Mount Nantai
男体山
A conical volcano on the northern shore of Lake Chuzenji at 2,486 meters above sea level. It is the sacred mountain of Futarasan Shrine, and its summit offers views over all of Lake Chuzenji.
Mount Nantai is one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains. Formerly called Futarasan, it was first climbed by the monk Shodo Shonin in 782, and it has long been a sacred site for mountain ascetic faith. The trailhead is at Futarasan Shrine Chugushi and is open only during the climbing season. The worship fee is about ¥1,000. The round trip takes about 6–7 hours, with an elevation gain of about 1,200 meters. The final stretch is a steep slope of loose gravel, so climbers should have mountaineering experience and proper gear. The summit has the Okumiya shrine and Ken Peak. On clear days, Mount Fuji is visible. Those who do not climb can admire its reflection from the shore of Lake Chuzenji or from Akechidaira.
Opening hours
Mountain season May 5–Oct 25
Nearby sights
- Futarasan Shrine Chugushi
- British Embassy Villa Memorial Park
- Kegon Falls
- Chuzen-ji Temple (Tachiki Kannon)
- Akechidaira Ropeway & Observatory
- Italian Embassy Villa Memorial Park
- Lake Chuzenji
- Ryuzu Falls