Mount Kurikoma: Carpet of the gods

Rising above three prefectures in the Tohoku region, Mount Kurikoma is sometimes called the Queen of the Ou Mountains for its beautiful shape. Even better, the active volcano transforms every October, boasting a stunning stretch of autumn leaves known as the carpet of the gods.

Mount Kurikoma is located between Miyagi, Iwate and Akita Prefectures in the middle of the Ou mountain range. It is part of Kurikoma Quasi-National Park and is a designated Ecological Conservation Area. The mountain has an elevation of 1,626m and visitors can explore nine hiking trails of varying intensity.

Hiking Mount Kurikoma

n autumn, the six trails on the Miyagi side of the mountain take hikers across the gently sloping kami no jutan (carpet of the gods), a fiery tapestry of autumn leaves. Japanese beech, maple and Mongolian oak comprise the vivid sea of color. Novice hikers and those with children usually opt for the Chuo trail or Higashi Kurikoma trails, which begin at the Kurikoma Rest House in Iwakagamidaira.

Alternatively, the hiking trails starting in Akita and Iwate prefectures lead to a dramatic volcanic ridgeline. From here, hikers can best enjoy the mountain’s famous topography. After approximately an hour’s hike, visitors will emerge above the tree line and see a panoramic view of the surrounding peaks stretching to the Pacific Ocean.

Seasonal Attractions

Mount Kurikoma also has plenty to offer at other times of the year. In spring, the mountain’s beech trees are at their most stunning. Come June, one hundred and fifty different species of alpine flowers bloom on the hillside. This transformation has earned Kurikoma a place on the list of Japan’s One Hundred Famous Mountains of Flowers.

Click here to read more.

• External Link
• https://gaijinpot.com/

© GaijinPot