Pirika Nupuri, Mountain summit in Hidaka Subprefecture, Japan.
Pirika Nupuri is a mountain summit in the Hidaka range in Hokkaido prefecture, rising to approximately 1,631 meters (5,351 feet). The peak features steep slopes and rocky sections that extend across several ridges leading to the main summit.
The mountain served as a navigation landmark for the Ainu people and later shaped geographical references during Japanese development of the region. It remained a key visual reference point for settlers and those traveling through the area.
The name comes from the Ainu language, where 'Pirika' means beautiful and 'Nupuri' means mountain, showing the indigenous people's connection to this land. This linguistic heritage remains visible today in how local communities refer to and relate to these peaks.
The best climbing season is from late summer through early autumn, when weather remains stable and visibility stays clear. The marked trails are straightforward to follow but require proper equipment and good physical fitness.
The mountain displays distinctive fold patterns in its rock formations, created through tectonic movements over geological time. These features make it particularly interesting for those observant about the geological forces that shaped the range.
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