Mt Amakazari

Mt Amakazari (Japanese: 雨飾山) is a hyakumeizan* located in Otari village in the far north of Nagano prefecture on the border with Niigata. It draws large crowds each autumn when its famous colours reach their peak. In that season the mountain can feel almost overwhelmed with trailhead parking reservations required, and the trail a steady procession of hikers. For that reason, I prefer to visit in quieter periods: just after the peak of the autumn foliage, when the colours linger but the crowds thin, or in early summer when the last patches of snow melt and the alpine flowers begin to emerge across the meadows.

 

There are two main approaches to Amakazari: one from Niigata, and the more popular route from the Amakazari campsite on the Nagano side. The Otari trail begins with an unexpected descent into a marshland, a calm and open space that contrasts with the steep climb that follows. After gaining height, the trail drops again into a valley carved by the Arasuge mountain stream. Crossing the stream marks the start of the toughest section, which is a one‑hour ascent that rises sharply toward the table‑like plateau of the upper mountain.

 

Once on the plateau, the character of the hike changes. The trail winds gently across the meadow, offering glimpses of the North Alps and, to the east, the active volcano Niigata‑Yakeyama. Looking down from above, the meandering path across the table mountain is said to resemble the outline of a woman’s face. The final climb to the summit is steep but short, and the views from the top are superb: the Hakuba range rising in jagged relief, Yakeyama smoking faintly in the distance, and the broad plateau stretching out below.

 

Amakazari is neither the easiest nor the hardest of the hyakumeizan, but it is always one of my favourites. Its varied terrain with marshland, deep valleys, flower meadows and steep alpine slopes makes every visit feel like a complete mountain journey, especially when enjoyed in the quieter seasons.

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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.)