KABU-YAMA (Mt. Kabu)

かぶやま 

Hiking Guide to the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture

加無山

KABU-YAMA

Twin-peaked mountain within a forest park that is home to many ancient trees and bird of prey nests.

Kabu-yama is located in the northern Mamurogawa Town of Yamagata Prefecture. The mountain is part of the Kabu-yama Prefectural Nature Park. Kabu-yama has two peaks, the northern Okabu-yama, and the southern Mekabu-yama. The peaks are only just under 1000m, but the trails are complicated and steep, so can be intimidating. There are many ancient trees in the area, as well as nests for birds of prey.

Kabu-yama Trail (3 to 4 hours one-way)

The trailhead up Kabu-yama is just before the end of the forest road. Be warned that there are a few places to cross the river. You will either have to use bridges made of logs, or simply ford the river. Once you reach the split between Okabu-yama and Mekabu-yama, head north towards Okabu-yama. You will find a rocky area with a lookout there. There is no trail to Mekabu-yama, and most people opt to turn back at the lookout. However, if you do want to go to the summit of Okabu-yama, make your way through the bush and up the rock. It’s quite an unpredictable trail, so if you want to go for the summit, it’s best to hire a local guide. There isn’t a lookout from the summit of Okabu-yama. However, there is a marker to let you know when you get there.

Places Nearby Worth Visiting

Koshiki-yama

Koshiki-yama (甑山, こしきやま) is a 981m (3218 ft.) peak in the Mogami region of Yamagata prefecture. The mountain is best climbed from June to early November. Koshiki-yama 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 30 minutes one-way for a climb.

KABU-YAMA

Mt. Kabu, Mt. Kabuyama

Kabu-yama is a twin-peaked mountain in the northern Mamurogawa Village of Yamagata Prefecture near Chokai-zan.

加無山かぶやま 

Kabu-yama (加無山 [男加無山・女加無山]かぶやま [おかぶやま・めかぶやま]) is a 997m (3270 ft.) peak in the Mogami region of Yamagata prefecture best climbed from June to mid-November. Kabu-yama is a level 3 in terms of physical demand, which means it is moderate to hike, has a C technical grade, which means it requires a moderate level of expertise, and you want to allow at least 6 hours for a climb.

Mountain Range

Kabu-yama

Region

Mogami

Elevation

997m (3270 ft.)

Technical Demand

C (requires a moderate level of expertise)

Physical Demand

3 (moderate to hike)

Trails

Kabu-yama Trail (3-4 hours one-way)

Best time to climb

June to mid-November

Day trip possible?

Yes

Minimum Time Required

6 hours return

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