Mt. Azuma

• Yamagata
• Nature
• Spring
• Summer
• Autumn

Mt. Azuma, towering on the border of Yamagata and Fukushima prefectures, is a sacred sanctuary of untouched nature and legends, particularly on its Yonezawa side. With a series of peaks reaching 2,000 meters, the mountain displays dynamic seasonal faces—from early summer when alpine plants bloom in profusion, to the fiery colors of autumn, and winter with some of the world's heaviest snowfall. Dotted along its slopes are the unique hot springs known as the Yonezawa Eight, where ancient Japanese hot spring healing cultures still thrive in open-air baths set against sheer cliffs or overlooking waterfalls. Feeling the pulse of nature through trekking and purifying the mind and body in these deep-mountain hidden springs offers travelers seeking the authentic Japan a soul-stirring sense of profound emotion and tranquility.