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 Renpo, Gassan, 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.