Tsuga-mine AKA Otsuga-mine lies along the borders of Yonezawa City, Iide Town, and Kitakata City in Fukushima Prefecture. Local records show the mountain was opened for spiritual training on September 8, 1823, a day traditionally known as Hakuro-no-hi white dew day. This is also the date of the annual festival. Since locals cut the grass on the days leading up to the festival, this is when the mountain is in its prime for hiking.

All along the summit there are Oshirabiso, Maries’ fir trees, not the Tsuga, hemlock trees, that are the mountain's namesake.

Tsuga-mine Tozan (Hiking) Trail (3 hours 15 minutes one-way)

We recommend using a 4WD to get to the trailhead as it is along a gravel road through a forest with many bumps. There are many small Hokora shrines along the ridge, starting with one dedicated to Tensho Daijin located at the trailhead. Follow the ridge up through the Maries’ fir trees and you’ll eventually reach the summit. There is no lookout at the summit, but if you go a little to the east the view opens up. From there views of the Azuma Renpo and Zao Renpo abound.

Places nearby to check out

The Massif Nadera-yama

Nadera-yama (斜平山なでらやま) is a 660m (2165 ft.) peak in the Okitama Region of Yamagata prefecture hikeable year-round. Nadera-yama is a level 1 in terms of physical demand, which means it is easy to hike. The mountain has an A technical grade, which means it requires little expertise. Allow at least 3 hours one-way for a hike up Nadera-yama.

The Mountain Naoe Kanetsugu made famous: Kabuto-yama

Kabuto-yama (兜山かぶとやま) is a 1199m (3933 ft.) peak in the Okitama Region of Yamagata prefecture best hiked from June to October. Kabuto-yama is a level 2 in terms of physical demand, which means it is relatively easy to hike. The mountain has a B technical grade, which means it doesn't require too much expertise. Allow at least 1 hour 50 minutes one-way for a hike.