Mount Moriyoshi
A majestic mountain offering stunning 'snow monsters' in winter, vibrant autumn foliage, and beautiful alpine flowers in summer.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak 'snow monster' season
Mount Moriyoshi
Best Time
Peak 'snow monster' season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A majestic mountain offering stunning 'snow monsters' in winter, vibrant autumn foliage, and beautiful alpine flowers in summer.
"Breathtaking views and unique natural wonders make Mount Moriyoshi a must-visit year-round."
🎯 Gondola is Key for Views
The 20-min gondola ride offers stunning panoramic views, especially for autumn foliage and snow monsters .
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Even with the gondola, you'll do some walking. Sneakers are fine in summer, but winter requires proper snow gear .
Quick Facts
Rating
4.6 · 65 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Snow Monsters (Juhyo)
Juhyohira area
Giant, frost-covered trees resembling mythical creatures, a truly unique winter spectacle.
Autumn Foliage
Gondola ride and summit views
A 360-degree panorama of mountains ablaze with vibrant red and yellow leaves.
Alpine Wildflowers
Various trails
Discover diverse alpine flora, including daylilies and unique aleutians, blooming from spring to fall.
Hokuto the Akita Dog
Near the gondola base station
Meet and greet Hokuto, the friendly Akita dog who's a beloved local celebrity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views
Gondola Access & Trail Prep
While many trails are well-maintained, especially near the summit station, some routes can be challenging, particularly if you opt for non-gondola access or hike in less-trafficked areas. Comfortable footwear is a must, and consider the season for appropriate gear.Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Gondola is Key for Views
The 20-min gondola ride offers stunning panoramic views, especially for autumn foliage and snow monsters.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Even with the gondola, you'll do some walking. Sneakers are fine in summer, but winter requires proper snow gear.
🐶 Say Hi to Hokuto!
Don't forget to greet Hokuto, the adorable Akita dog, after your descent.
❄️ Winter Gear Essential
For snow monster viewing, warm layers, waterproofs, and sturdy boots are a must.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Gondola is Key for Views
The 20-min gondola ride offers stunning panoramic views, especially for autumn foliage and snow monsters.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Even with the gondola, you'll do some walking. Sneakers are fine in summer, but winter requires proper snow gear.
🐶 Say Hi to Hokuto!
Don't forget to greet Hokuto, the adorable Akita dog, after your descent.
❄️ Winter Gear Essential
For snow monster viewing, warm layers, waterproofs, and sturdy boots are a must.
🌸 Summer Flower Hikes
July is perfect for seeing daylilies and other alpine flowers; it's a beginner-friendly hike.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Mount Moriyoshi for its breathtaking natural beauty across all seasons, from the iconic winter 'snow monsters' to vibrant autumn foliage and summer wildflowers. The accessibility via the Ani Gondola is a major plus, making it enjoyable for various fitness levels. Some visitors note that while the main trails are well-maintained, less-trafficked routes can be more rugged.
"I climbed from the Ani Ski Resort side in June.
I researched the beech trail and chose the route that didn't involve a gondola ride. The gondola base station had a large parking lot and well-equipped facilities, so I used the restroom there before heading down the side road to the beech trail.
It had been a while since I'd driven on a proper gravel road.
It was about 2km long, so if you had a choice, an RV or four-wheel drive would probably be a better choice...I was driving a light vehicle and didn't have a four-wheel drive, but I managed to get to the trailhead.
There is a restroom at the trailhead for the beech trail, but it's an older model, so it's probably safer to use the gondola.
The beech trail didn't seem to get many visitors, so the trail was littered with fallen leaves.
There was spring water along the way, and occasionally you could see the scenery through the gaps in the trees, so it was quite an enjoyable climb.
Once I joined the gondola summit station route, the path was well-maintained with boardwalks and other amenities, making it easy to walk.
I got the impression that gondola users could probably climb in sneakers, unless it was winter.
Along the way, we passed quite a few tour groups and photography enthusiasts, which shows how popular and casual the mountain is. That said, there are gravel roads near the summit, so be careful.
Along the way, it was fun to look at the alpine plants and watch the scenery change, and it felt like the climb was full of fun!
What's more, the view from the summit was open and amazing!
The climb took about 2 hours and 45 minutes one way from the beech forest trailhead to the summit.
There were many elderly people, so I thought it was a fun and easy mountain to climb.
Next time I'll try the gondola ride 😊"
kazuya yoshii
"I climbed on July 14th.
I arrived before 8:30 and there were already several groups of hikers there. It was a Sunday, so it was quite lively.
After purchasing my ticket, I used the restroom and lined up for the gondola.
I was able to board just after 9:00.
