Although the ridge path to the summit is known for its fine scenery, the summit itself is covered with Erman’s birch trees and has limited views. Forest growth near the top despite the presence of the tree limit below is another of Mt. Apoi’s anomalies.

The name Apoi comes from the Ainu language as a corruption of the term Ape-o-i-nupuri (meaning “the mountain where a big fire was made”). It originates from a legend in which Ainu people make a fire on top of the mountain and pray to a kamuy (god) for success in their hunting of deer (part of the Ainu diet).