Panduan
Yakinobashiri Lava Flow, located in Hachimantai City, Iwate Prefecture, is a unique geological formation created by the lava flows from the 1732 eruption of Mount Iwate. The area covers approximately 149.63 hectares, with a length of about 3 to 4 km and a maximum width of 1 to 1.5 km. Even 300 years after the eruption, the terrain remains remarkably preserved, earning it the status of a Special Natural Monument of Japan. Additionally, it is designated as a Special Protection Zone within the Towada-Hachimantai National Park, making it a premier site for observing the dramatic changes caused by volcanic activity.
The landscape was shaped by the massive eruption of Mount Iwate in 1732. As the lava flowed and solidified in its current form, it created the vast, dark brown expanse seen today. In 1952, it was designated as a Special Natural Monument, and in 1957, it became part of the Special Protection Zone of the Towada-Hachimantai National Park. Because the recovery of vegetation in this volcanic environment is extremely slow, it serves as a vital academic site for observing the ongoing natural transition and evolution of volcanic landscapes.
The most striking feature is the sight of the dark brown lava flow stretching toward the base of the 2,038m-high Mount Iwate. A well-maintained nature observation path approximately 2km long allows visitors to observe the volcanic topography up close. Near the site of the first eruption vent (elevation 1,220m), the area is known as one of the largest habitats for Komakusa (Dicentra peregrina) in Japan. In early summer, beautiful pink flowers bloom along the trails. Furthermore, a barrier-free walkway is available near the adjacent larch forests, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenic beauty of the woods comfortably.
Yakinobashiri Lava Flow is inaccessible during the winter months (approximately December to May) due to heavy snow. The best time for visiting is May or June when plant activity is at its peak. Early summer is particularly special as the