Nihonkoku, Mountain summit in Murakami and Tsuruoka, Japan
Nihonkoku is a mountain summit between Murakami and Tsuruoka standing at about 555 meters in elevation. Three established trails wind through cedar and mixed forests, each providing access from different starting points in the region.
The mountain was named following an Edo-period hunting event when a hunter called Endo Taroji captured a falcon at the summit. Tokugawa Ieharu learned of the incident and bestowed the name Nihonkoku on the peak.
The mountain marked a significant boundary between Yamato Japan and Emishi tribes, representing a historical division in Japanese territorial organization.
The mountain is accessible from April through November using three different trailheads: Nakanomata, Omata, and Zaodo. Each starting point suits different ability levels and preferences for the hiking experience.
From the summit visitors see panoramic views of the Sea of Japan, Chokai-san mountain, and the Asahi Range stretching in all directions. The wide vistas across multiple landscapes make the climb particularly rewarding.
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