Mt Taishaku is a 2060 metre high peak in the Oze National Park in south western Fukushima.

The mist covered forest on the way up Mt Taishaku

The drive to the trailhead is along a very arrow and windy unsealed road which leaves the mountain town of Hinoemata which is famous for its soba noodles and kabuki stage.

The forest floor, Mt Taishaku in Oze National Park

The mist was serene 🙂

The road passes many beautiful streams and in early summer the foilage was still a bright, young green. We reached the carpark in light drizzle and a very nice mist hovering over the peak. Before starting the walk we were presented with a badge, apparently limited to the first 100 climbers of the season!

Osabagusa badge – our reward for visiting this fairly out of the way peak in southwestern Fukushima 🙂

A real life osabagusa flower

The walk through the misty forest was great, very atmospheric, although it was of course a shame to not have any views off the top.

Another Taishakusan flower

And another Taishakusan flower!

Instead, I photographed the tiny little early summer flowers, and the misty forest, which is always a joy – although I have to say the drizzle had become a little heavier by now so shielding the lens from raindrops became a bit more of a challenge…

The misty forest of Mt Taishaku

Overall a great walk to do on a misty day if you’re into photography; and no doubt a great walk to do on a sunny day if you are after a cool escape from the summer heat with mountain views 😉