Mount Ryōzen

What it is

• A basalt lava plateau standing 825 meters high on the border of Date and Soma.
• Founded as a religious site by Ennin in 859 and named after a mountain in India.
• Site of a 14th-century castle that served as the Mutsu provincial capital for the Southern Court.
• Designated as a National Historic Site and a National Place of Scenic Beauty.

What to see

• The historic remains of Ryozen Castle built in 1337.
• Natural rock formations across the plateau within a prefectural natural park.
• Panoramic views from the summit across the Abukuma Highlands.

When to go

• Late October to early November for the peak of the autumn foliage season.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.