Also known as Funagata-yama, Gosho-zan is a mountain on the borders of Yamagata and Miyagi Prefectures that is the main peak of the Gosho-zan mountain range. The mountain and surrounds are part of the Gosho-zan Prefectural Park famous for gorgeous valleys and alpine vegetation and primeval beech forests. In the vicinity lies Mecca for rock climbers; Kurobushi-yama’s 300m high rock face.

Obanazawa Trail (5 to 6 hours one-way)

The Obanazawa Trail starts from a forest road next to the Gosho Sanso mountain hut. The trail continues through the soothing forest along a wide path from the trailhead to the Ochiai junction.

Turn to the east (left) at the Ochiai junction to get on the Kurabi trail. This part of the trail often has potholes, falling rock, and bad footing overall. It's best if you bring a helmet and rope. Take care not to lose your way when crossing the rivers, or at the junctions.

Take a southern turn (right) at the Ochiai junction for the Sounkyo trail. This trail takes you up a mountain stream, so you’ll need appropriate gear for that. It’s highly recommended that you go with someone experienced if you are a beginner at this. This part can be extremely dangerous when the water level is high, so don’t even attempt it if that is the case. Partway along the trail lies the Osawa Emergency Hut. The path from Otaki to Oiwake has potholes and thick bush.

Kannonji Trail (3 hours one-way)

The Kannonji Trail starts in Higashine City with the trailhead lying at the end of a forest road just past Jangle Jungle, the Kurobushi Kogen Ski Field.

After climbing for about 30 minutes you will come across the Kurihata junction. Head straight here, and once past the Sendai Kago and Kusu-mine the path continues gradually through a beech forest. This part is all fine and dandy, but the last 400m can be quite intense.

Nearby locations worth visiting 

Ginzan Onsen

Ginzan Onsen located in Obanazawa City is one of the most well-known parts of Yamagata Prefecture. Famous for its Ryokan along a river that looks like they came straight out of a Ghibli film, Ginzan Onsen is an excellent location to relax after a few hours on the mountains of Yamagata. 

Switch on coffee

One day I was passing through Obanazawa on my way home from Sendai and I found this awesome little cafe had only recently opened. They had amazing cheesecakes, and their selection of beans was something special. 

Odo-Mori

Located in the Murayama region, Odo-mori (御堂森おどうもり) is a 1057m (3467 ft.) peak best climbed from May to October. Odo-mori is a level 3 in terms of physical demand, which means it is moderate to hike, has a A technical grade, which means it requires little expertise, and you want to allow at least 6 hours for a climb.

Ohira-yama

The 814m-tall Ohira-yama (大平山おおひらやま) is a peak in the Murayama region of Yamagata prefecture best hiked from late May to early November. Ohira-yama is a level 1 in terms of physical demand, which means it is easy to hike, has an A technical grade, which means it requires little expertise, and you want to allow at least 3 hours for a climb.

Kita-yama

Kita-yama is the perfect spot for a picnic amongst the Sakura that offers panoramic views over the rice fields and mountains of inland Yamagata Prefecture.

Koshiki-dake 

Koshiki-dake is a mountain in Murayama City that is an active Shugendo peak loved by many.

Futatsu-mori 

Futatsu-mori is a distinctive twin-peaked mountain in Obanazawa City near the border with Miyagi Prefecture.

Venerable Old Man Mountain — The Mist and Mystery of Okina-san

Lying along The Ou Mountains, Japan’s longest mountain range stretching over 500km across the length of the Tohoku Region, the landscapes and legends of Okina-san make this 1075m (3526 ft.) peak not only a 100 Famous Mountain of Yamagata, but also one of the 100 Famous Mountains of Tohoku.