100 Famous Shinshu Mountains
The Shinshū 100 Famous Mountains were selected by Eiichi Shimizu as the defining peaks of Nagano Prefecture (historically known as Shinshū). The list draws heavily from the Northern Alps (Hida Mountains), the Yatsugatake, and the Central Alps — the backbone ranges of a prefecture that is, by any measure, the heart of Japanese mountain culture.
This page covers the 60 peaks on the list that can be reached without a private car. Most trailheads are served by bus from the nearest train station; for those that aren't, a shared taxi or regular taxi will get you there. Featured peaks include Kirigamine, Mt. Aka, Mt. Akaishi and Mt. Amakazari. Each guide spells out the exact route from the station to the trailhead — bus and taxi timetables, fares, and frequencies verified against official schedules. Use the map and list below to compare access ease and fitness demand, whether you're planning a day hike or a multi-day traverse with an overnight stay beforehand.
100 Famous Shinshu Mountains
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An ancient sacred mountain of the Oku-Chichibu ridge, its iconic Gojōiwa pillar towering above, with views to the southern Alps and Yatsugatake.
A high peak reached by a grassy ridge walk from the Ōdarumi Pass, welcoming arrivals with a sweeping panorama from Fuji to the southern Alps.
A border peak starting from Lake Nozori with views of Naebasan and Saburyuyama, rewarding for summer flowers and Joshinetsu panoramas.
The northern sentinel of the southern Alps, nicknamed the Southern Alps Prince for its striking white granite ridgeline.
The Queen of the Southern Alps, a triple-cirque mountain carpeted with alpine flowers and known for its gentle, welcoming profile.
A mountain whose broad high alpine wetland and countless bog pools are hailed as a sky-high paradise, magical for summer flowers and autumn grass.