KURATE-YAMA
Kurate-yama is a mountain famous for Japanese white pines, rhododendrons, azaleas, and its views of the Ide Renpo.
Kurate-yama is a peak near Ozakai-yama, Kitamata-yama, and Ide-san in the south-west corner of Oguni Town renowned for its glorious views of the Ide Renpo. When standing at the summit from the left you can see Jizo-dake, Ide-san, Kitamata-dake, Chijin-zan, and even Eburiasahi-dake in Iwate to the east. In spring there are rhododendrons and azaleas, among many other colourful flowers.
There is a carpark for Kurate-yama 1.4 km past the junction at the Obuchi Bridge entrance to the Kairagiso mountain lodge. Signs point the way to the trailhead, so start the hike from there. After about 30 minutes on a sharp incline, the trail evens out and the view opens up. You’ll arrive at a ridge with many Pinus Parviflora (Himekomatsu, Japanese white pine). Once over the bump there is one last steep incline to contend with before you reach the summit.
The gate closes for the winter until late May. However, it's possible to use the Kairagiso carpark and walk to the trailhead.
The road there is paved and there is enough space for 40 cars to park at the trailhead. There is also a toilet near the car park.
倉手山 | くらてやま
Kurate-yama (倉手山くらてやま) is a 952m (3123 ft.) peak in the Okitama Region of Yamagata prefecture best climbed from May to early November. Kurate-yama is a level 2 in terms of physical demand, which means it is relatively easy to hike, has a B technical grade, which means it doesn't require too much expertise. Allow at least 2 hours one-way for a hike up Kurate-yama.
Mountain Range
Kurate-yama
Region
Okitama
Elevation
952m (3123 ft.)
Technical Demand
B (requires some technical skills)
Physical Demand
2 (a little physically demanding)
Trails
Kurate-yama Tozan (Hiking) Trail (2 to 6 hours one-way)
Best time to climb
May to early November
Day trip possible?
Yes
Minimum Time Required
Two to six hours one-way on the Kurate-yama Tozan (Hiking) Trail
PDF Maps by TheHokkaidoCartographer and JapanWilds.org. See all here.
YAMABUSHI NEWSLETTER