Mount Iwate 岩手山
Mount Fuji of Tohoku
Mount Iwate is a stratovolcano in the Tohoku region, at the foot of which lies the town of Morioka. It is nicknamed "Nambu Fuji" - literally "Fuji of the South" - because of its resemblance to Japan's most famous mountain when viewed from the south. And like its big brother, it can be climbed during the summer season!
An animated volcano
Mount Iwate, an eminence in the southwest of Towada Hachimantai National Park, was also known in ancient times as "Eagle Rock Mountain", because of the shape its slopes took when the snow melted.
The highest mountain in the prefecture of the same name - culminating at 2038 meters - this old lady which spreads its snowy summit in the back of Morioka belongs to the list of the 100 most famous mountains of Japan.
Morioka: the Nakatsu River and Mount Iwate.
JNTO
As a volcano, considered to be still active, it has experienced several eruptions throughout the history of Japan, the last of which dates back to 1919. This activity left behind several frozen lava flows that make the region so charming for visitors. tourists, such as the Yakkiri flow, or the Yakehashiri flow (both located on the northeast slope). The latter has also been classified as a national natural monument since 1944 by the Agency for Cultural Affairs.
An invitation to hike
Like Mount Fuji, Mount Iwate is a mountain that can be climbed in the summer. There are seven hiking trails, of which the Yanagisawa trail (5.7 kilometers long) is the most popular with visitors.
Starting at Umigaeshi Campsite, located in Takizawa City at 633 meters above sea level, it leads to the top of the mountain in an average of 4-5 hrs.
The flowery paths of Mount Iwate
Wiki commons
Note that after about an hour's walk, the path splits in two for almost half of the journey before meeting again higher up. Indeed, a new path, more practicable, has been laid out in parallel with the ancient way. However, those wishing to take the old pilgrims' path will be rewarded with the most beautiful panoramas!
The other climbing routes are a little steeper, some being only recommended for good-level walkers (this is the case of the Omisaka path). The Amihari path is also equipped with a chairlift for those who want to admire the heights from a comfortable position!
