Roadside station “Mitagai Branch”

Skunk cabbage in Hakutori Wetland

Surrounded by the Kitakami Mountains, including Mt. Takamori and Mt. Hakutori, the Hakutori Wetland is a natural treasure trove that was selected in 1988 as one of Japan's top 100 natural areas to preserve in the 21st century. When spring is still early, skunk cabbage secretly opens its white flowers behind a forest of beech, Quercus oak, and Betula birch. The contrast between the gray trees and the skunk cabbage dotted around their roots creates a tranquil atmosphere reminiscent of European forests. Japanese shorthorn cattle are also grazed within the large wetland. [Blooming period] Early to mid-May

Hyoto Exchange Facility

Located on the banks of the Yasuegawa River, where rare creatures such as the Japanese kingfisher and the Japanese white-spotted duck live, there are mainly mountain huts hand-built by local people, as well as bungalows, a kitchen, and an administrative building. The mountain hut, which looks like it was handmade, has a hearth and terrace, and can accommodate a large group of 20 or more.

Mount Urira

``Ureira'' means ``mountain with a lot of mist or mist'' in the Ainu language. It is common to aim for the summit from the Wasan Forest Road, but you can also climb Mt. Ontoko along the ridge to the northwest. Mount Urira, which includes Ryusendo Cave, one of Japan's three largest limestone caves, is located entirely within typical karst topography. It is also a good idea to visit the nearby limestone caves such as Yasuya Cave and Hito Cave. It takes about 2 hours to reach the summit from the Wasan Forest Road entrance. Altitude: 604m.