Togami-yama (sometimes read as Tokami-yama) is a mountain in the south west of Yamagata city. The mountain is an almost perfect triangle. From the summit you can see the Zao Renpo and Yamagata city, a wonderful view that has attracted many hikers from all around. 

The mountain is famous as a location in the Battle of Sekigahara of the North, the Keicho Dewa Gassen war in 1600 . This was a battle between Uesugi Kagekatsu of the Western Army and Mogami Yoshiaki and Date Masamune of the Eastern Army. The general of the Uesugi clan, Naoe Kanetsugu, was trying to spot Yamagata Castle from Togami-yama. The castle was far off in the distance, and for ten days all he could see was mist. This is where the name Tokami-yama comes from. Tokami means ‘searching for ten days’. Togami is the same word in Yamagata dialect. This story was also the namesake for Yamagata castle. Yamagata Castle is named Kasumi-ga-jo, shortened to Kajo, or ‘the mist castle’ in English. 

Shindo Trail (40 minutes one-way)

This trail starts at the Shindo Trailhead on the western side of Togami-yama. Since the trailhead itself is at a high elevation, the trail to the summit isn’t that steep overall. 

The trail is well maintained, and is hikable by children. Along the way, there are junctions to a few paths from where you can see the dry moat from the Sengoku Period (1467-1590). Each of the three trails connect to the summit. 

Sanno Trail (40 minutes one-way) 

The Sanno Trailhead lies to the north of Togami-yama. The trail goes straight to the summit and is extremely steep. This makes the trail very slippery on rainy days, and you need to be extra careful when coming down. Since the trailhead is right alongside a prefectural road, there is no carpark. 

The Kashiwakura Trail (45 minutes one-way)

The Kashiwakura Trailhead sits to the south of Togami-yama. The trail kicks off with a walk through a pine forest. Also, will get views of the hamlets below as you climb before reaching steep parts requiring chains to climb up. Since this trail faces the south, it is quite pleasant indeed. Much like the Sanno Trail, The Kashiwakura Trail is steep. Be careful of slipping on wet days. There is enough space for 3 or 4 cars to park at the trailhead.

Places nearby to check out

Upside-down Sake Cup Mountain: SAKAZUKI-YAMA (Mt. Sakazuki)

Sakazuki-yama is an upside-down sake cup mountain in the middle of Yamagata City. The mountain offers great views and has a famous shrine at the summit.

Onigiri Rice Ball Mountain: Chitose-yama

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