Mount Gangaharasuri

Overview

Mount Gangaharasuri (Gangaharasuriyama) is a 1,874-meter peak rising in Otsuki City, Yamanashi Prefecture. Counted among the Yamanashi Hyakumeizan (100 famous mountains of Yamanashi), it is best known because the view of Mount Fuji from its summit once appeared on the back of the old 500-yen banknote. There are no flashy tourist facilities here, only a celebrated Fuji panorama that keeps drawing hikers.

Highlights

• ●Summit view of Mount Fuji in the same composition used on the old 500-yen note
• ●A 1,874-meter peak among the 100 famous mountains of Yamanashi
• ●An unusual name inspired by geese nearly scraping their bellies overhead
• ●A quiet, undeveloped mountain-walking atmosphere

History

The mountain gained nationwide fame when the Mount Fuji vista from its summit was chosen for the design on the reverse of Japan's former 500-yen note. Its curious name is said to come from an old saying that migrating wild geese fly so low over the high pass that they almost scrape their bellies on it, a phrase that hints at how people of old measured the height of these Otsuki peaks. It has long been cherished as a graceful local summit.

Map

35.6867, 138.8847 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Check trail information and the day's weather and road conditions around Otsuki Station
2. 2Follow the mountain path from the trailhead toward the 1,874-meter summit
3. 3Savor the banknote-famous Mount Fuji panorama at the top
4. 4Round off the day with local flavors in the town of Otsuki after descending

Did you know?

💡 Often described simply as the mountain that photographed the Fuji on the banknote, its most unusual feature is actually its name, born from the image of geese scraping their bellies as they cross such a high place. Once you hear it, you will not forget it.

Nearby spots