Can I let you in on a secret?
What if I told you there was a mountain amongst many mountains that had spectacular views of these many mountains for minimal effort?
Well, there is.
Daizumori-yama is the kind of mountain that if you know about, you know about. Located pretty much smack bang in the middle of Yamagata Prefecture, Daizumori-yama offers unbeatable 360° panoramic views for only a 20 or so minute hike. In short, this mountain’s effort / reward ratio is about as lopsided as it can get.
What sort of views you say?
Spectacular ones. Like this:
There’s got to be a catch, right? There always is.
Yes, unfortunately.
Perhaps the hardest part about “hiking” Daizumori-yama is the getting there part. In short, the trailhead carpark can be a bit of a mission to get to, and would be impossible without your own transport. Even then, the steep and narrow mountain roads to navigate make it difficult to reach. Needless to say, this is not a road for the faint of heart.
Looked at another way though, if you love driving, and you love the Japanese countryside, I couldn’t think of a better thing to do than hiking Daizumori-yama. To get there, you’re going to need to drive through countless mountain valley hamlets, among dense native forest, through an eerie tunnel, and up a steep narrow road.
Once you’re there though, getting to the summit is a breeze.
Plus, this mountain is more than just a view.
In spring there is fresh greenery, bamboo shoots, Zenmai (ostrich fern), and other mountain vegetables. In autumn, many families and friends go out to take in all the leaves. Also, there is the Jintsukyo gorge, the Okuoe Yanagawa Onsen, and Kodera Kosen hot springs nearby.
Hiking Daizumori-yama
From the carpark, head back the way you came, and you’ll see a sign half buried in bush. This sign marks the trailhead. Then it’s just a matter of following the trail on a slight incline with a few stairs in between. 800m or so later, you’ll come out at a clearing with the behemoth that is Daizumori-Yama’s 10m-tall (30 ft.) lookout tower. The tower is apparently made of Nishiyama cedar, and there is a carillon bell with a nice sound, so be sure to play it when you go.
Being in the middle of a dense forest on top of a mountain, the views up there are simply unbeatable. Plus, since you’re essentially in the centre of the prefecture, you can see tons of famous Yamagata peaks, and beyond too. For starters, Daizumori-yama offers views of Yudono-san, Ubaga-take, Gassan, and Murayama Ha-yama to the north. To the east you’ll the mountains of the Ou Renpo such as Gosho-zan, Omoshiro-yama, and Zao-san. Then, to the south and south west, the mountains of the Asahi Alps such as Oasahi-yama, Ito-dake, Tengusumotori-yama, and Shojiga-take.
More photos for your viewing pleasure
Nearby Locations Worth Checking Out
The Asahi Renpo (Asahi Alps)
The mountains on the Asahi Renpo also on the 100 Famous Mountains of Yamagata are (from north to south) Shojiga-take, Ito-dake, Tengusumotori-yama, Torihara-yama, Koasahi-dake, Osasahi-dake, and Okitama Ha-yama.
Dewaya Ryokan in Nishikawa
Famous for its unique take on Dewa Sanzan mountain vegetable cuisine, Dewaya Ryokan in Nishikawa is a must-stay Ryokan in Nishikawa Town.
Tsutaya Ryokan in Shizu Onsen
Run by a fellow yamabushi, the affable Shida-san, Tsutaya is a Ryokan in Shizu Onsen right at the entrance to the Gassan Ski Lift. Tsutaya is my go-to Ryokan. The meals are second to none, combining locally sourced mountain vegetables with some of Shida-san’s unique recipes, and the drink selection is also up there. Then of course is the hot springs. Tsutaya has both private and semi-public (for paying guests) hot springs with unbeatable views out onto Yudono-san and Ubaga-take. (They are also buidling a sauna!). Needless to say, you should probably just go stay there.
Yukihira Coffee in Nakayama Town
Just south of central Sagae City, Yukihira Coffee is a tiny coffee stand in Nakayama Town. Offering both blends and single origin coffee, Yukihira Coffee is one of the best cafes in the prefecture. They also have a selection of sweets (try the Canelé!). Plus, a broad range of coffee-making paraphernalia that is sure to please any coffee-lover.
Murayama Ha-yama
Murayama Ha-yama is a former Dewa Sanzan peak in inland Yamagata Prefecture with an extensive Shugendo and Mountain Worship history. Access to Murayama Ha-yama is possible from nearby Sagae City.
Tengu-yama in Nishikawa
Tengu-yama is a 403-m high peak in Nishikawa town that is home to a Tengu, a yokai or supernatural being.
Dewa Sanzan: Haguro-san, Gassan, and Yudono-san
Gassan and Yudono-san are both accessible from Nishikawa and Oe; Gassan from the Gassan Ski Lift in Shizu Onsen, and Yudono-san can be directly accessed from the Gassan Road. Unfortunately, Haguro-san is on the completely opposite side of Gassan from where Tengu-yama lies, but is definitely worth a visit if you have the time.
Iwanesawa Trailhead up Gassan
Daizumori-yama is known for:
- 360° panoramic views from the centre of Yamagata prefecture
- Very easy hike
- Great views of Yudono-san, Ubaga-take, Gassan, Murayama Ha-yama, Gosho-zan, Omoshiro-yama, Zao-san, Oasahi-yama, Ito-dake, Tengusumotori-yama, Shojiga-take and more.
- Home to beech and Erman’s birch trees, as well as Moriaogaeru frogs, hawk eagles, and serows
- Cool-sounding carillon bell