Mount Ōbuka

What it is

• A shield volcano located on the border of Akita and Iwate prefectures.
• Part of the South Hachimantai region with trails established since 1961.
• The upper Tamagawa river area is a designated wilderness area.
• The peak elevation decreased by one meter following the 2011 Tohoku earthquake.

What to see

• Panoramic views of Mount Iwate and Mount Akita-Komagatake from the summit.
• A second-class triangulation point located at the peak.
• The Obuka Sanso mountain hut situated at 1420 meters elevation.
• Large Akita butterbur plants growing along the Obukazawa stream.
• Hiking trails connecting the peak to Mount Mitsuishi and Mount Iwate.

Getting there

• The shortest climbing route begins from Matsukawa Onsen via Mount Gentagadake.
• Access is available via the Hachimantai Aspite Line road which opened in 1970.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.