This site is an online media that delivers all sorts of trivia about the six Tohoku prefectures, from sightseeing and gourmet spots to local customs, history, and more
Mount Kurikoma is a 1,626-meter-high volcano located on the border of Miyagi, Iwate, and Akita prefectures.In Iwate Prefecture,Mountit is also known asThe small-scale phreatic eruption in 1944 formed Lake Showa in the crater on its slopes.
Large-scale landslides caused by Iwate-Miyagi inland earthquake
The most devastating earthquake was the 2008 Iwate-Miyagi Inland Earthquake.The earthquake, which occurred on June 14th with its epicenter approximately 10km northeast of Mount Kurikoma, had a depth of 8km and a magnitude of 7.2, registering a maximum seismic intensity of 6+.This earthquake triggered a massive landslide at the foot of Mount Kurikoma on the Miyagi Prefecture side, resulting in a disaster with significant casualties.
During the Iwate-Miyagi Inland Earthquake, more than 3,500 instances of slope deformation, both large and small, were confirmed along the fault that caused the earthquake.In particular, the landslide that occurred upstream of the Aratozawa Dam was massive, stretching 1,300m in length, 900m in maximum width, and with a cliff height of 150m. The amount of sediment that slid down (amount of unstable sediment generated) was 67 million cubic meters, equivalent to 54 Tokyo Domes.
The Ou Mountains, where Mount Kurikoma is located, are the newest mountain range in the history of the Earth
Numerous slope movements, including the Aratozawa landslide, are said to have their roots in the formation of the Ou Mountains.The Ou Mountains are a mountain range (backbone mountain range) that forms the watershed of the Tohoku region, and are the most recently formed mountain range in the world.The seabed was uplifted, and various sediments accumulated through subsequent volcanic activity piled on top of this older ground, forming a mille-feuille-like layering structure. The ridge of Mount Kurikoma is made up of layers that perfectly match these conditions, and a massive earthquake with a short period of rapid, fine shaking caused a landslide like an avalanche.
Many of the landslides, from the large one that occurred in Aratozawa to the small ones, have occurred in areas where people live, and recovery efforts are still ongoing even now, more than 15 years later
The foot of Mount Kurikoma is a valuable geopark where you can learn about the Earth's activities
The area where the landslide occurred, including Kurihara City in Miyagi Prefecture, has been designated as the Kurikoma Mountain Foothills Geopark. A geopark is a park created by the Earth. Not only does it provide a dynamic natural playground, but sometimes, like Mount Kurikoma, it challenges places where people have been living peacefully without warning. One of the roles of a geopark is to research and learn in order to overcome these challenges. Activities have also begun to utilize this landslide as an important teaching tool for learning about the Earth.The Aratozawa landslide area has been selected as one of "Japan's 100 Geological Sites" as the "Upstream Collapse Area of the Aratozawa Dam."
The view from the summit is spectacular. Mount Kurikoma is relatively easy to climb
There are nine hiking trails to the summit of Mount Kurikoma, making it enjoyable for hikers of all levels, from beginners to experts. The trails are well-maintained, and there are parking lots, restrooms, hot springs, and accommodations at the trailheads, ensuring a safe and convenient hike.Day trips are possible, but camping is prohibited as it is located within a national park.Also, please note that there are no mountain huts along the hiking trails where you can stay overnight.
Mount Kurikoma is still an active volcano, with areas of intense fumarolic activity near the summit. It is a volcano under constant observation by the Japan Meteorological Agency, so caution is advised
Climbing is restricted near Lake Showa, where a large amount of toxic gas is being emitted
As of July 2023, the northern Sukawa hiking trail is partially closed due to volcanic gases such as hydrogen sulfide erupting near Lake Showa. The hiking trail from the base of the mountain to Lake Showa is open for a certain period in the fall. (Please inquire.)
Showa Lake is a small lake formed during a minor eruption in 1944. It is a crater lake where water accumulated in the area where the crater once stood.The water is highly acidic and milky white in color.
