Mt Ena

Mt Ena (Japanese: 恵那山)  sits on the southern edge of the Central Alps, straddling the border of Nagano and Gifu prefectures, and has long carried an unfortunate reputation among the hyakumeizan*. Many hikers call it one of the least appealing of the hundred famous mountains, largely because of the large elevation gain through thick forest and because the summit is enclosed by trees and offers no view at all. I used to think the same until I climbed it in winter and discovered a different side of the mountain.

 

My route began from the Nagano side near Achi, following a long forest road that winds deep up the valley. After crossing a river, the trail rises steeply through rich, varied forest. In the green season, this climb can feel enclosed, the vegetation thick and the ridgeline views limited. But in winter, when the leaves have fallen and the air is sharp, the mountain and the views open up. Although the snow was not deep when I climbed it, the bare branches revealed views southward and toward the Central Alps that are muted or invisible in summer. The forest felt brighter, cleaner and somehow more spacious.

 

The summit itself remains viewless, a quiet clearing surrounded by trees. But along the trail there are several fine viewpoints, each offering a moment of reward. These small vistas, scattered along the climb, make Mt Ena far more interesting than its reputation suggests. It may never be the most dramatic of the hyakumeizan, but in winter it becomes a mountain of subtle beauty. It’s a mountain that taught me that even the peaks that are unappealing by reputation can surprise you when seen in a different season.

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* 100 famous mountains of Japan

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(All information here is based on personal observations and experiences. Check official sources before planning or starting any hikes.)