Mt. Jyonen

Mt. Jyonen stands at 2,857 meters in Chubusangaku National Park, its pyramid outline visible from both Matsumoto and Azumino on clear days. The name, written with characters meaning constant and prayer, was inspired by the mountain's likeness to a seated Buddhist priest. Locals feel attached to it, and it even appears in school songs. Farmers still watch how the snow melts on the mountain face in spring to judge when to plant their crops. The summit hike takes six to seven hours, with colorful alpine flowers lining the trails in summer. A mountain lodge near the top offers overnight accommodation, with tent camping also available.