Mt Gongendake / Mt. Amigasayama

Mt Gongen-dake, also called Himine in ancient times, has been climbed as a mountain of faith since the Heian period (794-1185), according to the legend of Himine Shrine on the summit. According to records, Akadake, the highest peak in the current Yatsugatake mountain range, was founded unexpectedly in the Edo period (1603-1868), so it is possible that Mt Gongen-dake was the main peak of the Yatsugatake mountain range from ancient times. Mt Nishidake is also located almost directly west of Mt Gongen-dake as the main peak, so it probably seems more natural to think so. There is a peak on the route with a good view that is said to have been a place to raise a smoke signal during the Warring States period, and it is good to think about what kind of smoke signal was raised here at that time from the view of the peak.

The southern part of Yatsugatake is the closest to the village, and the mountains are named after each other from both the Kai and Shinano sides. There are many other mountain names that tell of religious worship, such as Kokuzoudake, Jizodake, Yakushidake, and Gihoushidake.
Mt. Amigasayama, on the other hand, is located at the southern end of the mountain range, and is thought to have been so named because of its gentle, hatchet-like appearance. However, this gentle mountain is not what it looks like; it is a massive rocky peak with large boulders piling up as you approach the summit. Many people recommend this peak for beginners, but if you underestimate it, you will be in for a world of pain.