Mount Ogura, Mountain summit in Nagano Prefecture, Japan
Mount Ogura rises to 2,112 meters between Kitaaiki and Minamiaiki, with dense forests and rocky outcrops marking its slopes. The vegetation changes with elevation, creating different forest types and open areas along the hiking routes.
The name comes from ancient Japanese beliefs, with the original name meaning a place where a deity dwells. This spiritual connection has shaped local understanding of the mountain for centuries.
Wild rhododendron flowers cover the slopes from June through July, attracting hikers who time their visits to see the blooms. This seasonal display shapes how people experience the mountain during these months.
The mountain is best accessed via the Koumi Line to Koumi Station, then local buses to the trailhead. Routes are well marked, but visitors should bring plenty of water and plan for several hours of hiking depending on which path you choose.
A refuge hut built in 2012 offers free overnight shelter for up to 20 people at high elevation. This unusual option lets hikers spend the night without a tent and wake to sunrise from the summit.
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