Located along the border of Shinjo City and Mogami Town to the south west of Kamuro-san, Hachimori-yama is the Okunoin of Kamuro-san and historically has been prayed to for rain or fine weather. There are also legends of Tengu (Wikipedia, or see this write up on Curious Ordinary), yokai (mythical Japanese monsters) or Shinto kami (deities), living on Hachimori-yama. Oddly, there is some sand and piles of rocks in the middle of the mountain. This is where the Tengu sumo wrestle. There are also some puddles along the ridge where the Tengu perform water ablutions.

Hachimori-yama is the shape of a trapezoid with a flat top and peaks to the east and west. The proper summit is to the east. However, there is no path there so the western peak that boasts 360° views is the de facto summit.

Yakushibara Trail (2 hours 45 one-way)

The Yakushibara Trail is the general trail up Hachimori-yama. The trailhead is at the end of a forest road that follows the Katanaba river going straight at the bridge. The trail starts proper once across the stream. From the start there is a long steep climb, so make sure to take periodic rests. The climb goes through a cedar forest, a beech forest, and then goes along a steep ridge. 

Facing north on the ridge, climb one section and you’ll arrive at an intersection that heads towards Kamuro-san. This area is the summit. There isn’t a clear peak, nor is there a sign to let you know you’re at the summit. Take a left at the junction and in ten minutes you’ll find yourself at the western de facto summit. There are many signs here from local elementary schools, showing just how much locals love this mountain. 

Hagino Trail (2 hours 45 one-way)

Head east from the Hagino hamlet of Shinjo City. Keep going straight at the junction that meets the Tsuchirakusawa forest road. The trailhead is along this service road. After following the service road for cutting down trees you will reach the proper trail before long. The trail starts off in a cedar forest that gradually turns into beech. Parts of the trail are overgrown, and the trail can be very steep so due care must be taken.

After some ups and downs and a sharp rise, the trail meets the main Kamuro Alps trail. Take a right here and you will get to Mokuzo-yama. A left will take you to Hachimori-yama. First you will come across Ippai-mori (Mt. Ippaimori). From here you can see Chokai-san and the rest of the Kamuro Alps. Keep following the trail to the east, and take a right at the junction. Go down a little bit and there is an area with water, and the last climb to the western summit.

Nearby Locations Worth Checking Out

The Kamuro Renpo

From the Kamuro-san page.

The Kamuro Renpo is also known as the ‘Michinoku Alps’ (the collective name of the provinces of Dewa and Mutsu), or the ‘Tohoku Mini Alps’. The Kamuro Renpo isn’t especially tall compared to other mountain ranges. However, the sheer amount of snow leads to rare alpine vegetation for such low elevation. There are also some very precious birds of prey that live in the area such as the Golden Eagle (inuwashi) and mountain hawk eagle or Hodgson’s hawk-eagle (kumataka). 

The well-maintained paths also make it a popular destination for mountain climbers, and the stretch south from the summit of Kamuro-san to Mokuzo-yama is more than 25km. After Kamuro-san, the mountains heading south in the Kamuro Mountain Range (on the 100 Famous Mountains of Yamagata List) are Komata-yama (1,366), Hiuchi-dake (1,237), Hachimori-yama (1,098m), and Mokuzo-yama (1,026m). Kamewari-yama (594m) is also nearby. All of these mountains (except Kamewari-yama) are part of the Kurikoma Quasi-National Park.

Kamewari-yama

From the Kamewari-yama page.

Kamewari-yama is located on the borders of Shinjo City and Mogami Town. Legend has it that Yoshitsune and his band of followers passed through the Kamewari-toge mountain pass, and in the vicinity lie the Benkei no Nagematsu, and the Yoshitsune Benkei Inkstone.