Mount Hatobuki

Mount Hatobuki is a 313-meter summit near Kani City in Japan offering views toward the Northern Japanese Alps and the Kiso River from its top. Five distinct trailheads provide access to the peak: Oowaki, Shanzenji, Nishiyama, Ishihara, and Katakuriguchi, each presenting different hiking routes and experiences.

The mountain was named after its physical resemblance to a resting dove, reflecting a traditional Japanese practice of naming natural landmarks based on their shapes. This naming tradition shows how local people observed and described the landscape around them using animal and nature comparisons.

The mountain serves as the setting for the annual Katakuri Festival held at its base in the natural park along the Kani River downstream area since 2012. This celebration brings together visitors and local communities to mark the arrival of spring wildflowers in the region.

The mountain can be accessed from five different starting points, allowing visitors to choose a route based on their preferences and fitness level. Weather conditions vary throughout the seasons, so checking forecasts and bringing appropriate gear before setting out will help ensure a safe and enjoyable hike.

The mountain hosts a natural colony of Shidekobushi trees and various local plant species including Hikagetsumugi, Mitsubatsutsuji, and Yamazakura found along its hiking paths. This botanical diversity attracts those interested in observing regional flora and seasonal changes throughout the year.