Mount Akita-Komagatake

What to know

Rising 1,637 meters, Mount Akita-Komagatake (秋田駒ヶ岳) is one of Akita Prefecture's tallest peaks and the second highest in Towada-Hachimantai National Park. This active volcano last erupted in 1970–71. It features multiple summits and a network of relatively easy trails with beautiful views, offering a rewarding few hours of hiking.

The main trailhead for climbing Akita-Komagatake is at the mountain's 8th Station (about 80% up the slope) at 1,305 meters. Due to limited parking, the access road is closed to private cars on weekends and public holidays from June to October, and daily from late June to mid August. During these times, a shuttle bus operates.

Several trails start from the 8th Station. The most popular is about 2.4 km long and winds around the western side to the central Amida-ike Pond, from where different paths lead to the peaks. It takes under an hour to reach the pond on an easy trail with nice valley views.

The highest peak is Onamedake (男女岳), with a round summit easily accessible about 100 meters above Amida Pond to the north. The second highest, Odake (男岳), lies south of the pond. Its trail is steeper and rougher but offers more rewarding views into the main crater and the lightly smoking Medake (女岳) on one side, and Lake Tazawa on the other.

Most visitors hike from the 8th Station to Onamedake and/or Odake and back, but more ambitious hikers can enjoy longer trails, such as a loop around the entire main crater or a route to Nyuto Onsen.

Akita-Komagatake is famous for its alpine flowers from June to August, and also beautiful in early to mid October during autumn colors. The trails are above the treeline, offering views of colorful forests below. In winter, the mountain is mostly inaccessible.