Mt. Oritsumedake is designated as a part of Oritume Basenkyo Prefectural Natural Park. The mountain straddles Kunohe Village, Ninohe City and Karumai Town and rises to a height of 852 meters, making it the perfect size for hiking. Take a drive or a light walk to the summit’s observatory. There you will be able to take in incredible views of Mt. Iwate, Mt. Iwaki (Aomori Prefecture), the Hakkoda Mountains and the sea at Hachinohe. While you make your way up the forest trail, you will come across the mountain’s five waterfalls: the Odode-sama Waterfall, the Esashika Waterfall, the Hime-machi Waterfall, the Orihime Waterfall, and the Osuzu Waterfall. One of these waterfalls is named after Odode-sama, a magical bird who is said to live on Mt. Oritsumedake. There are many other ledgends related to this mountain. Paragliding enthusiasts come from far away to test their skills at the breath-taking summit.

Access

20 minutes by car – Exit the Hachinohe Expressway at the Kunohe Interchange