This site is an online media that delivers all sorts of trivia about the six Tohoku prefectures, from sightseeing and gourmet spots to local customs, history, and more
Mount Chokai, straddling Akita and Yamagata prefectures, is one of Japan's 100 most scenic spots and is also counted among Japan's 100 most famous mountains. With an elevation exceeding 2,300 meters, its summit boasts a height so great that it seems to pierce above the clouds.
With a lot of snow accumulating in the winter and an abundance of hot springs surrounding it, it is loved by local residents as an important source of water, a sacred mountain that must be protected, a symbol of faith, and an important mountain that provides resources and helps with rice farming. When traveling along public roads and national highways from Sakata City in Yamagata Prefecture to Nikaho City in Akita Prefecture, you should be able to see the majestic figure of Mt. Chokai capped in clouds
Mount Chokai, known as one of the symbols of Akita and Yamagata prefectures, is not only a sacred mountain and a source of water, but also a treasure trove of magnificent scenery with many different faces. We will talk about the scenery of Mount Chokai that you should not miss on your trip to Tohoku
The majestic "Dewa Fuji"! A beautiful view
Mount Chokai is a volcano that resembles Mount Fuji, a symbol of Japan, and is therefore"Dewa Fuji."also called
It boasts the second highest elevation in the Tohoku region, andperpetual snow (small glaciers)are formed near the summit.
The mountain path is rough with rocks, and there are many dangerous spots where you could slip and fall. There have actually been fatalities while climbing the mountain, but there is no end to the number of tourists climbing Mt. Chokai, as well as local residents. This is because the scenery and landscape that Mt. Chokai offers are magnificent
From the cloud-covered summit, you can get a panoramic view of the surrounding towns and cities, making you feel like you're looking at a diorama. On clear days, you can see even further, including Mt. Iwate, Shirakami-Sanchi, and even the Pacific Ocean in the distance
The mountain path to the summit is also filled with beautiful scenery. The contrast of colors created by the rocks, greenery, snow, and water is like a painting. What's more, the colors look different depending on the weather conditions, which makes mountains fascinating
Some mountain trails pass through the clouds. Climbers seem to get excited about the mysterious and romantic feeling of seeing the clouds that they've only ever seen from the ground floating right next to them
The mountain path leading to the summit is also a treasure trove of rare alpine plants, including day lilies, thistles, and bracken fern, delighting climbers
Alpine plants are extremely rare and valuable, so it is strictly forbidden to pick them or take them home. They are important plants that can be considered part of the mountain, which has long been an object of mountain worship for local residents. If you find one, you should only take a photograph of it and not keep it for yourself - this rule is true not only for Mt. Chokai but for all mountains in Japan. Mt. Chokai's nature is a treasure that has been carefully protected by people of the past and by local residents today
The God and Monster of Mount Chokai, "Tenagaashinaga"
The local residents have protected more than just the natural environment of Mount Chokai.Mount Chokai itselfis an object of worship, and it was a mountain of mountain worship for Shugendo practitioners."Omonoimi-no-kami"resides on Mount Chokai, and it is said that eruptions are the wrath of this god.
This great deity, Omokami, is also a god who purifies impurities and evil, and it is said that long ago, he punished"Tenaga Ashinaga" that. It's an interesting story, so let me briefly explain it to help you learn more about Mount Chokai.
Did the mountain punish the monster?
The Tenagaashinaga monster had long limbs that reached the mountains, and was a villain who captured and ate local residents and travelers, and sank ships sailing off the coast of the Sea of Japan
Unable to bear the sight of the humans in distress, Omonokimi-no-Mikoto, the god of Mount Chokai, sent a three-legged crow to cry "Yes" on the days when Tenagaashinaga appeared, and "No" on the days when he did not appear
However, the wickedness of the long-armed, long-legged creature knew no bounds. Finally, Mount Chokai punished the evil spirit by erupting. Because the three-legged crow, at the command of the gods, cawed "Yes" and "No," the Misaki Pass at the foot of Mount Chokai"Uyamuya no Seki" (the uncertain barrier),is known by the alternative name
What do you think? Isn't this a dynamic demon-slaying feat that only a volcano god could pull off?
The Omokimi Shrine Warabioka-guchi no Miya in Yuza Town, which enshrines the Omokimi deity, is also known as a filming location for the live-action movie adaptation of the classic manga"Rurouni Kenshin." Following the scenery of Mount Chokai, a sacred mountain straddling Akita and Yamagata prefectures, you might stumble upon the filming locations of popular movies.
lastly
Mount Chokai is a sacred mountain located on the border between Akita and Yamagata prefectures. As well as being a rich source of water, its majestic appearance at over 2,000 meters above sea level has long inspired local residents with a sense of awe and sometimes sanctity. Mount Chokai is also present in everyday life, from rice cultivation to the scenery. To the local residents, it remains a beloved mountain to this day
In recent years, Mt. Chokai has been attracting attention not only for its beautiful scenery, but also because a famous movie was shot at the shrine dedicated to the god of Mt. Chokai. If you want to see the scenery of Mt. Chokai, we recommend traveling to Yamagata and Akita prefectures. Be sure to see this beautiful sight, also known as Dewa Fuji!
