The soaring eagle (Mt Washigamine)
Hike date: October 12, 2026
A troublesome knee put me off heading to more challenging peaks and had me searching for something closer and easier. Mt Washigamine, the eagle mountain, is located in a corner of the Kirigamine highlands, far away from more popular areas like Mt Kuruma. It's also a place where I first ventured into the Japanese mountains and where I'm ashamed to say I haven't been for many years.
I began the hike at the Yashima Marsh Visitors' Center, arriving early to avoid the zealous elderly parking attendants that occupy the space on holidays. Descending first to the marshlands, I was soon heading up the mild slope to Washigamine, the car park slowly becoming smaller as I climbed. The views over Kirigamine, Yatsugatake, the South and North Alps, and even Mt Fuji, added to the autumn colours had me wondering why I hadn't been here so long.
Within 45 minutes of starting I was at the summit of the eagle and wondering why I had been concerned about my knee. I therefore descended back to the marshland and embarked on a long circuit of the Kirigamine highlands, including the improbably named Mt Zebra, the South and North Ears (Minami Mimi and Kita Mimi) and Mt Chocho (butterfly). So far there's been no reaction to my knee, so I should be back to normal next weekend. I did get told off by the parking attendants on the way out, though.
Check here for more information about Mt Washigamine.
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