[Yamagata/Okitama] Safety Prayer for Early Summer Asahi Mountain Range, "29th Asahi Mountain Range Opening Hike" to be Held!

The Yamagata Arcadia Tourism Bureau (Yamagata Prefecture) will host the "29th Asahi Mountain Range Opening Hike" for two days from Saturday, June 6 to Sunday, June 7, 2026. This event is an annual tradition to pray for safety during the hiking season, and this year marks its 29th holding. We are recruiting a wide range of participants, offering four courses that can be enjoyed by everyone from beginners to experienced hikers. Why not enjoy a special hiking experience amidst the beautiful fresh greenery of the Asahi mountain range in early summer? Tour details and application ### Four Hiking Courses to Choose from According to Your Level For this event, we offer four courses that participants can choose from according to their physical strength and experience. A characteristic feature is that it can accommodate a wide range of participants, from beginners to serious hikers. - **Course A (for experienced hikers)** A challenging route aiming for Mt. Hiraiwa (1,609m) via Mt. Kitayama after passing through Hariohira. This advanced course allows you to enjoy ridge walking from the Oguni town side as a day trip. - **Course B (for intermediate hikers)** A popular course aiming for Mt. Iwaishukuzumi (1,417m). On clear days, you can enjoy a grand panorama of the Iide mountain range, the Azuma mountain range, and the Okitama basin. - **Course C (for beginners)** A relatively easy course aiming for Mt. Tokuami (788m). From the summit, a 360-degree view spreads out, offering a panoramic view of the Asahi mountain range and the Iide mountain range. - **Stroll Course (for beginners/sightseeing)** A course walking through riparian forests and beech forests with few ups and downs. You can enjoy a nature walk while being soothed by the chirping of birds and the murmuring of a stream. ### After the Descent, Enjoy the Blessings of the Mountains After the descent, an exchange event will be held at "Shiroi Mori Exchange Center Rifure". Participants can enjoy the lingering afterglow of the hike while interacting with each other over dinner featuring abundant local ingredients such as wild vegetables. ### 29th Asahi Mountain Range Opening Hike Event Overview - **Date**: Saturday, June 6 - Sunday, June 7, 2026 - **Venue**: Asahi Mountain Range, Shiroi Mori Exchange Center Rifure (513 Gomisawa, Oguni-machi, Nishiokitama-gun, Yamagata 999-1452, Japan) - **Capacity**: 40 people (minimum of 20 people required) - **Application Deadline**: Thursday, May 21, 2026 - **Fee**: - Adults 18,000 JPY (tax included) / person - Junior high school students and younger 12,000 JPY (tax included) / person Tour details and application ### #### Day 1 - **[Course A (for experienced hikers, Mt. Hiraiwa)]** - 4:30 - 5:00 Shiroi Mori Exchange Center Rifure Reception - 5:00 Departure - Hariohira - Hebihiki Shimizu (1,050m) - Mt. Kitayama (1,460m) - Mt. Hiraiwa (1,609m) - Around 16:00 Descent (planned) - **[Course B (for intermediate hikers, Mt. Iwaishukuzumi)]** - 5:30 - 6:00 Shiroi Mori Exchange Center Rifure Reception - 6:00 Departure - Hariohira - Suzuide Junction - Mt. Iwaishukuzumi (1,417m) - Around 15:00 Descent (planned) - **[Course C (for beginners, Mt. Tokuami)]** - 8:00 - 9:00 Shiroi Mori Exchange Center Rifure Reception - 9:00 Departure - Hikura - Mt. Tokuami (788m) - Around 14:00 Descent (planned) - **[Stroll Course (around Shirafuhira)]** - 8:00 - 9:00 Shiroi Mori Exchange Center Rifure Reception - 9:00 Departure - Hariohira - Shirafuhira (approx. 480m) - Around 14:00 Descent (planned) After descending each course, bathing and rest at Shiroi Mori Exchange Center Rifure - 18:00 Dinner (exchange event) at Shiroi Mori Exchange Center Rifure - Around 20:30 Overnight stay at Shiroi Mori Exchange Center Rifure #### Day 2 After breakfast, free disbandment. ### [Planning/Implementation] Inquiries Yamagata Arcadia Tourism Bureau TEL: 0238-88-1831 FAX: 0238-88-1812 Email: info@arcadia-kanko.jp