Mt. Chokai, one of Japan's top 100 scenic spots that straddles Akita and Yamagata, is a treasure chest of scenery and legends!

Mt. Chokai , which straddles Akita and Yamagata prefectures, is one of Japan's top 100 scenic spots and is also counted as one of Japan's 100 famous mountains. The altitude is over 2,300 meters, and the peak is so high that it pierces above the clouds.

In the winter, a lot of snow accumulates, and there are plenty of hot springs in the area, so local residents see it as an important source of water, an important sacred mountain that must be protected, a symbol of faith, and a source of resources for rice cultivation. It is loved as an important mountain that will help you. If you drive on public roads or national highways from Sakata City in Yamagata Prefecture to Nikaho City in Akita Prefecture, you'll be sure to see the majestic sight of Mt. Chokai capped by clouds.

Mt. Chokai, known as one of the symbols of Akita and Yamagata prefectures, is not only a sacred mountain and a water source, but also a treasure trove of wonderful scenery with many different expressions. Let's talk about the scenery of Mt. Chokai that you should see when traveling to Tohoku.

The heroic “Dewa Fuji”! the beautiful scenery

is a volcano that is also called "Dewa Fuji" because of its resemblance to Mt. Fuji, the symbol of Japan

It boasts the second highest altitude in Tohoku, and near the summit there is permanent snow (small glacier)

The mountain path is rugged with rocks, and there are many difficult spots here and there where there is a risk of falling if your foot slips. In fact, people have died while climbing Mt. Chokai, but not only local residents but also tourists continue to climb Mt. Chokai. This is because the expression and scenery that Mt. Chokai presents is wonderful.

From the cloud-covered summit, you can see the surrounding cities and towns, making you feel like you're looking at a diorama. On clear days, you can see even farther, including Mt. Iwate, the Shirakami Mountains, and even the Pacific Ocean.

The mountain path to the top is also full of beautiful scenery. The contrast of colors created by rocks, greenery, snow, and water is like a painting. What's more, mountains are interesting because the colors appear to change depending on the slightest weather conditions.

Some mountain trails pass through the clouds. Climbers seem to be excited by the mysterious and romantic feeling of seeing clouds that were previously only visible from the ground floating right next to them.

In addition, the mountain path leading to the summit is a treasure trove of rare alpine plants. Climbers can enjoy the sights of daylily, butterfly thistle, and butterfly lily.

Alpine plants are extremely rare and valuable, so breaking them or taking them home is strictly prohibited. It is an important plant that can be said to be part of the mountain, which has been the subject of mountain worship for local residents since ancient times. If you find something, you should only take a picture of it, but not keep it as your own. This rule applies not only to Mt. Chokai, but also to other mountains in Japan. The nature of Mt. Chokai is a treasure that has been carefully protected by the people of the past and by the local residents of today.

God and monster of Mt. Chokai “Tenaga Ashinaga”

It is not only the nature of Mt. Chokai that the local residents have protected. The mountain itself was an object of worship, and it was a mountain worshiped by mountain ascetics. ``Omonoiminokami'' on Mt. Chokai , and the eruption is said to be the god's wrath.

is said to have exorcised a demon called ``Tenaga Ashinaga'' who was ravaging Akita Prefecture in the distant past It's an interesting story, so I'd like to briefly explain it so you can learn more about Mt. Chokai.

Did the mountain punish the monster?

The long-limbed monster had long limbs that could reach the mountains, and was a villain who captured and devoured local residents and travelers, and sank ships sailing off the coast of the Sea of ​​Japan.

Unable to see the people in trouble, the god of Mt. Chokai, the god Omonoki, sent a three-legged crow to cry ``Ariya'' on days when a long-legged crow appeared, and on days when he did not appear. It made me cry, “Nothing!”

However, the problem of having long arms and legs knows no bounds. Finally, Mt. Chokai punished the demon by erupting. A three-legged crow cried "Ariya" and "Muya" at the command of a god, and due to the remnants of this legend, Misaki Pass at the foot of Mt. It is also known as `` Noseki''

How about. Isn't this a dynamic monster extermination that only the volcano god can do?

Oimonoki Shrine Warabiokaguchinomiya, located in Yuza Town, is where this Oimonoki deity is enshrined, and is also known as the location where the live-action movie version of ``Rurouni Kenshin'' If you follow the scenery of Mt. Chokai, a sacred mountain that straddles Akita and Yamagata prefectures, you will also come across the filming locations of popular movies.

lastly

Mt. Chokai is a sacred mountain located on the border between Akita and Yamagata prefectures. Not only is it a rich source of water, but its majestic appearance at an altitude of over 2,000 meters has long given local residents a sense of awe and holiness. In addition, Mt. Chokai was present in everyday life, from rice cultivation to scenery. To the local residents, it remains a ``beloved mountain'' to this day.

In recent years, Mt. Chokai has attracted attention not only for its beautiful scenery, but also for the fact that a famous movie was filmed at the shrine dedicated to the deity of Mt. Chokai. If you want to see the scenery of Mt. Chokai, we recommend traveling to Yamagata and Akita prefectures. Be sure to take a look at this beautiful sight, also known as Dewa Fuji!

Mt. Chokai＜Information＞

• Name: Mt. Chokai
• Address: Fukiura, Yusa-cho, Akumi-gun, Yamagata 999-8521

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