Akita Komagatake

Overview

Akita Komagatake is an active volcano straddling Senboku City, Akita Prefecture, and Shizukuishi-machi, Iwate County, Iwate Prefecture. Reaching an altitude of 1,637 meters (5,371 feet), it sits at the southern edge of Towada-Hachimantai National Park, a true natural treasure trove teeming with diverse flora and fauna. Akita Komagatake has long been revered as a sacred mountain. A stone shrine dedicated to the Komagata God remains at the summit, a testament to a past where women were forbidden from ascending. Today, well-maintained trails make the mountain accessible and enjoyable for hikers of all levels. The mountain road reaches the eighth station at an elevation of 1,300 meters (4,265 feet), from where hikers can continue to the summit on foot. The approximately 1.5-hour trek from the eighth station to the summit offers spectacular sights, including Amitadaike Pond and vibrant clusters of Dianthus superbus (Komakusa). From the summit, panoramic views stretch to Lake Tazawa, Mount Chokai, and on a clear day, even the Sea of Japan. The sheer grandeur of the vista is truly awe-inspiring. Akita Komagatake is also famous for its rich variety of alpine plants. From early summer to summer, a vibrant display of flowers such as *hinasakura*, *takanesumire*, *komakusa*, and *ezotsutsuji* creates a scene that resembles a garden in the clouds. Akita Komagatake offers a truly unforgettable experience, allowing you to connect with majestic nature and a rich history, all within a breathtaking landscape.