Visible from all over the Okitama Region, Goshi-yama is renowned for how its landscape changes by the season. In the past, the ancient Goshi Toge pass to the north was maintained by a local group called ‘Goshi-yama-no-Kai’. However in September of 1999, that same group formed a loop trail with Komagata-take to the south. Known as the Buna-no-mori Sansaku kosu, the beech forest hiking trail, this trail has since become very popular indeed.
The trail is cleared twice a year, and even elementary school students hike it. The summit boasts 360° views. To the south lies the Azuma Renpo, to the west the Ide Renpo, to the northwest the Asahi Renpo and Gassan, to the northeast, the Zao Renpo. And if you’re really lucky, you can spot Chokai-san way up in the north.
Hana-no-Kata Trail (3 hours one-way)
The Hana-no-kata trail goes from the Motomiya Camping Ground via Goshi Toge to the summit. First, park your car at the campsite. After walking through the forest road for a while, you will soon see a sign for the trailhead. The trail starts proper after taking a left at the forest road and crossing the stream.
Follow the zigzags for a while, and when you reach the top you’re at the trail’s namesake; Hana-no-Kata ‘the flower shoulder’, an exposed rock with spectacular views. After that the trail evens out through a beech forest. Then the path gets steep again from around the watering hole and then up to the Goshi Toge. There is one final push to the summit from here that takes about 30 minutes.
Take due care as the trail is covered with layers of fallen leaves, so there are parts with poor footing, and some parts get extremely narrow.
Hikabagoe Trail (3 hours one-way)
The Hikabagoe Trail takes you south from a dam through a beech forest along the Motozawa River. There are some parts where you have to cross the river, so take care of your footing. Take a left at the junction for the Hikabagoe meadow, and the summit is about 50 minutes away.