HIGASHIKUROMORI-YAMA

ひがしくろもりやま 

Hiking Guide to the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture

東黒森山

HIGASHIKUROMORI-YAMA

Higashikuromori-yama is a mountain in Yamanobe Town famous as part of the Kenmin-no-mori, the forest for the people of the prefecture, and the surrounding lakes.

Located in the south of Yamanobe Town, Higashikuromori-yama is loved as a Ken-min-no-mori 'forest of the people of the prefecture' that is easy to access for an enjoyable hike. Take a walk around Onuma pond to see the reflection of Higashikuromori-yama there. Plus, there are a number of other ponds in the area that make this spot excellent for picnics, camping, or even fishing.

Both the Eastern and Western Trails leave from relatively close to each other meaning you can easily do a loop. There is a natural water spring in the top 100 of Yamagata Prefecture called Kame-no-ko, 'turtle child', that you can visit after your hike.

Higashi-sen (East) Trail (30 minutes one-way)

The Higashi-sen (East) trail takes you from east to west in an anti-clockwise direction. Although the 800 m trail is shorter than the 1 km trail from the west, it has more steep parts. For a carpark, use the Kenmin-no-mori Kazoku Hiroba directly across the road from the trailhead. The trail first takes you through a cedar forest that gradually becomes more wild as you continue. The last incline is quite steep with deep bush, so feel free to take a detour. At the summit there is a summit marker and an emergency hut where you can take a break. Through the trees at the summit you can make out the Asahi RenpoGassan, and Murayama Hayama.

Nishi-sen (West) Trail (30 minutes one-way)

The Nishi-sen (west) trail up Higashikuromori-yama starts about 200 m down the road from the Higashi-sen Trailhead. Feel free to use the same carpark as the Higashi-sen Trail, the Kenmin-no-mori Kazoku Hiroba . The Nishi-sen trail takes you in the opposite direction of the Higashi-sen trail, heading clockwise. There are a few steep parts, but overall it is a very gradual hike in which you can get your fix of Shinrinyoku. If you’re body isn’t really feeling it, we recommend hiking up the Nishi-sen Trail, and then coming back on the Higashi-sen Trail.

HIGASHIKUROMORI-YAMA

東黒森山ひがしくろもりやま 

Mt. Higashikuromori, Higashikuromoriyama, Mt. Higashikuromori-yama, Mt. Higashikuromoriyama

Higashikuromori-yama is a mountain in Yamanobe Town famous as part of the Kenmin-no-mori, the forest for the people of the prefecture, and the surrounding lakes.

Higashikuromori-yama (東黒森山ひがしくろもりやま) is a 766m (2513 ft.) peak in the Murayama region of Yamagata prefecture best hiked from May to November. Higashikuromori-yama is a level 1 in terms of physical demand, which means it is easy to hike, has an A technical grade, which means it requires little expertise, and you want to allow at least 1 hour for a hike.

Mountain Range

Higashikuromori-yama

Region

Murayama

Elevation

766m (2513 ft.)

Technical Demand

A (requires little expertise)

Physical Demand

1 (easy to hike)

Trails

Two: 1) Higashi-sen (East) Trail (30 minutes one-way), 2) Nishi-sen (West) Trail (30 minutes one-way)

Best time to climb

May to November

Day trip possible?

Yes

Minimum Time Required

30 minutes on either the Higashi or Nishi-sen trails

Google Map with trailheads and summit.

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

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