Shojiga-take is a rocky peak that deviates to the north from Sanpozakai (Mt. Sanpozakai) along the Asahi Renpo (mountain range). The mountain is also known as Futatsusekioneagari (I'm not sure on this reading, yamagatayama.com). Shojiga-take is located on the borders of Tsuruoka City in the former Asahi Village and Nishikawa Town in the Nishimurayama District. The Shoji refers to the rock face that looks like a Shoji screen found in Japanese houses. Called Murasaki Nade, the southern face is made up of a slab of rock that drops 300m into the Nakasaki-sawa part of the Oisawa-gawa River. The rock face is one of the most famous rock faces along the Asahi Renpo along with the eastern face of Iwaigame-yama that lies to the south, and the eastern face of Ezura-ho.

The trailhead with the shortest distance to the summit is in Oisawa, Nishikawa Town, which splits into two trails. This means you can use a different way there and back.

The Asahi Renpo (Asahi Alps)

There are many mountains on the Asahi Renpo also on the 100 Famous Mountains of Yamagata. They are (from north to south) Shojiga-take, Ito-dake, Tengusumotori-yama, Torihara-yama, Koasahi-dake, Osasahi-dake, and Okitama Ha-yama.

Southern Trail (6 hours one-way)

The southern trail starts from Minamimatasawadeai. Take a left in front of the bridge along the main flow of the Oisawa River. Cross the bridge Minamimata-sawa river and enjoy the view of larch, beech, and himekomatsu (Pinus pentaphylla) trees. There is a watering hole near Takigatake, but the water is not always flowing depending on the time of year. Once past the watering hole, there is a cobblestone path. You will see a precipitation measurement station, then arrive at Kurihata where the split between Shojiga-take and Tengusumotori-yama is. Take a right here, and there is one last ridge to climb until you reach the summit of Shojiga-take. From the summit you can see the Asahi Renpo in all their glory.

Northern Trail (4 hours 15 minutes one-way)

The Northern Trail up Shojiga-take is short and sharp. Well, comparatively. The proper trailhead is at the end of the forest road alongside the Oisawa-gawa River. However, this road isn't always accessible. If you need to, start to the right of Minamisawadeai and add 30 minutes to the time. After crossing the small stream at the end of the forest road, the ascent starts proper. After about 3 hours of climbing you will arrive at the Murasaki Nade. From there keep going along the relatively flat trail. After the Koshoji peak, you will soon find yourself at the summit. This trail requires fitness and climbing rocks. Plus, the grass along the trail isn't always short, so be sure to adjust your hiking plans accordingly.

Resources

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