All 100 Famous Mountains of Yamagata

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From the 2236m-high Chokai-san to the 58m-high Kashiwagi-yama on Tobishima Island, Yamagata Prefecture boasts hikes for all skill levels.

To make things easier, I have split the 100 Famous Mountains of Yamagata into mountains over 2000m, mountains over 1000m, then mountains below 1000m, and mountains below 500m.

Here's an exhaustive list of The 100 Famous Mountains of Yamagata Prefecture separated by height.

キウイ

MOUNTAINS ABOVE 2000m

Hiking Guide to the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture

IIDE-SAN (Mt. Iide)

2105m (6906 ft.)

Iide-san is the namesake of the Iide Renpo and one of the 100 Famous Mountains of Japan known for the depth to which you can get into nature.

The Ide Renpo’s KITAMATA-DAKE

2025 m (6644 ft.)

Kitamata-dake is a mountain in the centre of the Ide Renpo popular amongst hikers in Japan with a huge contrast between its western and eastern faces and many famous waterfalls.

The best Fuji alternative: Chokai-san

2236m (7335 ft.)

Dewa Fuji, The Fuji of The North, Chokai-san, Mt. Chokai: Tallest peak entirely in Tohoku often said to resemble Mt. Fuji, leading to the name Dewa Fuji (after the former province of Dewa).

NISHIAZUMA-YAMA

2035m (6676 ft.)

Tallest peak along the Azuma Renpo, Nishiazuma-yama is famous for its alpine vegetation, wetlands, the many onsen hot spring resorts at its base, and its expansive views.

MOUNTAINS ABOVE 1000m

Mt. Yudono Shrine Gates during the autumn

The Dewa Sanzan’s Mountain of Rebirth: Yudono-san (Mt. Yudono)

1505m (4921. ft.)

Yudono-san is the final Dewa Sanzan peak in the middle of Yamagata Prefecture that has been a central destination for millions over the centuries

KAMURO-DAKE (Mt. Kamurodake)

1261m (4137 ft.)

Mountain on the edge of a caldera on the borders of Mogami Town and the Onikobe part of Naruko Onsen, Miyagi Prefecture.

Phoenix Head Mountain: TORIKABUTO-YAMA (Mt. Torikabuto)

1387m (4550 ft.)

Torikabuto-yama is a mountain in the shape of a Torikabuto, a mythical bird's head, famous for its alpine lakes and autumn leaves.

Mt. Tengu Sumo Wrestle: TENGUSUMOTORI-YAMA

1376m (4514 ft.)

Peak on the borders of Tsuruoka City and Nishikawa Town at the edge of the Asahi Renpo known for sumo-wrestling Tengu.

Tohoku’s Matterhorn: IWAIGAME-YAMA

1417m (4648 ft.)

Mountain at the southern edge of the Asahi Renpo said to resemble The Matterhorn.

SHOJIGA-TAKE (Mt. Shojigatake)

1482m (4862 ft.)

Mountain along the Asahi Renpo famous for its rockface reminiscent of Japanese paper screens (Shoji).

House-shape mountain: IEGATA-YAMA

1877m (6158 ft.)

Iegata-yama is a house-shaped peak at the eastern edge of the Azuma Renpo.

MOUNTAIN OF INTRIGUE: OMOSHIRO-YAMA

1264m (4146 ft.)

Popular destination with something for all levels of hikers boasting breathtaking autumn views, waterfalls, mountain streams, and more.

KABUTO-YAMA

1199m (3933 ft.)

Kabuto-yama is a mountain lines up with Yonezawa City so perfectly you can see how the city was designed.

OASAHI-DAKE (Mt. Oasahi)

1871m (6138 ft.)

One of the 100 Famous Mountains of Japan along the borders of the Okitama, Murayama, and Shonai regions of Yamagata.

OZAKAI-YAMA

1102m (3615 ft.)

Ozakai-yama is a mountain along the borders of Yamagata and Niigata that is a 100 Famous Mountain of Niigata famous for its wetlands and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

TODONO-SAN (Mt. Todono)

1203 (3946 ft.)

Mountain on the borders of Shirataka and Asahi Towns. Part of an ancient path to Yudono-san.

