Mt. Oritsumedake ( 852 m ) is the northernmost mountain of the Kitakami Highlands, and is designated as a prefectural natural park. You can see many animals and birds such as Japanese serows and cuckoos, as well as alpine plants and beech forests. The beech forests are famous for their himebotaru fireflies; firefly viewing parties are held in July. The tiny yellow lights flashing softly in the dark forest creates an ethereal air. During the viewing season, there is a free shuttle bus from Ninohe Station. Mt. Oritsumedake has facilities such as a campground and cottages. There is also an observation deck at the peak, from which you can see the Pacific Ocean and Mt. Iwate on a clear day.
VENUE DETAILS
- Access 1
- Bus from JR Ninohe Station Ninohe Station-Ibonai Line Get on at Ninohe Station Boarding Area 4 Get off at Tate ( Oritsumedake Tozan-guchi ) ; 3 hr. on foot from the stop About 11 min. 0195-42-2211 ( Iwate Kenpoku Bus Ibonai Office )
- Access 2
- Taxi About 30 min. from JR Ninohe Station ( to the observation deck at the peak )
- Access 3
- Bicycle Rental IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway Ninohe Station 8:00-17:00 ( early April to the end of November ) 0195-23-8670
- Access 4
- Car About 45 min. from Joboji IC