Sankichi-yama has been an object of worship since the Edo Period (1603-1868). The mountain is a branch shrine of Sankichi-Jinja in Akita Prefecture. Sankichi-yama is designated as a special walking trail by Kaminoyama City. Plus, many visit from in and around Yamagata Prefecture prefecture.
There is a lookout at Sankichi-Jinja at the back of the summit. From here you can see the Yamagata Basin, an aerial view of Kaminoyama City, and the spectacular mountains to the west. Sankichi-yama has its own type of indigenous cherry blossoms called Shin’eizakura. In addition, Nikkokisuge (Hemerocallis middendorffii, Amur daylily) flowers grow on Sankichi-yama, as well as other alpine flowers near Kumano Jinja at the trailhead.
Sankichi-yama Trail (1 hour one-way)
As you enter the Kaneoi region off Route 13, follow the signs past the Kaminoyama Golf Garden. You’ll see a carpark there with a biomass toilet and enough space for 20 cars. Pass through the torii shrine gates and you are at the trailhead.
The trail takes you through a red pine and cherry forest from around the trailhead to the statue of Fudomyo’o. Take a left before the statue and there is a lookout here where you can see a pagoda. From the lookout there is a path of bark that zigzags up the mountain. At the top, the trail merges with the main trail.
Once past the watering hole, you will see a steep pile of rocks called Gankai. From here you can see Kaminoyama City. There are also tall Urihada Kaede (Acer rufinerve, Honshu maple) that have a dazzling hue in autumn. Climb this last section and you’re at the summit. The Summit is an open area with Sankichi-Jinja and a bell tower, a great spot for a rest.
There are other trails besides this, and from the summit you can continue on to do a traverse of Kaminoyama Hayama.