Saw Mountain: GANDO-SAN (Mt. Gando)

1484m (4868 ft.)

Gando-san is a saw-shaped mountain on the borders of Yamagata City and Miyagi Prefecture.

Venerable Old Man Mountain — The Mist and Mystery of Okina-san (Mt. Okina)

1075m (3526 ft.)

Legends and landscapes on an epic hike along the Ou Mountains

Dancing in the Day Lilies: Shoga-dake

1635m (5364 ft.)

Shoga-dake is a former Shugendo peak on Chokai-san famous for its floral brilliance.

KUROBUSHI-YAMA (Mt. Kurobushi)

1227m (4025 ft.)

Mountain with a striking 300m tall cliff face located near Jangle Jungle ski field.

The Widow’s Peak: Ubaga-take (Mt. Ubagatake) of North Japan

1670m (5479 ft.)

Must-see autumn alpine dreamland between the two tallest Dewa Sanzan peaks with a twisted backstory

How NOT to climb a mountain in winter

1003m (3290 ft.)

Forget Hakuba. Forget Hokkaido. White-Boy Mountain is where it’s at.

HACHIMORI-YAMA (Mt. Hachimori)

1098m (3602 ft.)

Peak along the Kamuro Alps home to legendary Tengu

Zao-san and Why We Climb Mountains (Mt. Zao)

1841m (6040 ft.) (Kumano-dake)

Zao-san: Snow monsters, ski fields, mountain hags, multi-coloured crater lakes, hot springs, and more.

TARUISHI-YAMA (Mt. Taruishi)

1155m (3789 ft.)

Mountain off Murayama Hayama famous for white snake falls, Itaya water springs, and more.

ITO-DAKE (Mt. Ito)

1772m (5813 ft.)

One of the main peaks famous as a starting and ending point for traverses along the Asahi Renpo, fields of alpine flowers, and the legendary Takitaro, a giant fish inhabiting the Otori-ike (lake).

Kurosawa Akira, Abe Shinzo, The Kami of War, and a flock of geese?

1026m (3366 ft.)

Mountain that marks the entrance to the Kamuro Alps

TSUGA-MINE (OTSUGA-MINE)

1541m (5055 ft.)

Tsuga-mine is a mountain in Okitama with a history of mountain worship and a festival on Hakuro-no-hi white dew day.

GOSHO-ZAN (Mt. Gosho)

1500m (4921 ft.)

Main peak of the Gosho-zan Prefectural Park known for its beautiful mountain valleys, alpine vegetation, and primeval beech forests.

Waterfall Mountain: RYU-ZAN (Mt. Ryu)

1362m (4468 ft.)

Ryu-zan is one of the main peaks along the Zao Renpo known for its steep slopes and as the home to the legendary Ubagami, Japan's version of Medusa.

KAMURO-SAN (Mt. Kamurosan)

1365m (4478 ft.)

Kamuro-san in the Mogami Region of Yamagata Prefecture

KOMAGA-TAKE

1067m (3500 ft.)

Mountain along the Ou Mountains known for its beech forests and alpine flowers. Also links up to Goshi-yama.

This mountain is EVERYWHERE in Japan: Ha-yama

1462m (4796 ft.)

Former Dewa Sanzan peak in inland Yamagata Prefecture with an extensive Shugendo and Mountain Worship history.

HIGASHIDAI-TEN (Mt. Higashidaiten)

1928m (6325 ft.)

Peak in the centre of the Azuma Renpo known for its lookouts, alpine vegetation, onsen (hot springs), and one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls in Namegawa Falls.

The sun sets over the ninth station of Mt. Gassan

Gassan, the Dewa Sanzan’s “Mountain of Death” (Mt. Gassan)

1984m (6509 ft.)

The tallest Dewa Sanzan peak with a thriving Haguro Shugendo Yamabushi culture.

ODO-MORI (Mt. Odomori)

1057m (3467 ft.)

Shugendo peak in Obanazawa City that is the Oku-no-in shrine of a group of mountain worshippers centred on Koshiki-dake.

KOSHIKI-DAKE (Mt. Koshikidake)

1016m (3333 ft.)

