室根山
More to Mt. Murone The Kitakami Mountains run through Ichinoseki with a single peak, that of Mount Murone, dominating the skyline. Near the peak of the 895m tall mountain, there’s a 360-degree panoramic view extending to the Pacific Ocean. Here, the cities of Kesennuma, Oshu, and even the peak of Mt. Iwate can be seen. There's much more to this mountain than its beautiful views though; it’s a recreational wonderland!
If you enjoy hiking, there's a fairly steep climb that takes about 2.5 hours from Orikabe Station to the top; however, for most people, driving up is the preferred choice. Here are some of the exciting facilities, activities, and events you can experience on this mountain.
Astronomical Observation at Muronesan Kirara Observatory
Mt. Murone stands out from its surroundings thanks to an observatory near the summit. This observatory promotes astronomical and scientific education and is accessible both day and night through its two telescopes, including the impressive 50cm Cassegrain reflector telescope. During the day (from 13:00 to 16:30, April to November), a filtered telescope allows you to observe our closest star, the Sun. At night (from 19:30 to 21:30, April to November), the observatory hosts shows and viewings of various celestial objects, with M13 being a favorite.
The opening hours may be a little restrictive, so be sure to check in advance, although, you can enjoy the 360-degree panoramic view of Ichinoseki and its surrounding cities at any time of the day.
Murone Shrine:
Murone Shrine is located at the 8th climbing station of Mt. Murone and is dedicated to ‘Hongu’ (main shrine) and ‘Shingu’ (new shrine). Its history stems back more than 1290 years and it has rich ties to Wakayama Prefecture’s Kumano Taisha. Murone Shrine is the starting point of Murone Taisai, a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset, which I’ll introduce a little later on.
Camping and accommodation: Boyotai Campsite (望洋平キャンプ場): Picture waking up to a sunrise above a sea of clouds. This campsite is located at the 8th station, and at the entrance, you'll find the Nature Center where you can obtain information about the site and register if you plan to stay. You can rent tents and other camping gear. Bungalows accommodating 3 to 8 people are available. Amenities include barbecues and a campfire area. Astro Roman Campsite (アストロ・ロマン大東): This campsite is for both children and adults. Facilities here include trail biking, barbeques, tennis courts, track and field, and slides.
Daito Furusato Bunko (大東ふるさと分校): These new bungalows provide views of lush green expanses. Facilities nearby include a Japanese restaurant and bath.
Food options:
There are two restaurants on Mt. Murone. One specializes in lamb barbecue, but also has pizza! The other is a Japanese Bunko Shokudo which serves udon and soba noodles.
Thrills
Horseback Riding: Michinoku Horseback Riding Club offers Western and English riding that caters to all types of riders; from beginners to pros, and casual to serious riders alike. There’s an indoor area so you can ride rain or shine.
Paragliding: Maps Paragliding School offers fun and safe experiences that give you the best views around. There are various courses including paragliding by yourself while learning the basics from an instructor, as well as ones that allow you to go 700m up in the air with an experienced instructor!
Seasonal pleasures
Azaleas
Mt. Murone has a large array of flora such as cherry blossoms, trillium, and dog-tooth violets but it's best known for its ~200,000 bright pink azaleas that blanket the mountain at the start of summer (late May to early June).
2024 Murone Azalea Festival: May 18th to June 2nd
◆ Mt. Murone Sky Festival May 25th (Sat) and 26th (Sun) ◆Local performing arts presentation (taiko drum performance) May 26th (Sunday) 11:00-13:00 Performance will be held at the observation deck parking lot *On Saturdays and Sundays during the Azalea Festival period, transfer to the free shuttle bus at the Boyoutai parking lot which will take you to the summit parking area.
Bird Watching:
Pheasants, white wagtails, Japanese white-eyes, and varied tits are among some of the species you may encounter on Mt. Murone. At the campground's entrance, there is a nature center that can introduce you to the birds and plants that can be seen on the mountain at the given season.
A spiritual Shinto festival that occurs once every few years, preserving 1300-year-old traditions and is designated as a Significant Intangible Folk-cultural Asset. The roots of this festival stem from the bunrei (a Shinto term for dividing a god and enshrining it somewhere else, and also refers to the spirit that was divided) of a Kumano deity from Wakayama. Murone Shrine enshrined the deity. The festival is a three day affair which starts at Murone Shrine (at the 8th station of Mt. Murone) where the spirit is transferred into Hongu and Shingu mikoshi (a portable miniature shrine). From there, both of the mikoshi are carried towards the Matsuriba (ceremony site) which is located 10kms away. Throughout the night, divine helpers and their horses strive toward the Matsuriba, guided by the dim light of the lanterns and to the sound taiko drums and Japanese flutes. Drawing closer to the climax of the festival, the mikoshi's jostle and clash to get to the Matsuriba first where a 7m tall, temporary shrine awaits. Mikoshi are hoisted up the temporary shrine - it's a race to the top — this is the part I recommend you see as it’s the most exciting and least restrictive. There are some parts of this festival where women are not allowed to watch or participate. Once both Mikoshi reach the top, the spirits are enshrined in the temporary shrine and a ceremony for rich harvest is performed.
Access and further information:
By car: Ichinoseki IC -> Mt. Murone is about 1hr 30mins Bus: Ichinoseki Station -> Orikabe Station is 1hr 10mins
For further information, contact Ichinoseki Tourist Information or check out this webpage (jp): http://www.muronet.co.jp/
Originally written for the Kitakami Times: https://www.iwate-ilc.jp/eng/ktimes/more-to-mt-murone/ and updated with new information
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