Mt Kohide

Mt Kohide (Japanese: 小秀山) is a quiet, characterful nihyakumeizan* mountain that feels far more remote than its map coordinates suggest. Most hikers approach from the Gifu side, beginning at the campsite and following a trail that immediately plunges into a deep, shadowed valley. The path winds past waterfalls and slick rock walls, and the ground is often slippery from constant moisture. It’s a place where you move carefully, listening to the water echo between the steep valley sides and feeling the forest close in around you.

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The climb steepens as you leave the valley floor. Soon you’re hauling yourself upward on gnarled tree roots, using them like natural ladders. This section is one of Kohide’s defining features and is the highlight of the climb for many. 

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Although Kohide can also be climbed from the Kiso side in Nagano, most hikers choose the Gifu approach because of the spectacular canyon and the dramatic root‑climbing ascent. The Nagano route is quieter and more straightforward, but it lacks the rugged charm that makes the Gifu side memorable. Many hikers enjoy staying that the remarkably comfortable emergency hut near the summit.

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By the time you reach the ridge, the forest opens and the mountain reveals its quieter upper slopes and views to nearby Mt Ontake and the Central Alps. Kohide may not be a famous peak, but its blend of deep valleys, steep root climbs, and remote atmosphere makes it one of the more distinctive mountains in the region.

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* 200 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.)