Mt Mizugaki

Mt Mizugaki (Japanese: 瑞牆山) is one of the most distinctive hyakumeizan* and Yamanashi hyakumeizan*, a mountain defined not by sweeping ridgelines but by the enormous granite towers that rise from its summit like the ruins of an ancient fortress. These rock formations are massive, weather‑worn, and stacked in improbable shapes and give Mizugaki a character unlike any other peak in the region. Even from afar, the summit looks rugged and architectural, a natural monument carved by centuries of wind and ice.

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The climb itself is steep but relatively straightforward, making Mizugaki accessible year‑round for hikers with the right equipment. In summer, the forested approach is lush and cool, with moss‑covered boulders and tall trees lining the trail. In winter, the mountain transforms into a crisp, quiet world of snow and granite, and the final ascent requires careful footing but rewards you with extraordinary clarity in the air.

From the summit, the views are superb. Mt Kinpu (金峰山) rises close by, its own granite crown echoing Mizugaki’s ruggedness, and on clear days Mt Fuji (富士山) appears to the south, a perfect volcanic cone framed by the jagged skyline of the Okuchichibu mountains. The contrast between Fuji’s smooth symmetry and Mizugaki’s wild stone towers is striking.

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I’ve climbed Mizugaki many times, and I'm always blown away by the massive rocks, especially a distinctive formation near the base of the climb that seems to have been split in two. Whether in green summer or snowy winter, it remains one of Yamanashi’s most rewarding peaks.

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* 100 famous mountains of Japan

** 100 famous mountains of Yamanashi

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