Mount Yakushi

Mt. Iwate is a stratovolcano in northern Iwate Prefecture with an elevation of 2,038 m, consisting of two outer rims. Located in the northern part of Iwate within the Ou Mountains (which stretch from Aomori through Iwate to Fukushima), Mt. Iwate is the highest peak in the prefecture, a prefectural symbol, and one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains. It can be seen up close from Morioka City, and is also accessible for hiking—about 90 minutes away by car. Mt. Iwate has long been revered as a sacred mountain. Its appearance changes depending on the viewing angle; in particular, it is famous for its distinctive profile known as "Nanbu Katafuji," where the beautiful gentle skirt of the eastern ridge combines with the rugged ridgeline of the western ridge. There are seven distinct climbing routes, and by combining ascent and descent routes you can enjoy many variations of hikes. From the summit, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view over a wide area of northern Tohoku—seeing Mt. Iwaki, the Hakkoda Mountains, and even Mt. Chokai in the distance. Near the summit are countless stone Buddhas and the inner sanctuary of Iwateyama Shrine, letting you feel the power of traditional Japanese mountain worship.