Mount Omuro

Perched on a plateau and covered in soft, pillowy grass that changes colour according to the seasons, the mountain resembles that of an upside down earthenware bowl with an ultra-smooth body and a dip at its foot, symbolising the large crater found at its summit.

Hiking up is strictly prohibited and the only way visitors can get access to the summit is through a chair lift ride. Atop, there is an unobstructed 360-degree view that awaits and on a bright and clear day, the silhouette of the breath-taking Mount Fuji also becomes completely visible.

There is a pathway that circumnavigates the edge of the entire crater, and should you be after something more exhilarating, try your hand at archery inside the crater where bows and arrows are available for rent. Alternatively, enjoy the thrill as you paraglide down the mountainside.

Annually, the Yamayaki Festival takes place in February and vegetation gets burned off Omuro’s gentle slopes with throngs of spectators watching as the torches are lit up. Besides ensuring healthier growth of new grass, this is done to destroy insects that could damage future crops.