Mountain in Murayama City that is an active Shugendo peak loved by many.

YAMAGATA KAMURO-DAKE (Mt. Kamuro-dake (Yamagata))

1344m (4409 ft.)

Peak resembling a Samurai helmet along the border of Miyagi Prefecture with spectacular 360° views.

Firestarter Mountain: HIUCHI-DAKE

1238m (4061 ft.)

Peak along the Kamuro Renpo (Kamuro Alps) offering great views

OKITAMA HA-YAMA (Mt. Hayama (Okitama))

1237m (4058 ft.)

Mountain at the southern edge of the Asahi Renpo in Nagai City and Asahi and Shirataka Towns.

KOMATA-YAMA (Mt. Komata)

1367m (4484 ft.)

Tallest peak on the Kamuro Renpo (Kamuro Alps) by a whisker with striking peaks and valleys.

GOSHI-YAMA (GOSHI-ZAN)

1023m (3356 ft.)

Mountain visible from anywhere in Okitama known for its views that change throughout the season, including that of many famous peaks in Yamagata and the surrounding prefectures.

Mythical Beasts, Buddha’s Mother, and buried Yamabushi treasure? Welcome to Maya-san (Mt. Maya).

1019m (3343 ft.)

More than one of the best hikes in Shonai

MOUNTAINS BELOW 1000m

Sanze village near Mt. Fujikura surrounded by green mountains and the blue Sea of Japan can be seen through the trees in the distance through the trees of Mt. Fujikura

Sanze’s Little Helper: Fantastic Fujikura-yama (Mt. Fujikura)

654m (2145 ft.)

Fun little peak in the tiny fishing village of Sanze, Tsuruoka City

SHIRATAKA-YAMA (Mt. Shirataka)

994m (3261 ft.)

Mountain with a long history of worship from feudal lords and one of Japan's most famous Daikokuzoson Buddhist statues.

The Swamp Monster of Yozo

703m (2306 ft.)

Ancient trail of primeval beech forests, legendary swamp monsters, waterfalls, snow bridges, and more.

The Heavenly Hideaway of Daizumori-yama

984m (3228 ft.)

The best effort / reward ratio in Yamagata. Bar none.

SANKICHI-YAMA (Mt. Sankichi)

574m (1883 ft.)

Sankichi-yama is a mountain in Kaminoyama City famous for its breathtaking views, relics, and flora.

I found an abandoned ski field in Japan

577m (1893 ft.)

Short and quick hike with views of Chokai-zan and near the Mogami River, Shiraito Falls, and Genso no mori, the Forest of Illusions.

KURATE-YAMA

952m (3123 ft.)

Kurate-yama is a mountain famous for Japanese white pines, rhododendrons, azaleas, and its views of the Ide Renpo.

TOKUAMI-YAMA

788m (2585 ft.)

Tokuami-yama is a mountain in the Okitama region of Yamagata Prefecture known for its lush forests and as a hunting ground for Matagi, bear hunters.

A Ryokan (traditional Japanese Inn) at Semi Onsen Hot Spring Resort

Turtles, Tigers, and a Legendary Japanese Character: Kamewari-yama (Mt. Kamewari)

594m (1948 ft.)

Legendary location next to a quaint Onsen (hot spring) resort along the Oguni River in Mogami Town

Hyakkoku-yama

599m (1965 ft.)

Hyakkoku-yama is a pyramid-shaped peak in Oguni Town.

KOSHIKI-YAMA (Mt. Koshikiyama)

981m (3218 ft.)

Twin-peaked mountain entirely in the Kabu-yama Prefectural Nature Park in Mamurogawa Town near the border of Akita Prefecture.

Sign on the Nakanomata Trail up Mt. Nihonkoku

This is How I Conquered Japan!

555m (1820 ft.)

How to conquer Japan in 60 short minutes

Three-Summit Mountain: AKIBA-SAN

561m (1840 ft.)

Tri-peak mountain in Nanyo City with breathtaking views of Nanyo City and the Ide Renpo.

OTAKANE-YAMA (Mt. Otakane)

543m (1781 ft.)

Mountain straddling the borders of Oishida Town and Murayama City that is a great place for taking in the mountain cherry blossoms in Spring, and for a general bush walk.

