Distant flowers that continue to preserve their ancient form and the land of volcanoes that cannot help but change.
Day 1
Bandai-Asahi National Park, which I visited this time, is located in the northeastern part of Japan. It is a national park with a history of nature's grandeur and the people who have lived with it since ancient times, such as the majestic Mt. Bandai, a volcano in Fukushima, which created the beauty of the lakes and ponds, and Dewa Sanzan, a place of mountain worship, passed down from generation to generation in Yamagata.
Menuma, Onuma, Nitanuma
Many hikers visit here during the season of fresh green and autumn leaves. From Menuma, I could see snow-capped Mt. Adatara, one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan, in the distance. The hiking trails connecting each swamp were well maintained, and I could hear the occasional chirping of birds in the silence of the forest, which made for a pleasant walk.
Fukushima Prefecture Tsuchiyu Onsen Waterfall Suspension Bridge
It takes about 15 minutes to go up the stairs to the suspension bridge, and there is a footbath "Tsuchiyukko" on the way, where you can take a break. This was the first time I experienced a suspension bridge that didn't sway. Tsuchiyu Onsen is also the birthplace of Kokeshi dolls. A large Kokeshi doll greeted us at the entrance of the hot spring town.
Day 2
Renge-numa and Nakasenuma Observation Deck
It started snowing at dawn. After renting snowshoes at Urabandai Site Station, I trekked 20 minutes to Nakasenuma Observation Deck. I had to follow the footprints of those who had walked before me. Otherwise, I would not have been able to find my way. The Renge Numa was frozen, and the white gradation was beautiful. From the Nakasenuma Observatory, I could see many small islands. It seemed like a natural Japanese garden.
Goshikinuma Ponds
Goshikinuma Ponds are swamps formed by avalanches of debris caused by the eruption of Mt. Bandai. It is said that a river used to flow here before 1888. Aonuma is the most beautiful out of the ponds because of its rich blue color. It is a wonder that it looks so blue even when it is cloudy. Even on a cloudy day, the blue color looked beautiful against the snowy landscape, but in the season when leaves turn green and red during autumn, the blue color looks most beautiful against the green and red.
Tenjinhama Beach
I drove down the mountains from Urabandai to Tenjinhama at Lake Inawashiro on the other side of Mt. Bandai. From here, I could see the majestic Mt. Bandai. Lake Inawashiro is a clear and beautiful lake.
Day 3
Yamagata Prefecture Oe Town Interaction Station
This interaction facility aims to spread information about the town's history, culture, and tourism. It is characterized by its integration with Aterazawa Station. It is beautiful, with very gleaming and detailed workmanship.
Three Iwanezawa Shrines
A national important cultural property. The shrine was built in 1387, but was lost several times, and the present building was built in 1841. It is one of the most significant wooden buildings in Tohoku. The pillars are very thick and impressive. Iwanezawa has a long history as a place of worship for Dewa Sanzan, and worshippers based their faith on this area. It is fun to think about the history as you walk around the large main shrine.
Dewaya
Dewaya is a restaurant where you can enjoy dishes that luxuriously use seasonal ingredients from Nishikawa Town, which has the deepest snowfall for any residential area in Japan. Lodging is also available for visitors. The photo shows a dish using a whopping 15 kinds of mushrooms. Each one has a different flavor and taste, and is a feast for the eyes.
During this time I visited Bandai-Asahi National Park, I was struck by the beauty of the magnificent volcano Mount Bandai, which created the surrounding lakes and marshes. This was the snow season, and winter has its own charm. Dewa Sanzan, sacred mountains of worship, is related to the history, culture, and food of the foothills. I would like to visit it again during the Matsuri festival season or the time of pilgrimage.
