The kanji 「朝熊」 would normally be pronounced ''asakuma'', and apparently this is what the mountain was originally called. However, ~~apparently~~ over time due to natural ~~use~~, the ''ku'' was dropped as it makes the word harder to say.

The kanji 「朝熊」 would normally be pronounced ''asakuma'', and apparently this is what the mountain was originally called. However, over time due to the natural progression of spoken usage, the ''ku'' was dropped as it makes the word harder to say.

There is another "Mt. Asama" that has different kanji for its name (浅間) located in Nagano Prefecture. This mountain is far more well-known because the Japan Meteorological Agency considers it the most active volcano in Honshū and it has erupted multiple times in recent years.

*:Asama is a fairly leisurely hike, it's all walking and no climbing. The distance from the trail head to the top is approximately 2.4km and so will take up 75-90 minutes to climb and a bit less coming back down. There are actually a number of hiking trails up to the top of the mountain coming from many different directions, however the one from Asama Station (see [[#By Train|directions]] below) is by far the easiest to access and is also the shortest path as well, making it one of the most pleasant light hikes in Mie.

Asama is a fairly leisurely hike, it's all walking and no climbing. The distance from the trail head to the top is approximately 2.4km and so will take up 75-90 minutes to climb and a bit less coming back down. There are actually a number of hiking trails up to the top of the mountain coming from many different directions, however the one from Asama Station (see [[#By Train|directions]] below) is by far the easiest to access and is also the shortest path as well, making it one of the most pleasant light hikes in Mie.

*:There are two big TV towers at the very highest point of the mountain which can be seen from far and wide. They broadcast NHK and Mie TV to the Ise-Shima area of Mie.

There are two big TV towers at the very highest point of the mountain which can be seen from far and wide. They broadcast NHK and Mie TV to the Ise-Shima area of Mie.

*:There is a proper structure at the top of the mountain for taking in the gorgeous view of Ise Bay, the Toba islands, and the Pacific Ocean -- this is definitely a view that is worth seeing at least once during your tenure in Mie as it is one of the finest sights the prefecture has to offer. The deck building has a small restaurant, an omiyage shop, and even a small onsen to soak your feet in -- particularly nice for those who arrived on foot. It also has a parking lot for those arrived via car on the [[#By Car|Ise-Shima Skyline]].

There is a proper structure at the top of the mountain for taking in the gorgeous view of Ise Bay, the Toba islands, and the Pacific Ocean -- this is definitely a view that is worth seeing at least once during your tenure in Mie as it is one of the finest sights the prefecture has to offer. The deck building has a small restaurant, an omiyage shop, and even a small onsen to soak your feet in -- particularly nice for those who arrived on foot. It also has a parking lot for those arrived via car on the [[#By Car|Ise-Shima Skyline]].

*:A temple complex by the name of '''Kongōshō-ji''' (金剛證寺) is located at the summit of the mountain very close to the TV towers, and not too far from the observatory deck. In terms of beauty it ranks up there with some of Japan's finest, and also tends to be a lot more peaceful than those in more touristy areas.

A temple complex by the name of '''Kongōshō-ji''' (金剛證寺) is located at the summit of the mountain very close to the TV towers, and not too far from the observatory deck. In terms of beauty it ranks up there with some of Japan's finest, and also tends to be a lot more peaceful than those in more touristy areas.