Mt Yunomaru &
Mt Eboshi

Mt Yunomaru (Japanese: 湯ノ丸山) and Mt Eboshi (烏帽子岳) sit quietly on the border of Nagano and Gunma, forming a gentle, welcoming pair of peaks that can be enjoyed in every season. These two peaks are accessible year‑round, and are ideal for snowshoeing or hiking in winter. A large car park at the trailhead keeps access simple, and a ski lift is available if you want to take it even easier.

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I climb the round Yunomaru and pointy Eboshi often, although the order I climb them depends on my feeling on that day. Yunomaru sits nearest to the trailhead, with Eboshi located at a ridge on the western end of the range. Some routes wind through cool, shaded forest and others rise across open volcanic meadows . The area’s volcanic nature is unmistakable with scattered boulders and the explosive Mt Asama (浅間山) to the east. 

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Flora and fauna thrive here. In summer, broad alpine fields fill with wildflowers, and the wetlands near the trailhead host unique plants adapted to the volcanic soil. Birds flit through the forest edges, and it’s not unusual to see deer grazing quietly in the early morning. In winter, the world becomes silent and white, and animal tracks crisscross the snow, hinting at life moving unseen through the trees.

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Yunomaru and Eboshi may not be dramatic peaks, but their accessibility, volcanic character and peaceful trails make them endlessly enjoyable. Whether on snowshoes in winter or hiking boots in summer, they offer a gentle, beautiful escape into the highlands of Nagano and Gunma.

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