[Hachimantai City, Iwate Prefecture] “Yakehashiri Lava Flow” is a strange sight that dyes the earth black! Feel the power of nature!

Mt. Iwate has erupted about five times in its history. The Yakehashiri lava flow is said to have been formed by an eruption from the mid-belly of the area in the 1700s, and is approximately 3km long and 1.5km wide.

As it is a relatively new type of lava flow, there has been little weathering. Even today, it is still a difficult environment for plants to grow.

Because it is an extremely rare place where you can see the lava flow in its original condition, it has high academic value and has been designated as a national park special protection area and a national special natural monument.

This time I will introduce this "Yakehashiri Lava Flow".

As soon as you climb the stairs from the parking lot, you will be greeted with a strange sight.

It takes about 10 minutes by car from Hachimantai city to arrive at the parking lot of Yakinashiri Lava Flow. Parking is free.

There are stairs next to the parking lot, and when you go up them, you will see a lava flow all over you. The entire area is covered in rugged black, and you can feel the fierce power of nature on your skin.

It was named Yakehashiri Lava Flow because the crimson, muddy lava flowed down the mountain slope with such force that it seemed like it was running. Thinking that the black surface was actually living red lava gives me a chilling feeling of oppression.

Iwate's lava flow has low viscosity and high speed.

If you look closely at the black lava on the ground, you will see that it has many wrinkles. This is called the ``tiger shape'' because it looks like a tiger's stripes.

The tiger shape indicates that the viscosity of the lava is very low. Even among the muddy lava, the Yakinahashiri lava flow was relatively smooth.

That's probably why it ran down the slope with such speed that it was called "Yakehashiri".

A lone pine tree that exudes solitary beauty

As mentioned above, the Yakehashiri lava flow has not been weathered and is black, creating an environment in which it is difficult for plants to grow. However, there is one plant that grows fiercely in the darkness of the earth.

That is the miraculous Ipponmatsu. The sight of it standing quietly and alone on the earth with no plants looks both lonely and divine.

Pine trees are said to have the strongest vitality among plants. This single pine tree clearly proves that.

Summary of the Yakehashiri Lava Flow

The observation path has been maintained to some extent, but you can feel the ruggedness of the lava as you walk. So high heels and sandals are not allowed. Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes such as trekking shoes or sneakers.

After following the observation path of about 1km, you will arrive at the observation deck, where you can see the lava flow with the magnificent greenery of Mt. Iwate in the background. There are spectacular views that make you feel the power of nature that can only be found here.

INFORMATION

• Name: Yakehashiri Lava Flow
• Address: 720-2, Hirakasa No. 24, Hachimantai City, Iwate Prefecture
• Phone number: 0195-76-2013 (Iwateyama Yakehashiri International Exchange Village)
• Official URL: Iwate Prefecture tourism portal site “Iwate Travel”

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