Hitsuhara

Hitsuhara (坤彭; hitsu-hara) is a minor mountain located on the northern end of the Ikumo Mountains in north-west Kanton. It is the source of the Tao River, and has an elevation of 460 metres. As the smallest mountain in the range, it serves as the transition between the Heikumo and its subrange of Tansanko. The Hitsuhara Pass lies between Hitsuhara and Mount Hirayama.

Historically, the foothills of Hitsuhara served as the home of the powerful Beiya clan, who also built a fortress on the highest peak of the mountain. The ruins of the fort are now a popular attraction for tourists and hillwalkers alike. In 1956, it was designated a National Treasure by the Kantonese government.

Until the 15th century, Hitsuhara and its surrounding foothills were heavily populated by members of the Beiya clan and their vassals. After the conquest of the Ikaya clan in 1534, Beiya loyalists either followed their chief into fealty or fled the prefecture. For over three hundred years since, the area has been uninhabited. As a way of utilising the land, the Chiha Prefectural Government established the Hitsuhara Nature Reserve in 2009.