Mount Azumaya

Mountain Volcanic mountain offering hiking and crater views

A volcanic peak on the Gunma-Nagano border with marked hiking trails, alpine meadows and seasonal wildflowers; day‑hikers use established paths to reach viewpoints.

Main image
Azumayasan.jpg
Kitakaruizawa, Naganohara, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture 377-1412, Japan - panoramio (23).jpg
Mount Azumaya (SSE side) - panoramio.jpg
Mount Azumaya 2013-04-28 (1).jpg
Mount Azumaya 2013-04-28 (2).jpg
Mount Azumaya 2013-04-28 (3).jpg
Mount Azumaya and sunrise from Mount Otensho.JPG
Mount Azumaya Relief Map, SRTM-1.jpg
Mount Azumaya seen from Mount Neko.jpg
Mt. Azumaya hiking (51743151727).jpg

Mount Azumaya (Azumaya-san) is a mountain on the border of Gunma and Nagano prefectures in central Honshu, Japan, rising to about 2,354 metres. It is a well established destination for alpine hiking in the region.

Hikers follow marked routes that reach the broad summit area and ridgelines; the terrain includes alpine meadows and rocky sections and offers panoramic views of neighboring volcanic peaks and highland plateaus. The mountain is commonly visited as a day hike in summer and for snowshoeing in winter where conditions permit.

The mountain is volcanic in origin and has long been traversed by local mountaineers and shepherds; modern trail repair and shelter facilities date mainly to the 20th century. It forms part of the local highland landscape that links a chain of peaks along the prefectural boundary.

The peak sits on the Gunma-Nagano border in central Honshu. Access is typically from valley roads and nearby mountain towns in the two prefectures, with the nearest regional transport hubs several dozen kilometres away.

  • Summit views: From clear summits on good days there are wide views across surrounding highlands and toward nearby volcanic peaks.
  • Hiking infrastructure: Marked trails and mountain huts support day hikes and overnight trips during the main summer season.
Mount Azumaya
Mount Azumaya (Azumaya‑yama), Gunma Prefecture, Japan (near Kusatsu and the Kusatsu Onsen area)
36.5426, 138.4155
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Open 24 hours (access via local transport and trail systems)
Free (natural landmark)

How to Get to Mount Azumaya #

Access from Kusatsu Onsen and nearby towns; local bus services connect to trailheads in peak season. Drive via the Joshin‑etsu Expressway and regional roads; parking and trailhead signage guide visitors to established routes.

Tips for Visiting Mount Azumaya #

  • In winter the mountain is a destination for skiers; check lift operations and avalanche conditions.
  • The panoramic viewpoints are best visited on clear days-fog and low cloud can arrive suddenly.

Best Time to Visit Mount Azumaya #

Summer for hiking and cooler temperatures; autumn for foliage; winter for snow sports.

Summer (June-September)
June-September · 5°C-20°C at higher elevations
Cooler highland weather-popular for hikes and alpine flora.
Autumn (October-November)
October-November · 0°C-15°C
Brilliant fall colours-excellent for scenic walking.
Winter (December-March)
December-March · -10°C-0°C
Snowy conditions suitable for skiing in nearby resorts; winter gear required.

Weather & Climate near Mount Azumaya #

Climate

Mount Azumaya's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -13°C to 21°C. Abundant rainfall (1935 mm/year), wettest in August.

Best Time to Visit
AugustJulySeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
33°
Warmest Month
-19°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -4°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

41 Poor

Comfort

-8°
Feels Like Freezing
-8°C
Temperature
-13° – -4°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

59 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
9.8h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

39 Poor

Comfort

-8°
Feels Like Freezing
-8°C
Temperature
-13° – -3°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

70 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.5
UV Index
Moderate
10.7h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -10°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

35 Poor

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-10° – 0°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

103 mm
Rainfall
5.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
11.8h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (146 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

40 Poor

Comfort

2°
Feels Like Cold
2°C
Temperature
-4° – 7°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

146 mm
Rainfall
6.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.2
UV Index
High
13.0h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (164 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

7°
Feels Like Cold
7°C
Temperature
1° – 13°
74%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

164 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.5
UV Index
High
14.0h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Heavy rain (240 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
6° – 16°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

240 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.5
UV Index
Very High
14.5h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Heavy rain (263 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
11° – 19°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

263 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.6
UV Index
Very High
14.2h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (304 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
12° – 21°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

304 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.6
UV Index
Very High
13.4h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Heavy rain (278 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
8° – 16°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

278 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.2
UV Index
High
12.3h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (157 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

6°
Feels Like Cold
6°C
Temperature
1° – 11°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

157 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
11.1h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

1°
Feels Like Cold
1°C
Temperature
-4° – 6°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

96 mm
Rainfall
5.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.5
UV Index
Low
10.1h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

41 Poor

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-9° – 0°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

55 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
9.6h daylight

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