Mt Morai

Mt Morai (Japanese: 茂来山) stands in the mountains south of Saku, a quiet ridge rising above farmland and small valleys. Its topography is varied with long forested spurs, pockets of exposed rock, and upper slopes that open into clearings with views toward Yatsugatake and the volcanic peaks that ring the Saku basin. Because it sits slightly apart from the major ranges, the mountain has a gentle, satoyama local mountain character.

​

Mt Morai is not especially well known, but it is a popular mountain in the Saku area. It's used for seasonal walking, small shrine visits and quiet half‑day climbs. The summit ridge, with its open clearings and scattered markers is a natural lookout over eastern Nagano. I first climbed Morai during the COVID pandemic when longer trips were frowned upon.

​

The hike from Kirikubosawa is the most popular approach. The trail begins deep in a wooded valley, climbing steadily through mixed forest. The ascent is gentle at first, following old paths used by locals, before steepening as it rises toward the main ridge. Higher up, the trees thin and the terrain opens into small viewpoints where the Saku basin appears in glimpses through the branches. The final stretch to the summit is a broad ridge where the forest gives way to clearings.

​

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