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Mount Iwaki

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Mount Iwaki

Affectionately known as “Oiwakisan,” this is the highest peak in Aomori Prefecture and shows a different face with each season.

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Supervised by :  岩木山観光協会

Mount Iwaki, the highest peak in Aomori Prefecture at 1,624 meters, has been selected as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains. Locally, it is affectionately known as “Oiwakisan” and is also called “Tsugaru Fuji” because of the way its slopes spread out over the Tsugaru Plain.

Its shape, visible from almost anywhere in the surrounding area, makes it an extremely popular photo subject. From spring rapeseed flower fields and cherry blossoms to rural landscapes, apple orchards, autumn leaves, and snowy scenery, you can take beautiful photos with the mountain as a backdrop in many seasons and locations. Most impressive of all is the breathtaking 20 km-long row of Oyamazakura cherry trees.

From the foot of the mountain, the Tsugaru Iwaki Skyline, a 9.8 km road for cars with 69 curves, has been developed, and you can travel by car or bus up to the 8th Station while enjoying grand scenery. From the 8th Station, take a lift up to the 9th Station, then follow a trekking course for Approx. 40 minutes to reach the summit. Near the end, there are rocky sections where you may need to use your hands to climb, so hiking boots and clothes suitable for exercise are necessary. The sweeping panoramic view from the summit, unique to a standalone peak, is also not to be missed.

Highlights

  • The highest peak in Aomori Prefecture, with an elevation of 1,624 meters.
  • Known by the nicknames “Oiwakisan” and “Tsugaru Fuji.”
  • Beautiful photos can be taken with the mountain as a backdrop, including cherry blossoms, apple orchards, and snowy scenery.
  • The Tsugaru Iwaki Skyline is maintained, and you can go by car or bus up to the 8th Station.
  • Using the lift from the 8th Station makes it possible to reach the summit in a short time.

Photos

  • Mount Iwaki with lingering snow and a row of Oyamazakura cherry trees

    Mount Iwaki with lingering snow and a row of Oyamazakura cherry trees

  • Rising above a vast snowy landscape

    Rising above a vast snowy landscape

  • A very Aomori-like pairing of apple orchards and Mount Iwaki

    A very Aomori-like pairing of apple orchards and Mount Iwaki

  • The mountain reflected in rice fields during planting season also has a charming atmosphere

    The mountain reflected in rice fields during planting season also has a charming atmosphere

  • The view from the summit is spectacular

    The view from the summit is spectacular

  • The Tsugaru Iwaki Skyline has as many as 69 curves before reaching the 8th Station

    The Tsugaru Iwaki Skyline has as many as 69 curves before reaching the 8th Station

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Is there any free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A

“HIROSAKI Free Wi-Fi,” provided by Hirosaki City, is available at the following locations.
・Takaoka no Mori Hirosaki Domain History Museum (lobby)
・Public restroom in front of Iwakiyama Shrine (around the parking lot)
・Hirosaki City Iwaki Branch Office (1st-floor hall, etc., weekdays during the daytime only)

Q

around when is the best time to see the cherry tree-lined road at Mount Iwaki?
A

For the row of Oyamazakura cherry trees blooming at the foot of Mount Iwaki, in recent years the best viewing time has been from around mid-April to late April. The Approx. 20 km-long row of cherry trees has differences in elevation, so the best viewing gradually moves from the lower areas to the higher areas. During the season, blooming updates are posted on the Iwakisan Tourism Association website.

Reviews

2

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • Norton Liang
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    The main mountain visible from the Hirosaki area is **Mount Iwaki**, located on the outskirts of the city. With its conical shape and snow-covered summit, Mount Iwaki is known as “Tsugaru Fuji.” It is the highest peak in Aomori Prefecture and one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains. In Hirosaki and the surrounding area, you can enjoy magnificent views of Mount Iwaki from Hirosaki Castle or even from the train.
    Features of Mount Iwaki
    One of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains: Mount Iwaki was selected as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains.
    Known as “Tsugaru Fuji”: Because its shape resembles Mount Fuji, locals call Mount Iwaki “Tsugaru Fuji.”
    Aomori’s highest peak: At 1,625 meters, Mount Iwaki is the highest mountain in Aomori Prefecture.
    A sacred mountain: Since ancient times, it has been an important center of worship in the Tsugaru region, and the historic Iwakiyama Shrine stands at its base.
    Varied scenery: Mount Iwaki offers different beautiful views in every season. In spring, there is the 20-kilometer “World’s Longest Cherry Blossom Road,” while winter offers snow activities.
    How to enjoy Mount Iwaki in Hirosaki
    Hirosaki Castle: From the castle keep at Hirosaki Castle, you can enjoy an unobstructed view of magnificent Mount Iwaki. In spring, the cherry blossoms in full bloom throughout the castle grounds contrast beautifully with the snow-covered mountain, creating an especially moving scene.
    World’s Longest Cherry Blossom Road: Every year from late April to early May, cherry blossoms bloom along a 20-kilometer prefectural road at the foot of Mount Iwaki. Driving along this “World’s Longest Cherry Blossom Road” while taking in views of Mount Iwaki is a wonderful experience.
    Nearby attractions: Outside Hirosaki, Mount Iwaki can also be seen from different angles at many places in the surrounding area, including Tsurunomai Bridge in Tsuruta and various locations throughout the Tsugaru region.

  • 謝映嵐
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    The whole mountain feels so grand and has a real presence. Even from far away, it looks like a painting.
    The air around it is super clean, and the drive up or the ride on the ropeway is really pleasant.
    On a clear day, the view from the top is amazing. You can see all across Aomori.

Details

Name in Japanese
岩木山
Postal Code
036-1345
Address
Inside Iwaki Sanpokan (Iwakisan Tourism Association), 149-2 Yunosawa, Tokiwano, Hirosaki, Aomori
Phone
0172-83-3000 (Iwakisan Tourism Association), 0172-83-2314 (Iwaki Skyline)
Closed on
Tsugaru Iwaki Skyline lift: Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Hours
Tsugaru Iwaki Skyline 8:00am–5:00pm (Last admission at 4:00pm)
※Early May–mid-November, lift 9:00am–4:30pm
※Last uphill ride at 4:00pm, last downhill ride at 4:20pm
Admission
Tsugaru Iwaki Skyline: Motorcycles 1,200 yen, mini vehicles 1,700 yen, compact cars and standard cars 2,000 yen
Lift: One-way adults 900 yen, junior high and high school students 600 yen, elementary school students 500 yen; round-trip adults 1,200 yen, junior high and high school students 800 yen, elementary school students 600 yen
Access
Approx. 1 hour 40 minutes from Hirosaki Bus Terminal to the Skyline 8th Station by Iwaki Skyline shuttle bus
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official website
Official website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa