain.
• The Kuwasumidaira and Hannaridaira climbing routes through the rugged terrain.

Getting there

• The Kuwasumidaira climbing route begins from the Nagai City side.
• The Hannaridaira climbing route starts from the Oguni Town side.
• The ascent from the Kuwasumidaira starting point takes approximately four hours.

Read more about Mount Iwaigame

A high-altitude mountain resort and trailhead offering year-round outdoor activities, accessible by ropeway from a nearby hot spring town.

What it is

• A mountain highland area sitting at an elevation of 1,300 meters.
• The primary trailhead for hikers climbing Mount Azuma.
• A year-round resort managed by a public-private third-sector company.
• A venue for various alpine skiing and snowboarding competitions.

What to see

• A small shrine located directly in front of the ropeway station exit.
• A digital television relay station situated on the highlands.
• Ski courses reaching a maximum length of 6 kilometers.
• Views from Kitabogadai at an elevation of 1,820 meters.

When to go

• Winter ski season runs from mid-November to early May.
• Summer months offer grass skiing on the mountain slopes.

Getting there

• A ropeway connects Shirabu Onsen to the highlands in 10 minutes.
• Three lifts transport visitors from the highlands up to Kitabogadai.

Read more about Tengendai Highlands

A scenic 1,019-meter peak in Yamagata used for Shugendo training, offering challenging trails with ladders and chains for experienced hikers.

What it is

• A 1,019.8-meter mountain in Tsuruoka City designated as a place of scenic beauty.
• A historical training ground for Shugendo practitioners that was once restricted by the Shonai Domain.
• A protected wildlife zone featuring a base of early Paleogene volcanic granodiorite.
• The summit consists of three distinct peaks named Mae, Naka, and Minami.

What to see

• Views from the three separate peaks at the summit area.
• Steep climbing sections equipped with fixed ladders and chains.
• Diverse local flora and fauna within the designated wildlife protection zone.
• Natural rock formations resulting from ancient volcanic activity.

When to go

• The mountain officially opens for climbing in late May.
• The climbing season concludes in late October.
• Allow two and a half to three hours for the ascent.

Read more about Maya San

A 1,984-meter volcano and sacred peak in Yamagata offering summer skiing, alpine marshes, and a summit shrine.

What it is

• One of the three sacred Dewa Sanzan mountains in Yamagata Prefecture
• A 1,984-meter volcano formed by activity starting 700,000 years ago
• Part of the Bandai-Asahi National Park and a famous Japanese mountain
• A spiritual site credited to Prince Hachiko with a shrine at the summit

What to see

• Gassan Shrine located at the very top of the mountain
• High-altitude marshes and various species of alpine plants
• Landscape featured in Matsuo Basho's Narrow Road to the Deep North
• Panoramic views from one of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains

When to go

• Summer skiing is available on the slopes until late July

Getting there

• Buses run to the Ubazawa and Gassan Hachigome stops
• Access via the Gassan Interchange on National Route 112

Official site

www.dewasanzan.jp

Read more about Mount Gassan

A sacred Japan Heritage site for mountain worship featuring ancient cedar forests, a national treasure pagoda, and rigorous ascetic rituals.

What it is

• A center for Shugendo mountain worship founded by Prince Hachiko.
• Three sacred peaks consisting of Mount Gassan, Mount Haguro, and Mount Yudono.
• Designated as a Japan Heritage site in 2016 for its cultural significance.
• A spiritual destination that was strictly closed to women until 1997.

What to see

• A five-story pagoda on Mount Haguro designated as a National Treasure.
• The Sanjin Gosaiden shrine which enshrines the deities of all three mountains.
• A stone stairway leading up Mount Haguro consisting of 2,446 steps.
• An ancient cedar avenue recognized as a Special Natural Monument.
• Sites on Mount Yudono associated with the practice of self-mummified monks.

When to go

• The Aki-no-mine ritual performed by ascetics annually at the end of August.

Official site

nihonisan-dewasanzan.jp

Read more about Three Mountains of Dewa

A 1,264-meter mountain on the Yamagata-Miyagi border featuring scenic valleys and a train station located directly between two peaks.

What it is

• A mountain standing 1,264 meters tall on the border of Yamagata and Miyagi prefectures.
• Historically known as Tsurashiroyama, a name associated with lingering snow on the slopes.
• The area includes the Momijigawa Valley and the southern peak of Minami Omoshiroyama.
• Home to Snow Park Omoshiroyama, though the ski resort operations are currently suspended.

What to see

• The natural landscape of the Momijigawa Valley located within the mountain area.
• Views of the 1,225-meter Minami Omoshiroyama peak to the south.
• The Senzan Tunnel which runs underground between the two mountain peaks.
• National Route 48 passing through the Sekiyama Pass to the north.

Getting there

• Omoshiroyama Kogen Station is located directly between the two mountains.

