Mt Nabekura

Mt Nabekura rises quietly in Iiyama in the far north of Nagano Prefecture, a broad and graceful mountain whose presence feels both gentle and deeply rooted. Located on the Shin-Etsu trail, it stands close to the Niigata border, and from its upper slopes the world opens toward the mountains of Niigata.

​

The approach from the Sekita pass is the most common in the green season. After the long drive up the mountain you begin your hike in a corridor of forest, but as you rise, the forest thins and the horizon begins to widen as you pass over a number of minor peaks. In autumn, this entire route becomes a glowing tapestry of colour as the foliage changes.

​

In winter, the mountain transforms completely. This area is known for massive snowfall and Nabekura becomes a gateway to a quiet, white world, with the broad slopes and plateaus offering some of the most rewarding snow‑shoe and back country skiing terrain in northern Nagano. It’s one of my favourite winter outings due to the silence, the softness of the snow and the freedom to wander across open ground. But there is no fixed trail and the road to the pass is closed. The terrain here can be confusing in deep snow and it's a place best visited using a GPS and preferably with someone who knows the area well. The road to the pass is closed in winter meaning that you must climb from the village below.

​

Mt Nabekura is not a dramatic peak, but it is a deeply beautiful one, especially in the heart of winter. Its views, its seasonal colours and its winter solitude make it well worth a visit.

​

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