Mt Hikarujo &
Mt Nagamine

Mt Hikarujo (Japanese: 光城山) and Mt Nagamine (長峰山) form a gentle, undulating ridge above Azumino. They are a pair of small local mountains that have become beloved hiking courses for people who live in the area. In spring, when the sakura bloom near the summit of Mt Hikarujo, and in autumn, when the forests turn gold and red, the trails fill with walkers enjoying the easy access and the calm, wooded scenery. The two mountains are linked by a forest road and a network of paths that weave back and forth along the ridge, creating a long, pleasant route with steady ups and downs.

 

Although neither mountain is high, both overlook the city and offer surprisingly fine views of the North Alps. From openings along the ridge, the peaks of Hotaka, Yari, and Jonen rise sharply above the valley, their shapes unmistakable even from these modest hills. The contrast between the quiet forest and the dramatic alpine skyline is part of what makes the hike so appealing.

 

I climbed Hikarujo and Nagamine in July, when the summer heat was intense and the air felt heavy even in the shade. Insects buzzed everywhere, and the flowers were in full bloom along the trail. The heat made the hike more demanding than expected, but the ridge’s rhythm of climbs and descents kept it interesting, and the occasional viewpoints offered welcome pauses.

 

These are not mountains of grandeur or difficulty. Instead, they are everyday mountains where locals walk for exercise, where families come to enjoy the seasons, and where the forest feels close and familiar. Yet even modest peaks can offer beauty, and Hikarujo and Nagamine do so quietly, with their blooming flowers, shaded paths, and wide views toward the North Alps.

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