Journal | Volcanic Japan

About: Takaharayama is a small stratovolcano with lava domes located SW of Nasudake volcano and NNW of Utsunomiya city in central Honshu. The basaltic-to-dacitic volcano lies within the Shiobara caldera, which was formed during the late Pleistocene at the time of the eruption of the Otawara pumice-flow deposit. The latest dated eruption of Takahara took place about 6500 years ago along the NW-SE-trending Yumoto-Shiobara fissure system within the caldera. Eruptions along this fissure initially produced the phreatic Takahara-Uenohara tephra deposit, which was distributed primarily to the east. The symmetrical Fujiyama lava dome, one of many conical volcanoes named after Japan's renowned Mount Fuji, was extruded at the end of the eruption. (Source: Global Volcanism Program)

Takaharyama is located just north of Utsunomiya. See Google Earth Link.

Hiking Takaharayama, was by far my most intense hike. After the 2 previous days of hiking Nasudake, my legs were somewhat sore however I was still very energized and at first I was looking forward to a longer more relaxing hike...but I was caught by surprise with some intense bouldering, root climbing. I would notate this hike as advanced in some scenarios. There are some very steep incline and declines that have you scaling rocks and roots.

Gear Warning: I would not attempt this "full" hike without adequate gear. Most definitely have good traction hiking boots, a hiking stick, water, and food. I would also strongly advise starting this hike early (if you are hiking during fall season) given available daylight hours.

I took this AllTrails route opting to first go to Mount Keicho, then complete the short loop, then back to (and up) Mount Shakagayadake (Mount Takahara). In the initial images below, I try to show the inclines via a snapshot from AllTrails using the 3D Satellite overlay.

As for arriving at location, I arrived at my stating point Omamadai Parking Lot at around 730 AM driving from the hotel I stayed in Utsunomiya.

By the way, I stayed in the Fairfield by Marriott which is now one of my go-to hotel brands that I will stay when traveling Japan now - amazing super clean, modern, simple rooms. Hotel has coin washer/dryers as well. These did not show up on Booking.com but found them through Marriott Bonvoy site.

Morning of 11/6, started the hike...

Initial sign next to the parking lot.

about 2KM into the hike... Mount Fuji in the distance.

Once of the first areas where a few people were breaking out. The little shrine by the stone pile was collapsed in :(

Arriving at Mount Keicho...

These are stones and markers that are in the loop area designated in the AllTrails map. I was eager to get back on the main trail after diverting to this loop so did not spend much time in this area.