Read more about Omoshiroyama

A complex volcano featuring a vibrant crater lake, famous winter ice trees, and hot spring resorts on the mountain border.

What it is

• A complex volcano on the border of Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures.
• Designated as the Zaō Quasi-National Park and one of Japan's 100 famous mountains.
• A monitored volcanic site consisting of basalt and andesite stratovolcanoes.
• The highest peak is Mount Kumano reaching an elevation of 1,840 meters.

What to see

• Okama is a circular crater lake located in the central area of the mountain.
• Coniferous trees that transform into frozen ice trees known as Juhyo.
• Kattamine Shrine situated on the summit of Mount Katta.
• The Zaō Echo Line road which crosses through the mountain range.
• Ski resorts and traditional hot spring towns located at the base.

When to go

• Winter is the time to see the famous Juhyo ice trees.

Read more about Mount Zaō

An active volcano and National Historic Site offering alpine flora and a summit shrine on Tohoku's second highest peak.

What it is

• An active volcano standing 2,236 meters high on the border of Yamagata and Akita.
• The second highest peak in the Tohoku region and a member of 100 Famous Japanese Mountains.
• A designated National Historic Site within the Chōkai Quasi-National Park.
• Home to the Chōkai-san Omonoimi Shrine located at the mountain summit.

What to see

• The Shinzan lava dome created during a volcanic eruption in 1801.
• Endemic plant species including the Chōkai-azami and Chōkai-fusuma flowers.
• Evidence of a major volcanic collapse that occurred in 466 BC.
• Panoramic views from the highest peak located in Yuza town.

Getting there

• The mountain is accessible to visitors via the Chōkai Blue Line road.

Read more about Mount Chōkai

A dual-peak mountain in Kamushiyama Prefectural Natural Park offering historic ascetic trails, rare wildlife habitats, and ancient giant trees.

What it is

• A mountain spanning Akita and Yamagata Prefectures within the Tohoku 100 Famous Mountains.
• A historic site formerly used for Shugendo mountain asceticism practices.
• Part of the Kamushiyama Prefectural Natural Park near the historic Yashima Kaido road.
• A natural area featuring two distinct rocky peaks named O-koshiki and Me-koshiki.

What to see

• The O-koshiki peak standing at an elevation of 981.3 meters.
• Eboshi Rock which serves as the primary symbol of the O-koshiki peak.
• A giant katsura tree on Me-koshiki recognized as a top giant tree.
• Meishonuma pond at the mountain base which serves as a treefrog habitat.
• Aranuma Marshland where visitors can find the rare Scarlet Dwarf dragonfly.

Read more about Mount Koshiki

A sacred peak of the Dewa Sanzan mountains where visitors experience ancient Shugendo rituals and unique natural shrine features.

What it is

• One of the three sacred Dewa Sanzan mountains reaching 1,500 meters in elevation
• A holy site for Shugendo practitioners associated with family safety and bountiful harvests
• The location where Date Masamune's mother famously prayed for a child
• A shrine that lacks traditional main or worship halls to preserve its natural state

What to see

• The sacred Yudono Shrine which is the subject of a famous Matsuo Basho haiku
• A rugged trail to Mount Gassan equipped with iron ladders and chains
• The largest ski resort in the Shonai region located on nearby Mount Shinakura

Getting there

• A local bus stops within a five-minute walk of the shrine entrance

Official site

www.dewasanzan.jp

Read more about Mount Yudono

A 242-meter mountain park featuring castle ruins, a new maple garden, and unique human shogi matches every April.

What it is

• A mountain with an elevation of 242.1 meters located in Tendo City.
• The site contains the historical ruins of Tendo Castle.
• A public recreational area designated as Tendo Park.
• A former site for an analog television relay station discontinued in 2011.

What to see

• The Momiji-en garden which opened to the public in April 2021.
• A 250-meter walking path connecting the mountain summit to the ground.
• The ruins of the former Tendo Castle structures.
• Views of the JR Ou Main Line running to the west.

When to go

• Visit in April to watch the annual Human Shogi matches.
• The Momiji-en garden is a highlight during the autumn season.

Read more about Mount Maizuru

A 994-meter extinct volcano and sacred site offering historical ties to the Uesugi clan and a summit shrine.

What it is

• A 994-meter tall volcano located in Yamagata Prefecture that was active one million years ago.
• A sacred mountain worshipped by locals as a god of agriculture and sericulture.
• A former military retreat route used during the Keicho Dewa Battle.
• The namesake of the famous Yonezawa Domain lord, Uesugi Yozan.

What to see

• The Fukumitsu Daikokuzo-son shrine situated at the mountain summit.
• A collapsed caldera extending nine kilometers toward the northeast.
• A Ministry of Land wireless relay station and radar site.
• A first-class triangulation point located at the peak.
• Exposed rock formations consisting of pyroxene andesite and dacite.

Read more about Mount Shirataka

A 1,462-meter stratovolcano and former Shugendo pilgrimage site featuring a summit shrine, volcanic craters, and diverse alpine flora.

