Tokuami-yama is a mountain in Oguni Town covered in a primitive beech forest. In spring, the fresh green of the beech trees and the snow camellia (Yuki Tsubaki) delight. While in autumn, as well as the deep yellows of the beech trees, the Japanese rowan (Nanakamado) near the summit give an appearance of fire.

In addition, the view from the summit is unbeatable. The 360° panorama offers views of the Asahi Renpo to the north, the Ide Renpo to the south, the Sea of Japan to the west, and Japan's Matterhorn Iwaigame-yama, and Shirotaro-yama to the northeast.

Every year, Tokuami-yama hosts yuki no gakko, ‘the snow school’, where people can learn about Matagi bear hunting.

Tokuami-yama Tozan Trail (2 hours one-way)

The beech forest starts at the end of the cedar forest near the trailhead. The fallen leaves make the trail feel like you are walking on a squishy carpet. Heading northwest along the ridge, you can see Tokuami-yama to your right through the leaves. When you come to the next ridge, take a right heading northeast. Gradually, the trees will thin out, and the trail will narrow right before the summit. There is a rocky part in front of the summit that you need to be aware of.

Access is via an unpaved road. There are potholes, but regular vehicles should be able to navigate the road fine.

There is an unpaved carpark right next to the trailhead where 6 cars can park.

Places near Tokuami-yama to check out

Tohoku’s Matterhorn

Iwaigame-yama (祝瓶山いわいがめやま) is a 1417m (4648 ft.) peak in the Murayama region of Yamagata prefecture at the southern edge of the Asahi Renpo. The mountain’s shape resembles that of The Matterhorn. Climbing season for Iwaigame-yama is usually from June to October. Iwaigame-yama is a level 3 in terms of physical demand, which means it is moderate to hike, has a B technical grade, which means it doesn’t require too much expertise, and you want to allow at least 7 hours for a hike.

Oasahi-dake

The main peak along the Asahi Renpo, and also one of the 100 Famous Mountains of Japan, Oasahi-dake (大朝日岳おおあさひだけ) is a 1871m (6138 ft.) peak along the borders of the Okitama, Murayama, and Shonai regions of Yamagata. Oasahi-dake is a level 5 in terms of physical demand, which means it is hard to hike. The mountain has a B technical grade. This means it doesn’t require too much expertise. Allow at least 12 hours for a climb up Oasahi-dake, meaning you probably need to stay on the mountain.

Todono-san

Lying along the borders of Shirataka and Asahi Towns, Todono-san is a 1203m (3946 ft.) peak that was part of the ancient trails to Yudono-san. Best climbed from June to October, Todono-san is a level 3 in terms of physical demand, which means it is moderate to hike. The mountain has a B technical grade, which means it doesn’t require too much expertise. Allow at least 4 hours for a climb up Todono-san.

Winter Wonderland of Shirotaro-yama

Shirotaro-yama is a mountain in Oguni Town only open for hiking during the winter months when there is snow. This is usually from January to March. There are local groups that you can go with, and make sure you allow at least 2 hours one-way for a hike.

Kumano-yama

Kumano-yama is a mountain on the border of Ide Town and Nagai City at the edge of the Asahi Renpo with a special place in the hearts of locals. Best climbed from March to November, Kumano-yama is a level 2 in terms of physical demand, which means it is relatively easy to hike. The mountain has an A technical grade, which means it requires little expertise, and you want to allow at least 90 minutes one-way for a climb.