Futatsu-mori (Mt. Futatsumori) is a dual-peaked mountain in Obanazawa City with a north peak of 742m and south peak 695m. The characteristically-shaped mountain is very popular as it offers 360° panoramas, and is a relatively easy hike to boot. Due to the distinctive dip between the two peaks locals also call Futatsu-mori 'saddle mountain' Nikurayama. The trail to the north peak was cleared in 2020, so now both summits are reachable.

Getting to Futatsu-mori

From the entrance on Route 347, head up through the gate along the unpaved road towards and through the bovine breeding centre. There is a carpark right at the trailhead. Be warned that the gate closes at 4:30pm, so be sure to leave in time for that.

Futatsu-mori South Trail (1 hours one-way)

There is only one trail that goes straight for the middle of the saddle. The South trail is to the right, and the north trail to the left. Part-way up there is a side trail to a 'rising' waterfall that is only visible when the snow is melting and during the rainy season. After 5 minutes along this trail there is a lookout for the waterfall. The climb rises steeply at the saddle, however the view gets more and more amazing the higher you climb.

At the summit there is a stone monument to the Kami Futakura-yama-Sarutahiko-no-Mikoto Daijin (my best attempt at a reading, I can only find Kanji for this Kami 二鞍山猿田彦命大神). There are also views of the nearby Obanazawa city centre, to the east the Ou Mountains, to the west Gassan and the Asahi Alps, and if visibility is good, you can see all the way out to Chokai-zan.

Futatsu-mori North Trail (90 minutes one-way)

The trail to the saddle is the same as on the South Trail. At the junction, take a left and before long there will be a monument to the Kami Kotsuanzen Daimyojin, and the sharp rise leading to the summit. Follow the ropes and markings and take the sharp incline slightly to the east (right) as you go around the mountain until you reach the summit. Both summits have lookouts, and you can see Gassan or Chokai-zan on good days. The trail can be very steep at times so take due care not just while going up, but while going down as well.

Resources

Yamagatayama Website