Mount Minamikoma

What it is

• A 2,841-meter peak located within the Kiso Mountains of Nagano Prefecture.
• One of the mountains selected for the official list of Japan's 200 Famous Mountains.
• A key stop along the Kiso Mountains longitudinal trekking trail.
• A natural habitat where rare ptarmigans have been confirmed to live.

What to see

• A small shrine located near the granite peak of the mountain.
• The Suribachikubo Cirque situated on the eastern side of the mountain.
• A mountain hut standing within the basin of the Suribachikubo Cirque.
• The Hyakken Nagi area which is a site of ongoing mountain collapse.
• Snow patterns on the slopes that resemble five monks during the spring.

When to go

• Spring is the time to view the five monks snow patterns on the slopes.
• Advance reservations are required for those planning to stay in manned mountain huts.

Getting there

• The shortest climbing route to the peak starts from the Inagawa Dam.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.