Want to learn the background to Shirotaro-yama? View How NOT to Climb a Mountain in Winter.
Shirotaro-yama Trail (winter only, 3 hours one-way, bring experienced winter hiker)
Since there are no trails in the summer, the only time you can go is when snow has settled on the mountain in winter. Since it’s hard to know where to go, you MUST go with someone experienced with snow hiking. You will need Kanjiki, snowshoes, and stocks? Plus, since it takes a lot of energy to create a trail, you should change the lead hiker periodically. On the way back, by all means use a sleigh or other methods to reduce the time necessary on the mountain.
The road to the trailhead is paved. There is space for about 4 vehicles 60 m from the trailhead, but no parking in front of the houses.
Places nearby to check out
Tohoku’s Matterhorn
Iwaigame-yama (祝瓶山いわいがめやま) is a 1417m (4648 ft.) peak in the Murayama region of Yamagata prefecture at the southern edge of the Asahi Renpo. The mountain’s shape resembles that of The Matterhorn. Climbing season for Iwaigame-yama is usually from June to October. Iwaigame-yama is a level 3 in terms of physical demand, which means it is moderate to hike, has a B technical grade, which means it doesn’t require too much expertise, and you want to allow at least 7 hours for a hike.
Oasahi-dake
The main peak along the Asahi Renpo, and also one of the 100 Famous Mountains of Japan, Oasahi-dake (大朝日岳おおあさひだけ) is a 1871m (6138 ft.) peak along the borders of the Okitama, Murayama, and Shonai regions of Yamagata. Oasahi-dake is a level 5 in terms of physical demand, which means it is hard to hike. The mountain has a B technical grade. This means it doesn’t require too much expertise. Allow at least 12 hours for a climb up Oasahi-dake, meaning you probably need to stay on the mountain.
Todono-san
Lying along the borders of Shirataka and Asahi Towns, Todono-san is a 1203m (3946 ft.) peak that was part of the ancient trails to Yudono-san. Best climbed from June to October, Todono-san is a level 3 in terms of physical demand, which means it is moderate to hike. The mountain has a B technical grade, which means it doesn’t require too much expertise. Allow at least 4 hours for a climb up Todono-san.