Mt Yabashira &
Amaike

Mt Yabashira (Japanese: 八柱山) sits on the northern shoulder of Yatsugatake, a quiet world of forested ridges, ponds and volcanic plateaus far removed from the dramatic cliffs of the southern peaks. It is a gentle and obscure peak of long, wooded spurs, open clearings and small volcanic basins where ponds like Amaike (雨池) reflect the surrounding trees. It has a calm, satoyama‑like character that is distinct within the larger volcanic range.

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The hike from Mugikusa Pass is how I usually experience Yabashira and the nearby pond. Mugikusa sits high on the Yatsugatake skyline, and from the trailhead the route immediately enters cool northern forest with wooden boardwalks and mossy ground that stay damp even in summer. The trail descends slowly through the forest until you hit an old, disused forest road and then the Amaike pond, whose size varies hugely depending on recent rainfall. From the pond it's a gentle 30-minute hike through quiet forest until you arrive at the wooded summit of Yabashira, with hints of views through the trees. On a clear day, you can see glimpses of the South Alps the the valley below. From there I usually head back to Amaike to continue my hike.

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Amaike is a small pond nestled in a shallow volcanic basin where I rarely meet other hikers. For me, this area is one of the highlights of northern Yatsugatake. From here I often circle back to Mugikusa over the peaks of Mts Shimagare (縞枯山) and Chausu (茶臼岳).

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