Mt Hiuchi

Mt Hiuchi (Japanese: 燧ケ岳) rises above the eastern edge of Oze like a quiet giant. Not to be mistaken with Mt Hiuchi (火打山) in Niigata prefecture, it is one of the defining peaks of the Oze region. It’s a volcanic hyakumeizan* mountain shaped by steep slopes, deep forests, and the vast marshland that spreads out below. It also happens to be the highest peak in the Tohoku region.

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Several trailheads lead toward Hiuchi, each offering a different angle on the mountain’s rugged topography. Whether you begin from the Oze‑numa side, from the quiet approaches near Miike, or from the longer routes that skirt the marshland, the pattern is the same. You start with gentle forest paths, then experience a sudden steepening as you ascend to the peak of the volcano. Hiuchi’s slopes rise sharply, pulling you up through tight switchbacks, rocky steps and muddy, root‑laced trails that demand steady effort. It’s a climb that feels serious without ever becoming technical.

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As you gain height, the views begin to open. The great Oze marshland spreads out below in a wide plain, its boardwalks tracing delicate lines across the wetland. Unfortunately the weather has never cooperated when I've climbed this mountain and the views have always been patchy. The descent to Miike lodge was especially demanding with irregular rocks, tree roots and thick mud. Beyond the marsh, you can see the surrounding peaks including Mt Shibutsu (至仏山) at the other end of Oze, the ridges of Nikko, to the south and the long folds of Gunma and Fukushima.

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The summit area is rocky and jagged, shaped by wind and lingering snow. Hardy alpine plants cling to the thin soil, and the ridgeline offers multiple viewpoints where the full sweep of Oze comes into view.  It’s a demanding but rewarding hike - if you're there on a day when the cloud is out.

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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.)