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Oze NP, Fukushima
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At 2,356 m, Shibayasugura is Fukushima’s highest point and the highest summit anywhere in Japan at its latitude or farther north. It is the top of a mountain with several distinct peaks.
Neighboring Manaitagura is only 10 m lower than Shibayasugura, and the walk between the two takes about 20 minutes. On Hiuchigatake, Japan’s northern height champion, the top is a pair of close companions.
Shibayasugura is part of Hiuchigatake’s outer crater rim, while neighboring Manaitagura is a lava dome within it. The volcano’s summit crater is about 800 m across.
Deposits show that Hiuchigatake had a steam-driven eruption about 500 years ago. The exact dates of individual eruptions are unclear, but this peak belongs to a volcano with activity surprisingly recent in human history.
From Shibayasugura, the view looks across Ozegahara; from neighboring Manaitagura, it opens toward Lake Ozenuma. The two close-set summits show different sides of Oze’s famous wetlands.
From Hinoemata Village, lingering snow on Hiuchigatake is said to resemble a hiuchi-basami—traditional fire-starting tongs. That local snow shape is one explanation for the mountain’s name.
In 1889, local Hirano Chōzō climbed Hiuchigatake with companions when he was 19. He later became a leading figure in Oze’s protection, linking this summit with the story of the region’s conservation.
An old route from Shibayasugura toward Onsen-goya was cut by Hoshi Dankichi and 3 helpers over 12–13 days; they had to clear it again each year. The historic trail is now closed.
Between Shibayasugura and Manaitagura runs Shibusawa, Hiuchigatake’s largest rough stream. Its upper channel is often nearly dry and strewn with giant rocks; sulfur springs downstream turn the water cloudy.