The greatest highlight of Mount Kurikoma is the vibrant autumn foliage that covers the entire mountain
The slopes of Mount Kurikoma are a popular spot for viewing autumn foliage, attracting many tourists.The area around "Iwakagami-daira," the trailhead leading to the summit from the Kurikoma Mountain Geopark side, is so popular that a special autumn-only bus service operates to allow visitors to see the vibrant autumn colors all the way to the summit. During the autumn foliage season, private cars can only go as far as the "Ikoi-no-mura Kurikoma Ruins Parking Lot." From the "Ikoi-no-mura Kurikoma Ruins Parking Lot" to the "Iwakagami-daira Parking Lot," a shuttle bus service is provided.
The trailhead, Iwakakamidaira, is at an elevation of 1,113m, and there are two routes to the summit from there. The central route is the shortest of the hiking trails at 2.9km to the summit, and is a well-maintained path with a gentle gradient, making it perfect for beginners. There are almost no dangerous spots, and a leisurely round trip can be completed in about three hours. There is the Kurikoma Rest House at Iwakakamidaira, which has a shop, restaurant, toilets, and more, and the sturdy reinforced concrete building can be used as an emergency shelter
Facility name: Iwakagamidaira trailhead and Kurikoma Rest House
Location: Kurikomanumakurakoeihigashi, Kurihara City, Miyagi Prefecture
Phone number: 0228-43-4100
Business hours: 9:00-17:00
access:
Train: Approximately 1 hour by car from Kurikoma-Kogen Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen
By car: 50 minutes from Kannari Wakayanagi IC on the Tohoku Expressway
* During the autumn season (early to late October), on weekends and holidays, the route bus "Kurikomayama Autumn Leaves" runs from Mikurikoma Kogen Station one round trip per day (for operating periods and times, please see the Miyako Bus website
Sekaiyachi Primeval Flower Garden is a long, narrow wetland located in a plateau area at an altitude of around 700m, covering an area of approximately 14 hectares, roughly the size of three Tokyo Domes.Sekaiyachi means "wide wetland," and it consists of four groups, divided into upper, middle, and lower levels, comprising eight wetlands of varying sizes.
At the Sekai Yachi Primeval Flower Garden, a variety of marshland flowers bloom in competition with one another, from Asian skunk cabbage in May to Siberian gentian in September. In particular, the large colonies of day lilies that bloom in late June are spectacular, painting the entire marshland a vibrant orange hue
The Hosokura Mine was discovered approximately 1,100 years ago at the foot of Mount Kurikoma and continued to be mined until 1987, producing silver and lead.During the Edo period, the Date clan invested heavily in the mine, and mining continued thereafter, experiencing periods of prosperity and decline until 1987. It was war that transformed the Hosokura Mine into one of Japan's leading mines. In particular, World War I, which broke out in 1915, increased the military demand for lead and zinc. However, this demand continued until World War II, after which the mine was forced to close due to a decline in demand for lead and other minerals.
The ore deposit at Hosokura Mine is a "hydrothermal deposit," and the volcanic activity of Mount Kurikoma plays a crucial role in its formation.Hydrothermal fluids, heated deep underground by magma, rise to the surface, absorbing various metal ions from the rocks in their pathways. These ions crystallize due to changes in the environment, such as pressure and chemical reactions, and precipitate in cracks in the rocks. The minerals accumulated in these cracks form ore veins, which contain many useful metal minerals such as gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, and tin. These ore veins are"hydrothermal deposits,"and the ore deposit at Hosokura Mine is precisely one of these "hydrothermal deposits."
After the Hosokura Mine closed, it was reborn in 1990"Hosokura Mine Park,". In the [Adventure Zone], in addition to exhibits on the history of the Hosokura Mine and scenes of its operations, visitors can also learn about gold panning and see exhibits that imagine the mine tunnels as the creation space of the universe. The [Slider Park] offers an aerial stroll up in a gondola and a thrilling 555m long slide down. From the observation deck, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the foothills of Mount Kurikoma.
My love of travel led me to work for a travel magazine some time ago, and now I work as a travel writer for an online publication. I have visited all 47 prefectures in Japan, focusing on the Tohoku region, and I enjoy soaking in hot springs and experiencing traditional Japanese culture, including old townscapes, lifestyles, and performing arts and crafts
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