妙義山 - Myogi - 10/22/2023

About: Mount Myōgi (妙義山, Myōgi-san) is one of the major mountains in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. Its straddles the border between the municipalities of Annaka, Shimonita and Tomioka. Well known for its rocks weathered into fantastic forms, this famous peak is ranked among Japan's three most noted places of rugged beauty. There are many hiking courses, and when the foliage changes color there are splendid views to be seen. The highest point is the peak of the Mt. Sōmadake (相馬岳) reaching 1,103 metres (3,619 ft).It is also a National Place of Scenic Beauty as determined by the Agency for Cultural Affairs in Japan in 1923.

Mount Myōgi, along with Mount Akagi and Mount Haruna, is one of the "Three Mountains of Jōmō". (Jōmō is an old name for Gunma.). It is also featured on the 'mo' card in Jomo Karuta. (Source: Wikipedia)

Geological Summary: Mount Myōgi is composed of many different peaks: Hakuun-zan (白雲山), Kondō-san (金洞山), Kinkei-san (金鶏山), Sōma-dake (相馬岳), Mitake-san (御岳山), Chōsunokashira (丁須ノ頭), Yakyu-san (谷急山) and others. Mount Myōgi is generally separated in its south side (known as the front side) and its north side (known as the back side). For instance, when looking at Kinkei-san from Shimonita, the mount is referred to as Nakano-take (中之嶽). Among the many peaks of Mount Myōgi, which is already considered having a picturesque form, the landscape of Nakano-take is very particular. Along the slope of the mountain, there is a group of rocks with unique names (ロウソク岩 "candle rock" , 大砲岩 "cannon rock", 筆頭岩 "head of the family rock", ユルギ岩 "shaky rock", 虚無僧岩 "nihilist monk rock") that make it praised as one of the most beautiful mountains over Japan.

The starting point of the hiking course going through those rocks is Nakano-dake shrine (中之嶽神社). The most famous temple of the divine mountain, Myōgi Shrine (妙義神社), is located on Hakuun-zan, on the east slope of Mount Myōgi. During Edo period, people thought that the god of the mountain protected the population from fire and lightnings. Mount Fuji is located south of Mount Myōgi.

Mount Myōgi is made out of volcanic rocks (dacite, tuff) and conglomerates. It was formed 3 million years ago, at the same time as Mount Arafune located south-west, after a volcanic caldera. Later, the soft sedimentary layer is thought to have been eroded which gave the mountain its current rugged appearance. Mount Myōgi is designated as one of Japan's Three Great Rare Scenic Beauties and was selected as one of the 100 Landscapes of Japan.

My Experience: Although Myogi is not technically an active volcano, I hiked it for the significant reason of completing what is called Jomo Sanzan which is the 3 mountains of Jomo in Gunma. although not far removed and still composed of volcanic compacted sediment, as stated above Myogi si the compacted remenants of an ancient caldera.