HIGASHIKUROMORI-YAMA

766m (2513 ft.)

Higashikuromori-yama is a mountain in Yamanobe Town famous as part of the Kenmin-no-mori, the forest for the people of the prefecture, and the surrounding lakes.

Rainmaker Mountain: AMAYOBARI-YAMA (Mt. Amayobari)

906m (2972 ft.)

Former Shugendo peak known for its magical ability to make rain fall (hence the name, 'rain calling mountain').

KUMANO-YAMA

670m (2198 ft.)

Kumano-yama is a mountain in Oguni Town at the edge of the Asahi Renpo with a special place in the hearts of locals.

OHIRA-YAMA (Mt. Ohira)

814m (2670 ft.)

Ohira-yama is a mountain in the Murayama region loved by locals since long ago.

TAKATSUMUJI-YAMA and JUBUICHI-YAMA

693m (2273 ft.)

Mountains famous for their history as a mineral deposit, views of the Okitama Green Belt, surrounding mountains, and peat wetlands, and as a base for paragliding and hang gliding.

The Epitome of Autumn Leaves in North Japan: Taizo-san (Mt. Taizo)

729m (2391 ft.)

Mount Taizo all but single-handedly confirms why autumn is by far the best season for hiking in Japan.

Mother. Hunter. Mountain. Hokari-yama (Mt. Hokari)

751m (2463 ft.)

Kinbo Shugen Mountain with a strange name and amazing trails amongst the autumn leaves

Mt. Atsumi in Atsumi Onsen, a quaint Onsen Hot Spring town in Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture

Reaching Peak Tranquility: Atsumi-dake (Mt. Atsumi)

736m (2414 ft.)

The hidden Onsen (Hot Spring) town of Atsumi's own hidden gem

KABU-YAMA (Mt. Kabu)

997m (3270 ft.)

Twin-peaked mountain within a forest park that is home to many ancient trees and bird of prey nests.

FUTATSU-MORI (Mt. Futatsumori)

742m (2434ft.)

Twin-peaked mountain in Obanazawa City with a cool waterfall and great views.

NADERA-YAMA

660m (2165 ft.)

Nadera-yama is a massif compiled of many smaller peaks that was made famous by Lord Yozan of the Yonezawa Domain.

Mythical Dragon-Horse Mountain: RYUBA-SAN

521m (1709 ft.)

Mountain in Kaneyama Town with a distinctive precarious cliff face.

YUNOSAWA-DAKE (Mt. Yunosawadake)

964m (3163 ft.)

Kinbo Shugen mountain with great views of Gassan, Chokai-zan, and the Asahi Alps.

JIZOMORI-YAMA (JIZO-KURA) (Mt. Jizomori)

594m (1948 ft.)

Mountain near Hijiori Onsen with an amazing shrine on a precarious cliff-face overlooking Gassan.

The Shugendo Peak of OKITAMA TENGU-SAN

612m (2007 ft.)

Okitama Tengu-san is a mountain resembling the nose of a mythical Tengu that is an old Shugendo training ground.

Crystal Mountain: SUISHO-ZAN

668m (2191 ft.)

Suisho-zan (Crystal Mountain) is a popular mountain for hiking on the borders of Tendo and Higashine Cities.

KAGIKAKE-MORI (Mt. Kagikake)

838m (2749 ft.)

Named after a hook hung over a tree at the summit for good luck, Kagikake-mori is a great spot for a hike amongst the beech forest.

MOUNTAINS BELOW 500m

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

270m (885. ft.)

Upside-down sake cup-shaped mountain in the middle of Yamagata City with great views and a famous shrine at the summit.

Mt.-Takadate-and-Shimoike-lake-in-Tsuruoka

Wetland Wonderland of Takadate-yama

273 m (896 ft.)

Takadate-yama is short in stature, but packs a lot of punch as home to one of the only RAMSAR wetlands in Japan

Hiking Japan’s Forgotten Highway: Sabane-yama and Ushu-Kaido (Mt. Sabane)

160m (524. ft.)

The odd connection between Osaka castle, the Shinkansen and Shinjuku, and the mountains of Yamagata.

