Ohira-yama is a conical-shaped mountain in Obanazawa City. Near the summit of Ohira-yama there are two rocks that were said to be left behind by a high priest. First is the Shishi-iwa rock after the mythical Chinese guardian lion. Second is the Eboshi rock after a form of Heian-era headwear a Shinto priest would wear. There is also a summit marker, and Man’nendo, a group of rocks in the shape of a small hall. Plus, the view from the summit is excellent. From here you can get panoramic views of Koshiki-dake, Gosho-zan, and the Asahi Renpo.

Every year in spring locals from the Hosono area hold a ‘Takai yama unbiraki’ ritual. During the ritual, many people come to pray for the safety of the region. Ohira-yama is also used in the local school song. This shows just how much locals love the mountain.

Ohira-yama Trail (3 hours return)

The start of the Ohira-yama Trail takes you through a forest of thin cedar trees. After a while, you will come across a broad-leafed forest where the climb gets increasingly steeper. There are parts where you need to use the ropes so be warned. You can take a break at the lookout. Then once through the beech forest, there is one last part until you arrive at the summit.

Nearby locations worth visiting 

Ginzan Onsen

Okina-san is only a short 20 minute drive from Ginzan Onsen, one of the most well-known parts of Yamagata Prefecture. Famous for its Ryokan along a river that looks like they came straight out of a Ghibli film, Ginzan Onsen is an excellent location to relax after a few hours on the mountains of Yamagata. 

Switch on coffee

One day I was passing through Obanazawa on my way home from Sendai and I found this awesome little cafe had only recently opened. They had amazing cheesecakes, and their selection of beans was something special. 

Kita-yama

Kita-yama is the perfect spot for a picnic amongst the Sakura. The mountain offers panoramic views over the rice fields and mountains of inland Yamagata Prefecture.

Kamuro-dake 

Kamuro-dake is a mountain on the edge of a caldera on the borders of Mogami Town and the Onikobe part of Naruko Onsen, Miyagi Prefecture.

Futatsu-mori 

Futatsu-mori is a distinctive twin-peaked mountain in Obanazawa City near the border with Miyagi Prefecture.

Venerable Old Man Mountain — The Mist and Mystery of Okina-san

Lying along The Ou Mountains, Japan’s longest mountain range stretching over 500km across the length of the Tohoku Region, the landscapes and legends of Okina-san make this 1075m (3526 ft.) peak not only a 100 Famous Mountain of Yamagata, but also one of the 100 Famous Mountains of Tohoku.