A Sakazuki is a cup for drinking sake. As the name suggests, Sakazuki-yama is a small mountain that looks like an upturned sake cup. Sakazuki-yama is as close to the centre of Yamagata City as a mountain can be. Along with nearby Chitose-yama, many locals use the mountain for taking a stroll. Spectacularly, the leaves change with the seasons, and many wild birds visit making it a feast for the senses.

Along the northern Kita Trailhead there is a lookout over central Yamagata city. From here in the distance you can see the Zao Renpo and Gassan.

Lastly, Furumine Jinja at the summit is a shrine known to miraculously ward off disaster.

Sakazuki-yama Higashi (East) Trail (20 minutes one-way)

The Higashi Trail starts in the east and heads through a forest to Furumine Jinja at the summit. Since it is only 20 minutes one-way, this is a very easy trail to hike. From the summit you get views of central Yamagata City from up close. In the distance, you can see The Asahi Renpo and Shirataka-yama.

Sakazuki-yama Kita (North) Trail (30 minutes one-way)

The Kita Trail begins in Sotsuki-machi, Yamagata City, and has a lookout on the way up to the summit. This trail is the main promenade to Furumine Jinja. As such, there are three sets of Torii gates to pass through on the way to the summit. Take note, the Kita Trailhead does not have a carpark.

Places nearby to check out

Onigiri Rice Ball Mountain: Chitose-yama

Chitose-yama is a triangular rice-ball shaped mountain in Yamagata City famous for its red pine forest, and the legend of Akoya-hime, Princess Akoya.

Togami-yama (Tokami-yama)

Togami-yama is a triangular mountain that was the location of one of Japan’s fiercest battles, and was the reason why Yamagata Castle was named Kajo.