Maya San

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.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.