Mount Kohide, Mountain summit in Nakatsugawa and Otaki, Japan
Mount Kohide is a summit that spans across Gifu and Nagano Prefectures at approximately 1,981 meters in elevation, with dense forests covering its steep slopes. The mountain forms a boundary between Nakatsugawa and Otaki village, defined by its heavily forested terrain.
The mountain emerged as a natural boundary between Nakatsugawa City and Otaki village and maintained this division throughout centuries of Japanese territorial divisions. Its geographical role defined how the region was organized and understood.
The mountain holds meaning in local beliefs as a place where spiritual beings are thought to inhabit according to Japanese tradition. People in the area speak of it with reverence, reflecting how the landscape shapes their understanding of the sacred.
Access to the summit starts from Otaki village along a hiking trail that is roughly five to six kilometers long and takes about three hours to climb. The terrain is steep and forested, so sturdy footwear and proper gear are important to bring.
The southern slope displays visible fumes from an active crater since 2014, revealing that the mountain remains geologically active. This volcanic activity is clearly visible to visitors and marks the site as having scientific importance.
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