Small Mountain With Oversized Intrigue

Compared to the many towering peaks surrounding Matsumoto, vertically-challenged Mt. Koboyama hardly qualifies as more than a big hill. But pedal southeast of downtown and you’ll find that this small mountain has an oversized share of eclectic intrigue.

Spring is when Koboyama attracts most of her adoring crowds, thanks to the explosion of cherry blossoms that turn the entire western half of the hill into a blanket of pink and white petals. But the view of Matsumoto and the alpine skyline to the west are there to enjoy year-round. And are just an easy uphill walk away! When you get to the top don’t forget to look down. Not just at the town of Matsumoto spread out before you but right under your feet! Because inside the symmetrically-contoured top of Koboyama lurks one of Matsumoto’s most ancient treasures: a kofun burial mound from the 3rd Century, wherein have been found age-old artifacts long associated with ancient Shinto rituals for the dead.

Historical significance & Natural allure

Surrounding Koboyama are several more elements of intrigue. At the foot of the mountain over on the north side is a statue of a young boy riding a dragon. This curious metallic piece of art depicts the main players in a local legend about the creation of the rivers and mountains that define the Matsumoto landscape. Near the top of Koboyama, just to the southeast, is the start of a wonderful (and wonderfully moderate) trail that takes you through the trees and along one narrow ridge up to the top of nearby Nakayama and more views of the natural beauty surrounding the Shinano Plain where Matsumoto sits.

For all its historical significance and natural allure, Koboyama has also played a role in popular Japanese culture, featuring in the manga series Orange by Takano Ichigo as well as the movie adaptation of the same. So grab a bicycle and pedal on out to add a bicycle ride to this small mountain with the oversized helping of intrigue, and treat yourself to this interesting, eclectic slice of Matsumoto.

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