National Parks Of Japan
Scenic Drive
Hot Spring
Distance
76.4 km
Time
3 h40min
Start
Fossa Magna Museum
Finish
Amakazari Onsen

Itoigawa Geopark Drive

Observe geological wonders in Itoigawa and soak in Amakazari's secluded hot springs

Itoigawa sits at the northernmost mainland point of the Itoigawa-Shizuoka Tectonic Line or "Fossa Magna," a tectonic fault line that separates the eastern and western parts of Japan. It was the first location in Japan to be designated a UNESCO Global Geopark.

Start your drive with a visit to the Fossa Magna Museum to see raw jade and learn about Japan's geological history. Then, head to the Toya Observatory for beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. There are trekking options around the Itoigawa Salt Trail if you would like to spend more time enjoying the mountains. End your drive with a relaxing stop at the hot springs of Amakazari Onsen.

Highlights

View from Toya Observatory

Mount Yakeyama Geosite

2,400-meter Mount Yakeyama is a relatively new volcano⁠ that formed about 3,000 years ago. The Toya Observatory offers beautiful views of this still-active volcano, as well as Mount Kanayama and Mount Hiuchi. After taking in the sights, head down to Sasakura Onsen to take a dip in mineral-rich hot spring waters.
Mount Amakazari from Shiroike Pond

Shiroike Pond

Shiroike Pond is known for its stunning views of Mount Amakazari. It sits alongside an ancient salt trail that links Itoigawa City with Nagano's Matsumoto City. Shiroike Pond, which means "white pond," gets its name from the bluish-white color caused by springtime melting snow. The salt trail is a popular trekking spot in spring and autumn. At the Fossa Magna Park, along the way, walk along a 1-kilometer trail stretching from the entrance to the Nechi Valley. The middle of the path opens up to a large rift in a cliff face, which is the fault line dividing east and west Japan.
Entrance to Miyako-Wasure-no-Yu

Mount Amakazari

Mount Amakazari (1,963 m) is known for its twin peaks that resemble cat ears. Its beautiful name, "amakazari," means "rain ornament." The name comes from the altar that was built at the top of the mountain to pray for rain. The secluded Amakazari Onsen sits at the trailhead on the Itoigawa side. Miyako-Wasure-no-Yu, an open-air bath, is particularly popular with hikers.

Route Map

Itoigawa Geopark Drive

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