The Yashima Route to Mount Chokai starts at the Haraikawa trailhead near Yashima in Yuza Town, Akumi District, Yamagata Prefecture, and covers a 12.5km round trip with 1,109m of cumulative elevation gain toward the 2,236m summit area. Access is by car via Highway 108 to Yashima, following signs south to the Haraikawa trailhead, with limited seasonal taxi service available from Yuza Station; there is no permit requirement, but the trailhead has only informal parking. The route follows a rocky dry riverbed for a substantial stretch, requiring careful footing over loose stones, before climbing through forest and then open volcanic slopes with little shade above the treeline. There is no technical scrambling required, but the combination of loose rock, sustained elevation gain, and long distance makes this a strenuous full-day outing at roughly 6.5-7 hours round trip. Landmarks along the way include the Haraikawa waterfall near the trailhead, the forested midsection where the trail leaves the riverbed, and the exposed upper slopes with views toward the Sea of Japan on clear days; the treeline is a sensible turn-around point for hikers not aiming for the summit area. There is a spring-fed water source partway up the riverbed section in season, but it should not be relied upon after dry spells, and there are no huts directly on this route, so hikers should be self-sufficient with water and food for the full day.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Yashima, Yuza Town, Akumi District, Yamagata Prefecture
- Best season
- July to September, after the snowpack clears from the upper mountain
What to bring
- Hiking boots with good grip (route follows a rocky dry riverbed)
- 2 litres of water
- Map or GPS track
- Rain layer
- Early start recommended given the long duration
Location
Haraikawa trailhead, Yashima, Yuza-machi, Akumi-gun, Yamagata, Japan
39.1315, 140.0688 View on map
Highlights
- Haraikawa waterfall near the trailhead
- Rocky dry riverbed approach through forested lower slopes
- Open volcanic upper slopes with Sea of Japan views on clear days
- 1,109m elevation gain to near the 2,236m Chokai summit area
- Quiet, less-crowded alternative to Chokai's more popular routes
Tips for visiting
- Wear hiking boots with good grip; the riverbed section is loose rock and can be slippery when wet
- Start early given the long 6.5-7 hour round-trip duration
- Carry a map or GPS track, as the riverbed section can be hard to follow in low visibility
- Do not rely on the seasonal spring along the riverbed after dry spells; carry at least 2 litres of water
- Bring a rain layer, since the upper slopes are exposed and weather can change quickly
When to visit
July through September, once the snowpack has cleared from the upper mountain, offers the safest footing; an early morning start is advised given the long round-trip duration.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair- or stroller-friendly, with an unpaved, rocky riverbed surface and sustained elevation gain over open, exposed upper slopes.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Haraikawa trailhead accessible by public transport?
Taxi service runs seasonally from Yuza Station to the trailhead, but there is no regular bus; most hikers drive via Highway 108.
How difficult is the dry riverbed section?
The riverbed involves no technical climbing but requires careful footing over loose rock and stones, making it slower going than a standard forest trail.
Is water available along the route?
A spring-fed source exists partway up the riverbed in season, but it can dry up, so hikers should carry enough water for the full round trip.
When is the best time to hike this route?
July to September is recommended, after the upper mountain's snowpack has cleared and before autumn weather sets in.