Nyu

With its moss forest, irregular shaped rocks and heavily wooded slopes, Nyu (Japanese: にゅう) and nearby Lake Shirakoma (白駒池) offer one of the gentlest, most atmospheric hikes in northern Yatsugatake. It’s an easy hike overall, but the terrain has its quirks: after rain, the trail can become flooded and slippery, especially in the shaded sections where water collects between roots and stones. Even so, the area is welcoming, calm, and perfect for slow exploration.

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I usually start from the free car park at Mugikusa pass, one of the highest mountain passes in Japan. Beginning a hike at such altitude gives the day a light, airy feeling with cooler temperatures, thick forest and immediate access to the high‑moisture environment that makes Yatsugatake’s moss forests so famous. The flora here is lush with carpets of velvety moss amid trees that filter the light into a soft green glow. 

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Nyu itself is a modest peak, a rounded rocky outcrop rising at the edge of the forest. The topography is gentle but varied with short climbs, soft ridges, and occasional rocky steps that give the mountain a bit of texture. From the summit, views open toward the higher Yatsugatake peaks and the Shirakoma lake you passed on the way.

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The area is full of hiking options. You can wander north from Nyu towards Nakayama Pass or head toward Takamishi Rock, where a short scramble leads to a dramatic viewpoint, and then continue on to Maruyama, another easy summit that adds a bit of distance and variety. The network of trails makes it easy to plan a hike that matches your mood and the conditions. Note that Mugikusa pass is closed over the winter months.

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