FUTATSU-MORI (Mt. Futatsumori)

ふたつもり 

Hiking Guide to the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture

二ツ森

FUTATSU-MORI

Twin-peaked mountain in Obanazawa City with a cool waterfall and great views.

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

FUTATSU-MORI

二ツ森ふたつもり 

Mt. Futatsumori, Futatsumori, Mt. Futatsu-mori

Distinctive twin-peaked mountain in Obanazawa City near the border with Miyagi Prefecture.

Futatsu-mori (二ツ森ふたつもり) is a 742m (2434 ft.) peak in the Murayama region of Yamagata prefecture. Futatsu-mori is best climbed from late May to mid-November. Futatsu-mori is a level 1 in terms of physical demand, which means it is easy to hike, has a A technical grade, which means it requires little expertise, and you want to allow at least 2 hours for a climb.

Mountain Range

Futatsu-mori

Region

Murayama

Elevation

742m (2434ft.)

Technical Demand

A (requires little expertise)

Physical Demand

1 (easy to hike)

Trails

Two. 1) Futatsu-mori South Trail (2 hours return), 2) Futatsu-mori North Trail (3 hours return)

Best time to climb

Late May to mid-November

Day trip possible?

Yes

Minimum Time Required

2 hours

Google Map with trailheads and summit.

PDF Maps by TheHokkaidoCartographer and JapanWilds.org. See all here.

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