View of Mt. Iwate with remaining snow shining against the blue sky from Morioka city

Mt. Iwate, the highest peak in Iwate Prefecture (2038 m above sea level), located approximately 18 km north of Morioka City, is a stratovolcano consisting of two outer rims, East Iwate and West Iwate. Its shape resembles Mt. Fuji, and when viewed from the east, it looks like one side has been carved out, so it is also called "Nanbu Katafuji" and is a familiar symbol of Iwate.

When the snow melts in early April, an eagle-shaped shape appears near the mountaintop, heralding the arrival of spring. The pattern of an eagle with its wings spread widely appears on the mountain surface, and has been used as a guide for starting agricultural work since ancient times. The reason why it is also called ''Mt. Ganju'' comes from this shape of the snow.

Mount Iwate towers over Morioka City and can be seen from anywhere in the city. Kaiun Bridge, which connects JR Morioka Station to the city center, is a great vantage point from which to view the Kitakami River, Mt. Iwate towering beyond it, and the Morioka cityscape. In addition, from Asahi Bridge, which spans about 300 meters upstream from Kaiun Bridge, you can see Mt. Iwate with its ridgeline extending to the left and right. There is a promenade along the embankment between Kaiun Bridge and Asahi Bridge, and the flowers blooming in the flower beds are a sight to behold. When taking a walk, we recommend that you take a walk towards the upper reaches of Mt. Iwate.