Mt Shimogare &
Mt Chausu

Mt Shimagare (Japanese: 縞枯山) with the array of dead birch trees that provides the name and rounded Mt Chausu (茶臼山) are two of the gentlest, most welcoming peaks in Yatsugatake. They are mountains that offer year‑round enjoyment without the intensity found on the range’s higher summits. I’ve climbed them in every season, from deep winter snowshoe days to breezy summer rambles, and they always feel like reliable, peaceful escapes.

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These neighboring mountains can be approached either from the Kita‑Yatsugatake ropeway or from Mugikusa Pass. The ropeway offers quick access to the high plateau, making the climbs short and friendly, while Mugikusa provides a quieter, more traditional forest approach. The well-marked trails make these peaks ideal for beginners, families or anyone looking for a relaxed day in the mountains.

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One of the best ways to enjoy the area is by creating a loop course. You can circle around Amaike Pond or circle around from the rugged Tsuboniwa volcanic crater near to the ropeway station. These loops reveal the variety of North Yatsugatake including wetlands, volcanic rock gardens, airy ridgelines and quiet forest pockets.

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The flora and fauna here are rich despite the modest elevation. In summer, alpine flowers brighten the meadows while in winter, the snow smooths the landscape into a quiet white world where fox and deer tracks appear along the trails. The volcanic nature of the region is always present.

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Mt. Shimagare and Mt. Chausu may not be the most famous peaks in Yatsugatake, but their accessibility, seasonal beauty, and gentle terrain make them mountains you can return to again and again.

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