Three Mountains of Shirane

The Three Mountains of Shirane form a mountain range in the southern section of the Japanese Alps in Yamanashi Prefecture, with peaks reaching about 3,200 meters. The system includes multiple hiking trails, camping areas, and vantage points distributed across its slopes.

These mountains served as natural boundaries and key geographical reference points throughout centuries of regional territorial development in Yamanashi. Their strategic location shaped settlement patterns and movement across central Japan.

Local communities regard these peaks as sacred places where nature and spiritual meaning intertwine, with traditional mountain worship practices continuing to shape how people relate to the landscape.

Summer offers the best conditions for hiking, with established trails and camping facilities fully accessible and weather patterns generally stable. Visitors should prepare for higher elevations with steep sections and variable conditions, especially near the higher peaks.

The mountains function as a natural water collection system that supplies essential resources to agricultural areas in the surrounding region. This water system proves vital for irrigation and supporting rural communities throughout central Japan.