Lying on the only inhabited island in Yamagata Prefecture, Tobishima Island, Kashiwagi-yama is a mountain that formed from a mass of lava and ash after a volcanic eruption. At 58m, Kashiwagi-yama is the lowest peak on the 100 Famous Mountains of Yamagata list. However, since it is right next to the ocean, it’s a great spot to check out. From the lookout along the footpath, you can see Oshakujima Island where a dragon god resides. You can also see the Eboshi islands.
There is plenty to explore on the island. There are rocks on the southern edge in the shape of a mammoth. Also, Sai-no-kawara is a spot revered since ancient times.
Kashiwagi-yama Round-trip (40 minutes one way)
Leaving from the Tobishima Marine Plaza boat terminal, take a right at the coal fired power plant. Climb up the stairs, and you will find a wide path that is easy to walk on. Along the path there is a lookout from where you can see Oshakujima and the Eboshi Islands. When you reach the coast, you can see a rocks made of hardened lava. This was formed from an eruption between 9 to 13 million years ago.
Once past Sai-no-Kawara and the candle rocks, there is a place where Tobishima Seaweed grows naturally. Keep following the path and after the cliffs there is an area where the creeping cedar (Hai Byakushin) grows. From the Tateiwa rocks you can see Mt. Kashiwagi, the Sea of Japan, and on fine days Mt. Chokai.
Tobishima is part of the Mt. Chokai and Tobishima Island Geopark.
Locations nearby worth checking out
Tobishima Island is said to have been formed from the eruption of Chokai-zan.