What it is

• A 1,462-meter Neogene stratovolcano located on the border of Murayama and Sagae.
• A historic center for Shugendo mountain asceticism formerly part of the Three Mountains of Dewa.
• The site of Hayama Shrine dedicated to the deity historically called Hayama Yakushi Gongen.

What to see

• Two explosive craters remaining at the mountain summit.
• Hayama Shrine and a first-class triangulation point located at the top.
• Beech forests and various alpine plants growing near the peak.
• Six different climbing routes leading to the summit.

Getting there

• Accessible by car from Murayama and Sagae stations.

Read more about Ha Yama

A 1,500-meter volcano on the Miyagi-Yamagata border featuring ancient beech forests, alpine meadows, and a summit shrine for mountain asceticism.

What it is

• A 1,500-meter volcano also known as Goshosan on the Miyagi and Yamagata border.
• One of Japan's 200 Famous Mountains formed over 600,000 years ago.
• A historical site for Shugendo mountain asceticism within two designated prefectural natural parks.
• A mountain dedicated to the deity Mizugami Benzaiten enshrined at the peak.

What to see

• Funagata Mountain Shrine located at the 1,500.34-meter summit.
• Primary beech forests and alpine meadows across the mountain slopes.
• A mountain hut called Funagatayama-goya standing at the peak.
• Expansive views from the summit of the Funagata Mountain Range.

Read more about Funagata volcano

A 1,870-meter peak in Bandai-Asahi National Park listed among the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains for its granite ridges and springs.

What it is

• A major peak standing at 1,870.3 meters within the Asahi Mountain Range
• Part of the protected Bandai-Asahi National Park on the Niigata and Yamagata border
• One of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains located in Oguni Town
• A geological formation consisting primarily of ancient Paleozoic granite

What to see

• The main summit of Mount Dai-Asahi reaching an elevation of 1,870.3 meters
• Mount Naka and the 1,814-meter Mount Nishi-Asahi on the northern ridge
• Mount Ko-Asahi and Mount Torihara situated along the eastern ridge
• Natural Kodera and Asahi mineral springs located in the surrounding area

Read more about Mount Asahi

A 471-meter sacred mountain in Yamagata City featuring a summit observation deck and a national recreation forest for hikers.

What it is

• A mountain of religious faith standing 471.3 meters high in eastern Yamagata City.
• Named by Princess Akoya and designated as a national recreation forest in 1970.
• The subject of a poem written by the famous monk Takuan Soho.
• A natural landmark situated near the intersection of National Route 13 and Route 286.

What to see

• An observation deck at the summit providing views of the surrounding area.
• Banshoji Temple located at the foot of the mountain.
• Chitoseyama Park situated at the base of the slopes.
• The site where traditional imoni parties were held until the 1970s.

Read more about Mount Chitose

A sacred 414-meter mountain in Yamagata serving as a center for Shugendo mountain worship and home to a National Treasure pagoda.

What it is

• A 414-meter peak in Tsuruoka City dedicated to mountain worship and Shugendo.
• The site of Dewa Shrine which is located at the mountain summit.
• A designated component of a Japan Heritage site representing spiritual traditions.

What to see

• A 29-meter five-story pagoda rebuilt in the 15th century at the entrance approach.
• The Jijisugi cedar tree which is over 1000 years old and a National Natural Monument.
• A National Treasure pagoda standing near the start of the mountain path.
• Stone monuments featuring inscribed poems by Takahama Kyoshi and Noguchi Ujo.

Official site

www.dewasanzan.jp

Read more about Mount Haguro

A 1,261-meter peak in Kurikoma Quasi-National Park known for its steep terrain and status as a top Tohoku mountain.

What it is

• A 1,261.7 meter peak spanning the border of Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures.
• The highest point on the rim of the Onikobe caldera.
• A mountain primarily composed of granodiorite within Kurikoma Quasi-National Park.
• One of the 100 Famous Mountains of Tohoku nicknamed Little Tanigawadake.

What to see

• Steep slopes that resemble the rugged terrain of Mount Tanigawa.
• A second-class triangulation point named Kokabura at the summit.
• Views of the surrounding Onikobe and Naruko hot spring areas.
• Neighboring peaks including Mount Hanabuchi and Mount Koshiba.

Read more about Mount Kamuro

A 1,203-meter peak in the Asahi Mountain Range offering panoramic views of the surrounding alpine landscape.

What it is

• A mountain standing 1,203 meters tall on the border of Asahi and Shirataka.
• Part of the larger Asahi Mountain Range in northern Japan.
• The namesake for the asteroid 16725 Toudono.

What to see

• Panoramic views of the Asahi Mountain Range from the summit.
• The Asahi Kosen climbing route approaching the peak from the west.
• The Kurogamo climbing route approaching from the east.
• The Kurogamo trailhead located along the Mount Todono Forest Road.

Read more about Mount Tōdono