Mt. Kodake Trails

Mt. Kodake (1,042 m) is reached via two trails, both winding through old-growth beech forest before joining 800 meters from the summit. The Old Kodake Trail follows a creek past massive beeches, including one nicknamed the Thousand-armed Kannon for its sprawling branches. The newer trail follows an old logging road before cutting onto a dirt path. About 300 meters below the top, trees give way to open views across the Shirakami Sanchi Protected Zone. Claw marks on some beeches mark where Asian black bears have climbed in search of nuts. The hike is 2.5 to 3 kilometers and takes about two hours one way.