Sawauchi Natural Bracken Garden

Mt. Minamihonnai

Mt. Minamihonnai (1,486m above sea level), which is also designated as part of Kurikoma Quasi-National Park, was discovered in 1978 as a mountain that was not on any map, and in 1981, author Fumihiko Nakatsu made this mountain his theme. He gained national recognition after writing ``Golden Quicksand,'' which won the 28th Edogawa Ranpo Award. Rare plants are also growing there, such as skunk cabbage, ryukinka, chinese plovers, and goldenrod blooming in the wetland halfway up the mountain. From the summit, you can see Mt. Iwate to the north, Mt. Hayachine to the east, Mt. Ushigata across the way, Mt. Chokai to the west, and the white peaks of Mt. Gassan in the distance to the south. Mountain opening at the end of June

Hekishoji Museum

Located within the precincts of Hekishoji Temple, which has a history of 350 years, more than 10,000 items including ethnic materials are on display. Sawauchi is said to be a village founded by Matagi, and has its own customs and beliefs. The museum exhibits valuable items such as tools used during the snowy season, which can be said to be the fruit of the wisdom of people who have lived a strong life in the harsh environment. Matagi Storage, dugout canoe (nationally designated important tangible ethnic cultural property), Snow Country Living Tools Museum

Akio Fukasawa Museum

Based on the belief that "respect for human dignity and life is the basis of politics," the former Sawauchi Village was the first in the country to achieve free medical care for infants and the elderly, achieving zero infant mortality rate for the first time in Japan. A museum built to learn from the spirit of respect for the late Teruo Fukasawa and to pass on his achievements to future generations.