TAKATOYA-YAMA (TAKATO-YAMA)

たかとややま 

Hiking Guide to the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture

高戸屋山

TAKATOYA-YAMA (TAKATO-YAMA)

Takatoya-yama is a mountain renowned for its views of the Okitama agriculture belt, and the surrounding mountains.

Takatoya-yama is a mountain in the centre of Kawanishi Town. The 368 m (1207 Ft.) peak commands great views of the Kawanishi Dahlia Park and the Okitama region agriculture belt. There are two main trails on Takatoya-yama; the Higashi-Mawari (eastern) and Nishi-Mawari (western) trails. Members of the general public and those on town-run events alike make use of the trails. One such event that has since become an established practice is the snowshoe hike at New Year’s. During this event, locals climb up in the snow at daybreak to bring in the new year from the summit of Takatoya-yama. The mountain also hosts mountain biking events.

The relatively shallow ridge inclines make Takatoya-yama great for beginners. There are some steep areas with ups and downs, and also slippery parts to take note of.

Higashi-Mawari (Eastern) Trail (90 minutes one-way)

The Higashi-Mawari (eastern) Trail starts on the eastern side of the Kawanishi Dahlia Park. The sufficiently wide trail takes you through a pine forest. Since the trail is clearly marked, including signs telling you how long you have left, you shouldn’t get lost. However, do make sure to look at the maps at each intersection to know you’re going the right way. During the hike, you can make out parts of Kawanishi Town to the left through the trees. The view gets better as you climb, and once at the summit there are grand views of the Okitama Basin’s agriculture belt. There you can see Nishiazuma-yama, Ide-yama, and Oasahi-dake that surround Takatoya-yama as well.

Nishi-Mawari (Western) Trail (90 minutes one-way, for beginners)

Takatoya-yama’s western Nishi-Mawari Trail starts at the end of a road the wraps around to the west from the Yoku Yoku Centre. Follow the trail to the right and up the ski field until you reach the ridge. There are a few spots along this last part with views from Nanyo to Yonezawa Cities that make good rest areas. After one final long push, you will reach the summit. The summit has an open area with a summit marker and some benches.

TAKATOYA-YAMA (TAKATO-YAMA)

高戸屋山たかとややま 

Mt. Takatoya, Mt. Takato, Takatoyama, Mt. Takatoyama, Takatoya

Takatoya-yama (高戸屋山たかとややま(たかとやま)) is a 368m (1207 ft.) peak in the Okitama Region of Yamagata prefecture best hiked from April to November. Takatoya-yama is a level 2 in terms of physical demand, which means it is relatively easy to hike and has an A technical grade, which means it requires little expertise. Allow at least 1.5 hours one-way for a hike.

Mountain Range

Takatoya-yama

Region

Okitama

Elevation

368m (1207 ft.)

Technical Demand

A (requires little expertise)

Physical Demand

2 (relatively easy to hike)

Trails

Two: 1) Higashi-Mawari (Eastern) Trail (90 minutes one-way), 2) Nishi-Mawari (Western) Trail (90 minutes one-way, for beginners)

Best time to climb

April to November

Day trip possible?

Yes

Minimum Time Required

90 minutes one-way on either the Higashi-Mawari or Nishi-Mawari trails

Google Map with trailheads and summit.

PDF Maps by TheHokkaidoCartographer and JapanWilds.org. See all here.

FROM THE REGION

Exploring The Yamabushi Trails of Kinbo-zan (Mt. Kinbo)
The Heavenly Hideaway of Daizumori-yama
Close Encounters of the Tengu Kind

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

The sun sets over the ninth station of Mt. Gassan
Gassan, the Dewa Sanzan’s “Mountain of Death” (Mt. Gassan)
Tokami-yama and The Castle of Mist
Hiking Japan’s Forgotten Highway: Sabane-yama and Ushu-Kaido (Mt. Sabane)

YAMABUSHI NEWSLETTER

KIWI YAMABUSHI

Tim Bunting Kiwi Yamabushi

TIM BUNTING - KIWI YAMABUSHI

OFFICIAL DEWA SANZAN YAMABUSHI NAME:

RYOSEN - SPREADER OF TRUTH

Get In Touch

Share this:

Like this:

Like Loading...
Scroll to Top