Nishiazuma-yama is the tallest peak along the Azuma Renpo straddling Yamagata and Fukushima Prefectures. It is also one of the 100 Famous Mountains of Tohoku, and the second tallest peak of the Ou Mountains after Iwate-san.

There are many spots to explore on Nishiazuma-yama besides simply going to the summit. Especially famous are the alpine wetlands where in summer Kinkoka Narthecium asiaticum, Watasuge Hare’s tail cottongrass, and Iwaicho Deer Cabbage bloom. There are also many onsen hot spring resorts both on and around Nishiazuma-yama. Popular ones include Shirabu Onsen, Namegawa Onsen, the secluded Odaira Onsen near the start of the Mogami River, Onogawa Onsen, and Yunosawa Onsen. These all make great places to take a rest before or after your hike.

Azuma-yama along the same Azuma Renpo is an active volcano currently at alert level one. This simply means you need to be aware that it is indeed a volcano. For more information, check the Japan Meteorological Agency website.

Tengendai Trail (2 to 6 hours one-way)

The Tengendai trail starts in Shirabu Onsen. Take the cable car (ropeway in Japanese) from Yugen Station all the way up to the northern lookout at 1820m. To do this, you need to switch ski lifts three times. At the top of the ski lift there is a junction leading to the trail. Take a right here to head to the summit of Nishiazuma-yama. There are some alpine wetlands when you come out along the ridge. Along the way there are good lookouts on the Bonten-iwa and Tengu-iwa rocks. Just past Tengu-iwa lies Azuma Jinja.

Wakaonna-Daira Trail (4 hours one-way)

Wakkaonna-Daira is a flat area in the centre of Nishiazuma-yama you pass through on the Wakaonna-Daira trail when starting in Shirafu Onsen. The trail heads straight to the summit of Nishiazuma-yama and has been used since ancient times. Since the elevation gain is around 1,200m (3937 ft.), this trail is for advanced hikers. Besides the Wakaonna-Daira, the whole hike is steep. From the junction at the top, take a left to go to Tengu-Iwa and Bonten-Iwa, or a right to get to the summit of Nishiazuma-yama.

There is a map on this page.