Musa-dake, Mountain summit in Hokkaido, Japan.
Musa-dake is a 1005-meter mountain peak that rises between Nakashibetsu and Shibetsu, offering views of the Shiretoko Mountains and Konsen Plains. The summit sits in an area of mixed forest and alpine meadows.
The name comes from an Ainu word meaning nettle, reflecting the indigenous heritage of Hokkaido's earliest people. This naming shows the mountain's connection to Ainu culture.
Local hikers gather at Keisei Lodge near the base to rest and refill water from Kei-no-sawa River before starting the climb.
Visitors can reach the trailhead by taking the Choyuu Bus to Tozanguchi-mae stop and then walking about 4 kilometers. Planning ahead is important since weather conditions in the higher areas can change quickly.
The landscape shifts dramatically during the climb from dense fir forests to dwarf pine areas and finally fields of cowberry and wild rosemary. This changing vegetation makes each part of the ascent feel different.
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