Mt. Chokai seen from Mt. Yonetaihei in the winter

The Legend of Princess Akoya

471m (1545 ft.)

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

Dancing Swan Mountain: MAIZURU-YAMA (Mt. Maizuru)

242m (793. ft.)

Popular destination for locals of Tendo City who flock to the mountain for the annual human chess battle during the Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival).

A Jizo statue at the top of Mt. Kyogakura in Sakata

Womb Passes and Monkey Crossings: Kyogakura-san “The Shugendo Peak of Sutras” (Mt. Kyogakura)

474m (1555 ft.)

This tiny Shugendo peak and how the Japanese language got three alphabets

THIS. IS. YAMAGARTA: Japan’s 300 Moment.

230m (754. ft.)

How this tiny peak turned feudal Japan’s biggest battle on its head

Homer Simpson’s Heaven in North Japan: The Donut-shaped Yonetaihei-san (Mt. Yonetaihei)

206m (676 ft.)

Tiny donut-shaped peak in Sakegawa Village of the Mogami region worthy of a snowshoe hike.

KASHIWAGI-YAMA (Mt. Kashiwagi)

58m (190. ft.)

Lowest mountain on the 100 Famous Mountains of Yamagata List on Tobishima Island in Sakata City.

Tokami-yama and The Castle of Mist

402m (1318 ft.)

And its role in north Japan's fiercest war

Panoramas and picnics under the Sakura: Kita-yama (Mt. Kitayama)

188m (616. ft.)

Former ski field turned into a Sakura-lover’s paradise on the outskirts of Murayama City

The Medieval Castle and Mighty River of Yamuki-yama (Mt. Yamuki)

206m (675. ft.)

Tiny peak that was home to a medieval castle along the banks of the mighty Mogami River.

Yura in Tsuruoka city seen from Mt. Arakura

The Sakura of Arakura-yama

307m (1007 ft.)

Mountains of Sakura Cherry Blossoms and the serene Arakura Jinja await.

TAKATOYA-YAMA (TAKATO-YAMA)

368m (1207 ft.)

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

The Pyramids of… Japan? — Yakushi-san and The OG Japan content creator (Mt. Yakushi)

437m (1433 ft.)

Small pyramidal peak in the northern Yamagata town of Kaneyama

Why This Tiny Mountain MUST be on Your Japan Itinerary: Haguro-san

414m (1358 ft.)

Home to Haguro Shugendo and the Dewa Sanzan Yamabushi mountain monks

Close Encounters of the Tengu Kind

403m (1322 ft.)

(Murayama) Tengu-yama is a 403-m high peak in Nishikawa town that is home to a Tengu, a yokai or supernatural being.

Shield Mountain: TATE-YAMA

210m (688. ft.)

Tate-yama is a mountain in Murayama City, Yamagata Prefecture, next to Tohoku's biggest rose garden, Higashizawa Bara-en.

OOKA-YAMA (Mt. Ooka)

401m (1315 ft.)

Trapezoid-shaped peak to the northeast of Yamagata City famous for its Kazama Fudo statue, and the alpine flowers found there.

TAKATORI-YAMA (Mt. Takatori)

271m (889. ft.)

Small peak on the edge of Nakayama Town famous for its Kannon Temple and the views it commands.

Bananas and Cokes, Leaches and Pit Vipers

430 m (1411 ft.)

How a group of elderly Japanese men saved our arses

The Ragged Rocks and Ascetic Training Ground of ICHINEN-BO

470m (1541 ft.)

Peak covered in baffling rocks founded for ascetic practice by the same monk who founded Risshaku-ji, AKA Yamadera.

Exploring The Yamabushi Trails of Kinbo-zan (Mt. Kinbo)

471m (1545 ft.)

Kinbo-zan is a dynamic little peak with a deep history of Shugendo.

Mountains of Yamagata by category

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Mountains Famous for Waterfalls in Yamagata Prefecture

Mountains Famous for Shugendo Yamabushi in Yamagata Prefecture

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Mountains Along Ancient Routes of Yamagata Prefecture

Mountains Famous for Castles in Yamagata Prefecture

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Mountains of Yamagata by category

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