Yomiyama (読山村, Yomiyama-mura) is a mountain settlement in the northern Hida region of Gifu Prefecture, Japan. It belongs administratively to the city of Takayama.
Location
Coordinates: 36°17′N 137°23′E
Elevation: 1,350 m (4,429 ft)
Region: Hida
Prefecture: Gifu
Municipality: Takayama
Yomiyama occupies a narrow hanging valley on the western flank of the Hida Mountain Range (Northern Alps), approximately 35 km northeast of central Takayama and 20 km south of Hirayu Onsen. The settlement is encircled by dense mixed forest and steep slopes rising to over 2,400 m. The only motorable route is a 9 km single-lane branch of Gifu Prefectural Road 458, which leaves National Route 158 near Kurumidani and climbs via a series of hairpin bends. Beyond the village the road continues for 4 km as a forestry track before reaching the portals of several disused magnesium workings dating to the 1940s–1960s.
The area experiences heavy snowfall typical of the northern Hida highlands, with annual accumulation frequently exceeding 5 metres. Winter temperatures regularly fall below –15 °C at night. Heavy snow and occasional seismic activity in the Hida range have historically caused prolonged blockages of the access road, sometimes for weeks at a time.
Gifu Prefectural Road 458 (Yomiyama Forest Road section) – narrow mountain road, subject to frequent interruption by snow and landslide
National Route 158 – principal trunk route connecting Takayama with Hirayu Onsen and Kamikōchi
Nearest railway station: Takayama Station (Takayama Main Line)
Permanent population: 346
Principal occupations: forestry, seasonal tourism, small-scale farming
Yomiyama Elementary and Junior High School (combined, enrolment 30)
Yomiyama Post Office (limited hours)
Yomiyama Onsen Ryokan (12 rooms, open year-round)
Yomiyama Jinja (small mountain shrine)
Takayama (35 km southwest)
Hirayu Onsen (20 km north)
Gero Onsen (45 km south via mountain passes)
Shirakawa-gō (approximately 30 km northwest, connected only by summer footpaths)
Yomiyama remains one of the more isolated inhabited locations in Gifu Prefecture during the winter months.