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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

Compare by the numbers

9 results
Mt. Kinpu 100 Famous Mountains
BeginnerModerate🚃Tokyo 2h 04Day tripTrail time 5h 349.33 km

An ancient sacred mountain of the Oku-Chichibu ridge, its iconic Gojōiwa pillar towering above, with views to the southern Alps and Yatsugatake.

Mt. Kokushi-ga-take 300 Famous Mountains
EasyPlan ahead🚃Tokyo 2h 04Day tripTrail time 1h 362.44 km

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.

Mt. Kobushigatake 100 Famous Mountains
IntermediateModerate🚃Tokyo 2h 29OvernightTrail time 9h 4014.28 km

One of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains in the Oku-Chichibu, its primeval forest cradling the headwaters of three river systems, vivid with Shakunage in season.

Mt. Akaishi 100 Famous Mountains
AdvancedModerate🚃Tokyo 3h 22OvernightTrail time 14h 3115.66 km

The fourth-highest peak in the southern Alps, a massive mountain that embodies the name of the Akaishi range.

Mt. Shirasuna 200 Famous Mountains
IntermediateModerate🚃Tokyo 3h 33Day tripTrail time 7h 4213.37 km

A border peak starting from Lake Nozori with views of Naebasan and Saburyuyama, rewarding for summer flowers and Joshinetsu panoramas.

Mt. Kaikomagatake 100 Famous Mountains
IntermediateEasy🚃Tokyo 3h 46Day tripTrail time 6h 427.22 km

The northern sentinel of the southern Alps, nicknamed the Southern Alps Prince for its striking white granite ridgeline.

EasyModerate🚃Tokyo 3h 46OvernightTrail time 2h 103.7 km

A North Yatsugatake peak accessible by ropeway, characteristically fringed with the wave-pattern dead-tree phenomenon and the lava-field Tsuboniwa garden.

Mt. Senjōgatake 100 Famous Mountains
IntermediateEasy🚃Tokyo 3h 46Day tripTrail time 7h 00

The Queen of the Southern Alps, a triple-cirque mountain carpeted with alpine flowers and known for its gentle, welcoming profile.

Mt. Naeba 100 Famous Mountains
BeginnerPlan ahead🚃Tokyo 3h 48Day tripTrail time 7h 00

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.