Mount Akaiwanoatama

Mount Akaiwanoatama is a 2,656-meter peak within the Yatsugatake Mountains, displaying volcanic formations and steep rocky slopes throughout its terrain. Multiple hiking trails lead up the mountainside from different starting locations, offering various routes through the alpine landscape.

The mountain formed through volcanic activity roughly 1 million to 200,000 years ago as part of the Southern Yatsugatake Volcanic Group. This geological history shaped the peak and the rocky configurations visible today.

The mountain sits within the Yatsugatake-Chushin-Kogen Quasi-National Park area, where visitors find traditional shrines and prayer sites along the trails. People climb these peaks year-round, combining hiking with spiritual practices that have been passed down through generations.

Reach the area via Chino Station followed by a bus ride to the Minotoguchi stop, where hiking trails begin from various points. The best climbing season runs from late spring through early fall when snow has melted from most of the mountain.

The summit view reaches neighboring peaks such as 2,899-meter Mount Aka, while snow persists on certain sections until late spring. This lingering snow cover creates a special alpine setting as the rest of the region has already turned green.