[Nirasaki City, Yamanashi] Toward the Future of Mt. Amari Adorned with Approximately 150,000 Rhododendron japonicum Blooms: The “Mt. Amari Environmental Conservation Contribution” Effort Continues This Season; Last Year Over 740,000 Yen in Donations Collected

Located in the buffer zone of the Southern Alps UNESCO Eco-Park, Mt. Amari (elevation 1,731 m, Nirasaki City, Yamanashi Prefecture) enters the blooming season of the Rhododendron japonicum, said to number about 150,000 plants, from late May to mid-June.

The Southern Alps UNESCO Eco-Park Nirasaki City Regional Promotion Council will implement the “Mt. Amari Environmental Conservation Contribution” campaign during the blooming season to protect and pass on this beautiful natural environment to the next generation.

This initiative began in fiscal year 2025, and in the previous fiscal year, a total of 744,130 yen in goodwill donations were received from 1,222 climbers.

■ Background: While attracting visitors, the mountain faces challenges such as aging wooden walkways and deer damage

The beautiful and rich nature of Mt. Amari has been maintained thanks to the great cooperation of local residents and many volunteers.

However, in recent years, the aging of wooden walkways and signposts has progressed, and the increase in Japanese deer has led to serious vegetation damage, diversifying the challenges the mountain faces.

Given the difficulty of maintaining the environment with limited financial resources and manpower, the council introduced the “Mt. Amari Environmental Conservation Contribution” system to ask hikers and climbers visiting Mt. Amari for voluntary cooperation. This is an effort to connect nature lovers with the nature of Nirasaki City and work together toward sustainable environmental management.

■ Main Uses of the Contribution

The contributions received will be carefully used centered on the following four pillars:

1. Environmental improvement: Improving services through facility maintenance such as toilets and parking lots, safety measures through repair of trails and signposts

2. Natural environment conservation: Vegetation protection, rare plant conservation activities, measures against deer damage, efforts for coexistence with wildlife, installation of manners awareness signs

3. Public awareness: Reprinting of pamphlets, information dissemination

4. Survey and research: Surveys of visitor numbers and environmental impact on trails, research on changes in the natural environment due to climate change

Note: The contributions received in the previous fiscal year (fiscal year 2025) are scheduled to be directly used for the “Mt. Amari Hiking Course signpost renewal” and “Mt. Amari wooden walkway repairs” to be implemented in the current fiscal year (fiscal year 2026).

【Implementation Overview of Mt. Amari Environmental Conservation Contribution】

Implementation period: Rhododendron japonicum blooming season (2-3 weeks from late May to mid-June)

Collection location: Temporary tourist information center set up in the Mt. Amari parking lot

Scheduled reception hours: Around 9:00 to 15:00 (may not be set up depending on weather conditions, etc.)

Contribution amount: Voluntary, from 500 yen per unit (cash only)

Benefit for contributors: Those who contribute and cooperate with the questionnaire at the information center will receive a commemorative gift such as an “Mt. Amari original sticker” or “Mt. Amari original clear file.”

【About the Implementing Body】

Southern Alps UNESCO Eco-Park Nirasaki City Regional Promotion Council

Purpose: To promote environmental conservation, utilization, survey/research, information dissemination, etc., of the Southern Alps UNESCO Eco-Park in Nirasaki City.

Members: Nirasaki City, NPO Mt. Amari Club, Hakuhokai, mountain hut operators, (General Incorporated Association) Nirasaki City Tourism Association, and other related organizations.

【Contact Information】

Nirasaki City, Yamanashi Prefecture

Commerce, Industry and Tourism Division, Commerce, Industry and Tourism Section

〒407-8501
1-3-1 Suijin, Nirasaki City, Yamanashi Prefecture
Phone: 0551-45-9158

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What kind of mountain is Mt. Amari? Introducing its overflowing charm!

Mt. Amari is one of the 100 Famous Mountains of Yamanashi located in the buffer zone of the Southern Alps UNESCO Eco-Park.

Although it is 1,731.4 m high, there is a parking lot about a 30-minute walk from the summit, so it is popular as a mountain that anyone can easily climb.

Many scenic spots from the summit and trails…!

You can see the majestic Mt. Fuji and the cityscape of the Kofu Basin, and at night you can enjoy beautiful night views and starry skies; under certain conditions, you can see Mt. Fuji floating in a sea of clouds.

From early to mid-June, about 150,000 Rhododendron japonicum plants bloom profusely around the summit.

In addition, the fall foliage and seasonal flowers are also attractions of Mt. Amari.