Murone, Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture
Mt. Murone From flowers up close to the sea in the distance
In early summer, I want to see the azaleas blooming near the summit of Mt. Murone. I’ll take in the flowers up close, then look up to the mountains and sea in the distance. After the walk, maybe I’ll treat myself to Murone karaage at the foot of the mountain.
Here’s a story and the highlights from a trip between late May and mid-June. Pick a moment that catches your eye and come explore with me.
SummerLate May to mid-June
From flowers up close to the sea in the distance
I came to see Mt. Murone’s azaleas and started walking toward the grassland near the summit. I was wearing a light jacket and comfortable trousers, and carrying a small backpack. I’d been looking forward to azalea season, so just seeing the flowers ahead made me happy.
Up close, I noticed that each azalea faced a slightly different way. I stopped to look at one flower, then the branch beside it. I’d planned to photograph the sweeping mountain views, but first I wanted to keep admiring the flowers nearby. I paused to study the shape of the petals.
A gust of wind made me readjust my grip on my backpack straps. When I looked up, I saw one mountain ridge after another stretching into the distance. Then I spotted water far away and blurted out, “You can see the sea from here!” I’d wanted to come to Mt. Murone to see the flowers nearby and the sea beyond them, all in one view.
When I took a photo with a flower in the foreground, the distant view came out smaller than I’d expected. I zoomed in on the photo on my screen, then looked back up at the landscape. I want to remember the wind and the chill in the air, too. I don’t want to rush either the photos or the walk today; I want to take my time with both.
On the way back, I remembered the Murone karaage I wanted to try at the foot of the mountain. I’d like to stop by Karaage-ya at Murone Roadside Station and try their fried chicken, seasoned with a sauce made with ginger and onion. After a walk among the flowers, I’m sure I’ll enjoy it. I want to make time for a good meal as part of this early-summer mountain trip, too.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
Food I’m looking forward to
Murone Karaage
Japanese-style fried chicken made with Oshu Iwaidori thigh meat and seasoned with a sauce of soy, ginger and onion. I’d like to stop by Karaage-ya at Murone Roadside Station and pick some up for a meal after my walk.
Highlights
Time among the flowers
Mountain azaleas and renge azaleas grow on Mt. Murone. I’d like to admire the shape of each bloom before looking up at the sweeping view from the summit.
Finding the sea from the mountain
From the summit, you can see the Pacific Ocean and Mt. Hayachine. I’d love to combine a drive with a walk near the summit and take in the sea in the distance.
Road and location details
Mt. Murone summit walk
- Walking time near the summit
- About 20 minutes
- Summit elevation
- 895m
This is the estimated walking time from the car park to a viewpoint. I plan to take my time looking at the flowers, too.
The walk near the summit is about 20 minutes, and the summit is at 895m. I’d like to stop and admire the azaleas along the way.
More Spot Guides
If you enjoyed this story, you might like these places too. I've gone back to each of them in different seasons, again and again.