Today, the day lilies were in full bloom. It was unexpected and incredibly beautiful. All the hikers were engrossed in taking photos of the flowers.
I was also happy to find some cotton-like aleutians. I'd always wanted to see them. I'm so happy!
This is one of the 100 famous flower mountains, and even beginners can easily climb it. You can climb the mountain while admiring the flowers. It's not too hard.
Highly recommended! After descending, you can play with Hokuto, an Akita dog."
miyako tabi
"(Visited March 10, 2025)
After taking the gondola to the summit station, the frost-covered trees were immediately visible upon disembarking. However, with the warm weather in early March, the green of the Aomoritodomatsu trees around Juhyohira was beginning to become more noticeable.
After passing Juhyohira, the climb began more gradually, and we covered the 300m elevation difference to the summit in just under an hour and a half.
Halfway up the mountain, we found quite a few well-formed frost-covered trees, though not as large as those at Juhyohira.
The slope slightly increased just before the summit, but the clear, windless weather made for a calm and quiet hike.
From the summit, Mount Iwate, Mount Hachimantai, and Mount Akita-Komagatake were clearly visible to the east. Mount Hakkoda could be seen to the north, and Mount Iwaki to the west, but they were only faintly visible on a smartphone. Mount Chokai should also be visible to the south, but clouds obscured the mountains along the way."
イワダイ
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mount Moriyoshi is accessible via the Ani Ski Resort. From major cities like Tokyo, you'll typically take a Shinkansen to Akita Station, then transfer to a local train towards Odate or Hirosaki, disembarking at Ani-Ai Station. From there, a bus or taxi will take you to the Ani Ski Resort base, where the gondola operates.
Yes, the Ani Ski Resort base station has a large parking lot, which is convenient if you're driving. This is where you'll catch the gondola up the mountain.
Public transport is feasible but requires multiple transfers. The journey involves trains to Ani-Ai Station followed by a bus or taxi to the ski resort. It's advisable to check train and bus schedules in advance, especially for the return journey.
The most popular and easiest way to reach the summit area is by taking the Ani Gondola from the base station. It offers a scenic 20-minute ride and drops you near the main viewing areas.
Yes, for the more adventurous, there are hiking trails that don't involve the gondola, such as the beech trail. However, these can be more challenging and require proper hiking experience and gear, especially if you're not driving a 4WD vehicle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The round-trip fee for the Ani Gondola is approximately 2,000 yen. This provides access to the summit area and its stunning views.
The gondola typically starts its ascent around 8:00 AM and runs down until 3:30 PM. It's always best to confirm the exact operating hours for your visit, as they can vary seasonally.
Generally, you can purchase gondola tickets on-site at the Ani Ski Resort base station. Advance booking is usually not necessary unless you are part of a large group or visiting during peak holiday periods.
There isn't a separate entrance fee for Mount Moriyoshi itself. The primary cost associated with accessing the upper mountain is the gondola ticket.
Arriving early, ideally before 9:00 AM, can help you avoid longer queues for the gondola, especially on weekends or during popular seasons.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The 'snow monsters' (Juhyo) are trees heavily coated in ice and snow, creating unique, sculptural shapes. They are a major winter attraction, particularly in the Juhyohira area.
Mount Moriyoshi offers a range of trails, from well-maintained boardwalks near the summit station to more natural paths like the beech trail. Trails vary in difficulty, making it suitable for both casual walkers and experienced hikers.
Yes, with the gondola access, Mount Moriyoshi is considered a relatively easy mountain to climb, even for beginners. The paths near the summit are well-maintained, and many elderly visitors enjoy the hike.
In summer, Mount Moriyoshi is known as one of Japan's '100 Famous Mountains for Flowers.' You can see various alpine plants, including beautiful daylilies and unique aleutians.
Yes, Mount Moriyoshi is also home to the Ani Ski Resort, offering opportunities for skiing and snowboarding during the winter season.
📸 📸 Photography
The gondola ride itself offers incredible panoramic shots, especially during autumn foliage season.
Sunrise and sunset can offer dramatic lighting, especially for autumn colors. For snow monsters, midday with clear skies provides good visibility. The pastel skies mentioned in some posts can occur at various times, so keep an eye on the weather.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes and snow monsters. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details in the foliage or distant peaks. Don't forget a sturdy tripod if you plan for low-light photography or long exposures.
Generally, photography is allowed and encouraged. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking paths or disturbing wildlife. Respect any posted signage regarding photography in specific areas.
Focus on the textures and shapes of the ice-covered trees. Shooting from different angles and including the vast snowy landscape can enhance the dramatic effect. Consider the weather conditions; a bit of mist or snowfall can add atmosphere.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit