Among good-looking guys and beautiful women, I somehow topped my first Japanese 100 Famous Mountains
▲ The summit of Mount Hachimantai.
Photo and text by Yu Jiayun
Since I occasionally hike as a hobby, having gained some experience, I once thought about climbing Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji from the list of 100 Famous Mountains. But with so many things I wanted to do, that goal kept getting postponed. Unexpectedly, during a business trip to Akita Prefecture in northeastern Japan, I accidentally checked off my first Japanese 100 Famous Mountain — Mount Hachimantai — and it was surprisingly easy. I reached the summit without even breaking a sweat.
▲The condiment tray includes a variety of fresh ingredients.
But this isn’t to look down on Mount Hachimantai. It’s just that, as the name suggests, it really is quite flat. Located between Akita Prefecture, known for its beautiful women, and Iwate Prefecture, known for its handsome men, Mount Hachimantai stands at an elevation of 1,614 meters. Its shape is quite different from the typical mountain image we have — not a pointed triangular rice ball, but rather a flat-topped form with only a slight rise in the middle. This greatly reduces the difficulty of reaching the summit. The trail is fairly gentle, and it’s even been called “the easiest of the 100 Famous Mountains” among hikers.
▲ Just walking along and you’ll reach the summit.
▲ Due to the terrain, the summit doesn’t offer very expansive views.
Although we didn’t find the climb too strenuous, the same can’t be said for the Oohira pines that grow on the mountain. Normally, these pines can live for 200 to 300 years on flat land, but on Mount Hachimantai, they face harsh winter climates and strong winds, which shorten their lifespan to just over 80 years on average. Dead trees lean uniformly in one direction due to the wind. Watching these Oohira pines fight against the strong winds and cold with their short lives, even the tour guide couldn’t help sighing: “Ah, don’t you think they’re pitiful? Why did they even come to Hachimantai?”
▲ The mountain guide mentioned that the Oohira pines form ice formations in winter.
▲ An Oohira pine blown to half its original shape.
In addition to being one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains, Mount Hachimantai is also selected as one of the “100 Mountains of Flowers.” Within just a one-hour hike on the mountain, you can see 150 to 200 species of alpine flowers, making it an excellent spot for observing highland flora. Moreover, there are many lakes and marshes of various sizes on the mountain. Though they may look somewhat similar, their shimmering surfaces under the sunlight still possess a certain charm. According to the mountain guide, some people even come specifically at night to stargaze by the lakes. The starry sky, free from light pollution, must be truly breathtaking.
▲The toppings include many fresh vegetables.
▲The broth is made by simmering seafood for hours.
Although we speak lightly of it, when facing the unpredictable forces of nature, us “outsiders” must still maintain a sense of reverence. We take nothing that doesn’t belong to us, and leave nothing that doesn’t belong to nature. While hiking, instead of thinking about conquering, we should learn to experience every inch of the scenery with our senses. And one more important thing: when hiking in Japan, remember to stay on the left side of the trail.
▲ Guides often remind everyone to stay to the left to avoid obstructing oncoming hikers.
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