Hike the path of ancient mountain worshippers to the summit of Mount Iwate

Mountain worshippers have taken the Yanagisawa Trail to the summit of Mount Iwate, considered a sacred mountain, since ancient times. The practice of mountain asceticism in Japan, or Shugendo, dates back to around the 7th century.

The course begins at the 633-meter Umagaeshi Trailhead in Takizawa City and offers excellent views of Morioka City and the Kitakami Mountains throughout the hike. After the Second Station (a waypoint marking the second stage of the hike), you have the option to select between a forest path or a rocky path with unobstructed views. At the Eighth Station, take a break at Fudotai Hut before the last stretch of the climb to Mount Iwate's summit. You can replenish your water supplies at the Onari-Shimizu Spring near the hut.