Mt Hira

Mt Hira or Hiragatake (Japanese: 平ヶ岳) is a remote and quietly magnificent hyakumeizan* peak in the north of the Oze region. It's a broad, beautiful table mountain that feels far removed from the busy marshlands below. Its flat summit plateau, dotted with alpine pools and framed by long ridgelines, gives it a distinctive character, but reaching it requires time, effort and commitment. 

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There are two main routes, and both are demanding. The long approach follows a rocky ridgeline that rises steadily from the east. It’s a rugged, sustained climb, weaving through boulder fields, steep forest, and exposed sections where the ridge narrows. The shorter route, known as the Prince’s Road, apparently because it was created for the visit of the mountain-loving then crown prince, begins from a remote trailhead accessible only by a seasonal bus. The bus is limited to hikers who stay overnight at the nearby lodges, while the trail itself is steep and direct, climbing quickly through dense forest before emerging onto the upper plateau. Despite being shorter, it is no less demanding because the gradient is sharp and the isolation intense. On the summit plateau, you pass Tamago Rock, a smooth, egg‑shaped boulder perched improbably on the ridge, a landmark that has become a small symbol of the mountain.

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At the summit, Mt. Hira reveals its true character. The top is a wide, open tableland scattered with alpine pools that mirror the sky and surrounding ridges. In early summer, lingering snow brightens the plateau, and hardy alpine plants cluster around the ponds. 

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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.)