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12 — MOUNTAINS
Okuhida and the Northern Alps
East of Takayama rise the Northern Alps, a chain of peaks around 3,000 metres high. In the folds of these mountains, steam rises from the Okuhida hot-spring villages. A monk who first opened a path up a rugged rock peak, the only double-decker gondola in Japan, and a bus terminal above the clouds: we walk the mountains of Hida.
Labels: Factdocumented Likelysupported by most sources Legendoral tradition Urban legendlocal lore and rumour
Banryu, the monk who opened Mt Yari
FactIn the late Edo period, the peaks of the Northern Alps were still places where people hardly ever set foot. Banryu, a nenbutsu monk (devoted to chanting the name of Amida Buddha) born in Etchu (today's Toyama Prefecture), won the cooperation of the people of Hida and in 1823 reopened the route up Mt Kasa in Hida.
FactBanryu went on to take on Mt Yari, a rock peak that thrusts into the sky like a spear, and reached its summit in 1828. He is said to have then improved the climbing route and hung chains on the rock faces so that many people could climb it. Banryu is known as the founder of Mt Yari as a sacred mountain.
A double-decker gondola
FactThe Shinhotaka Ropeway links Shinhotaka Onsen, at the far end of the Okuhida hot-spring villages, with Nishihotakaguchi, more than 2,000 metres above sea level. The gondolas of the second ropeway are the only double-decker gondolas in Japan. From the observation deck at the top station you can take in the peaks of the Northern Alps close up, including Mt Yari, the Hotaka range and Mt Kasa.
A bus terminal above the clouds
FactAt Tatamidaira, near the summit of Mt Norikura on the border between Takayama City and Nagano Prefecture, there is a bus terminal at an altitude of 2,702 metres. It is the highest bus terminal in Japan. To protect the natural environment, private cars are not allowed on the Norikura Skyline, and visitors go up from the foot of the mountain by bus or taxi.
FactTemperatures are low even in summer; snowfields linger, and meadows of alpine flowers spread out. In good weather, many people come here to watch the sunrise.
The Okuhida hot-spring villages
FactOkuhida Onsen-go is the collective name for five hot-spring villages: Hirayu, Fukuji, Shin-Hirayu, Tochio and Shinhotaka. The flow of spring water is plentiful, and the area is also known for its large number of open-air baths. Hirayu Onsen has a founding legend in which troops of a retainer of Takeda Shingen lost their way and were led by a white monkey to the hot water.
Look here: Hirayu Otaki Falls
Hirayu Otaki Falls, near Hirayu Onsen, is about 64 metres high and about 6 metres wide. It has been chosen as one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls. In winter the falls freeze, and events are held to view the illuminated frozen falls.
Main sources: Okuhida Onsen-go Tourism Association / Shinhotaka Ropeway / Norikura Tourism Association / Takayama City, "The Holy Man Banryu" / Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls