Mt. Iwara

Mt. Iwara boasts an altitude of 983 m, the second highest of the Sefuri mountains, and is famous for its flowers and rich vegetation. You can enjoy forest bathing while observing the streams and varied plant life. Particularly popular are the pink rhododendron, which are in full bloom from late April to early May, and the orange spider lily (Lycoris sanguinea), which bloom in clusters around the end of July. At the top of the mountain, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the landscape, which includes majestic Sefuri mountains such as Mt. Sefuri, Mt. Kanayama and Mt. Raizan, as well as the sparkling blue Genkai Sea. There is also a circuit route crossing to Mt. Raizan to the west, enabling conquest of two famous peaks, Mt. Raizan and Mt. Iwara, in one day. For details of the route, please see the "Itoshima no Yama Aruki (Mt. Iwara, Mt. Raizan, Mt. Haganeyama edition)" map.

Location data

Zuibaiji Yama-no-ie

Zuibaiji Yama-no-ie (Zuibai Temple Mountain House) is an accommodation located at Mt. Iwara, upstream from the Zuibaiji Dam that lets you make the most of being in nature. In addition to Japanese-style rooms and a seminar hall, it has bungalows and outdoor firepits for cooking. Tents can also be borrowed, making this the perfect place to stay while enjoying the wilds of Mt. Iwara.

■Amenities
Parking: No / Toilets: Yes / Water station: No / Camping: Yes

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Kitoku Bridge trailhead

Five minutes' walk from the Iwarayama bus stop, terminus of the Itoshima City Community Bus Iwarayama Route. The climbing map "Itoshima Yama Aruki (Mt. Iwara, Mt. Raizan, Mt. Haganeyama edition)" is available from the Yamanavi Box in the carpark.

■Amenities
Parking: Yes(10 spaces) / Toilets: Yes / Water station: No / Camping: No
■Address
Zuibaiji, Itoshima
■Operating season
Always open
■Telephone Number
092-332-2080(Itoshima City Brand Policy Division）

Google Map

Mizunashi trailhead

Thirty minutes' walk from the Iwarayama bus stop, terminus of the Itoshima City Community Bus Iwarayama Route. The climbing map "Itoshima Yama Aruki (Mt. Iwara, Mt. Raizan, Mt. Haganeyama edition)" is available from the Yamanavi Box in the carpark.

■Amenities
Parking: Yes(15 spaces) / Toilets: Yes / Water station: No / Camping: No
■Address
Zuibaiji, Itoshima City
■Operating season
Always open
■Telephone Number
092-332-2080(Itoshima City Brand Policy Division）

Google Map

Sightseeing information

Rhododendron farrerae

A deciduous rhododendron with a height of 2-3 meters. Its pink blooms are seen in profusion from late April to early May near the peaks of mountains, giving Mt. Iwara a spring color. Visitors can also delight in a tunnel of pink flowers.
Orange spider lily

A perennial of the Amaryllidaceae genus, characterized by leaves as thin as razors and some 40cm tall. Found halfway up the Iwarayama Mizunashidani route, the flowers bloom in mid to late July. The biggest carpet of orange flowers in Kyushu is an amazing sight.

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Ito Saisai (JA Itoshima farmers' market)

Approximately 1,500 registered producers sell fresh vegetables, meat, rice, fish and a wide variety of processed products from Itoshima in a spacious market of more than 1,500 square meters. There is also a restaurant where udon noodles made with Itoshima wheat and ice cream made with local milk and Amaou strawberries are popular. Come stop by this location which is the biggest showcase of Itoshima's food.

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Anno Waterfalls

About halfway along the Iwarayama Nature Trail when your muscles are starting to burn is a chance to cool down by gazing at a refreshing waterfall. This is also where the Mizunashi Forest Trail branches off, so you will find route signage here.
Mt. Raizan (traverse)

Located to the west of Mt. Iwara, Mt. Raizan rises to 955 meters, making it the second-highest peak in Itoshima City, and has been revered as a spiritual mountain since ancient times. It is said that more than 300 monks once been active here, and their legacy can be seen along the route. There is also a loop trail that passes through the route traversing between Mt. Iwara and Mt. Raizan, so you can choose the difficulty level that suits you from beginner to veteran. The large maple tree in the middle of the Raizan Sennyoji Temple found along the trail is known as one of Itoshima's best displays of autumn foliage.