Azegamaru (Mount Azega) stands at an elevation of 1,293 meters, situated near the border between Kanagawa Prefecture's Yamakita town and Yamanashi Prefecture's Doshi village. This mountain is renowned for its complex terrain and rich natural beauty. Its highlights include the magnificent waterfalls hidden in steep valleys: the 30-meter Morokubo Falls to the north, the beautiful 40-meter waterfall in Nishizawa's Shitadana and the impressive 50-meter waterfall in Hondana to the east. To the south lies the Amanotana, a secretive 50-meter fall.
The origin of Azegamaru's name is attributed to the abundance of Azaleas (Asebi) near its summit. The peak itself is covered in dense forest, offering no views, but a short distance to the west lies a refuge hut from where Mount Fuji can be glimpsed through the trees.
Access and Hiking Routes
Access to Azegamaru is available from Shin-Matsuda Station on the Odakyu Line, taking a bus to the Nishi-Tanzawa Nature School. From there, it's approximately a 3-hour hike to the summit via Nishizawa, following a route that is part of the Tokai Nature Trail's sub-route, offering a journey through rich natural scenery. An alternative route starts from the Ootaki Bridge in Shitanzawa, entering the Miyamae Nature Trail, and passing through the Ikkenya emergency hut and Ootaki Pass.
History and Culture
Azegamaru has long been known as a "mysterious peak" due to its challenging terrain, making it less accessible to many. However, its abundant natural beauty and challenging hiking trails continue to attract mountaineering enthusiasts. Following the ridgeline from Azegamaru leads to historical sites like the Jogaio Pass and Shin-gen-hei, associated with the legendary samurai warlord Takeda Shingen of the Sengoku period.
Natural Attractions
The nature around Azegamaru is a blend of harshness and beauty, with steep valleys, grand waterfalls, and rich forests demonstrating the area's long-standing preservation of nature. It is an ideal location not just for mountaineering but also for nature observation and photography, offering a chance to enjoy the scenery across the changing seasons.