Isawa, Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture
Yakeishi Range Beech Line A Leaf I Found by Tsubunuma
Before exploring the beech forest, I stop for a breather at Tsubunuma. From the grassy shore, I watch the autumn foliage reflected on the water, then pick up a fallen leaf. It’s the quiet detour I want to take on a drive along the Yakeishi Range Beech Line.
A story from a late-October morning, plus highlights. Start with whichever moment catches your eye, and come explore with me.
AutumnA late-October morning
A Leaf I Found by Tsubunuma
I drove into the mountains on National Route 397 and stopped at Tsubunuma. I’d come to see the autumn colors along the Yakeishi Range Beech Line, but before hurrying on, I wanted a little fresh air. I pulled on my jacket and stepped out of the car. A broad grassy expanse stretched out before me.
Autumn colors were spreading through the forest across the pond. When I looked down at the water, I could see the trees’ reflections shifting on the surface. When I head to the mountains to see the autumn leaves, I usually find myself looking up—but here, my eyes kept drifting back to the water, too. The breeze stirred my long skirt, so I slowed my steps and took it all in.
I picked up a leaf lying at my feet. I couldn’t make out its veins when it was still on the tree, but in my hand they stood out clearly. I held it gently by the edge and compared it with the forest across the water. I was a little moved to realize that the view I’d been taking in was made up of all those tiny leaves.
The wind eased, and the pond grew quiet. I wanted to show this place to my friend, so I took a photo, but getting the leaf in my hand and the forest across the water into the same frame was tricky. First, I’ll photograph the forest, then the leaf. When I get home, I’ll put the two photos side by side and tell her about the little piece of autumn I found here today.
Back in the car, I checked the map for the road ahead. Once I realized the road’s “Beech” referred to the trees, I liked its name even more. After exploring the forest, I’m already curious about Oshu Hatto. I’d love to try it in Oshu City, taking my time over something warm and thinking back on my time by the pond.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
Local Food to Try
Oshu Hatto
It’s a local dish from Oshu, made by kneading wheat flour into dough, rolling it out thin, and boiling it. After seeing the autumn leaves, I’d like to try it in Oshu City.
Highlights
A Drive Through the Beech Forest
The Beech Line runs from the area around Isawa Dam and Tsubunuma to the Akita Prefecture border. Old-growth beech forest stretches along the route, so I’d love to drive it during autumn foliage season.
A Break at Tsubunuma
Tsubunuma has a campground with a wide grassy area. When I compared the veins in the leaf I’d picked up with the forest across the water, I was a little moved to realize that the view I’d been taking in was made up of all those tiny leaves.
Road and Location Details
National Route 397 / Yakeishi Range Beech Line
- Distance from the Tsubunuma area to the prefectural border
- About 17 km
- Estimated drive time from Mizusawa IC to Tsubunuma
- About 40 minutes
The distance covers the stretch from near Tsubunuma to Omoriyama Tunnel; the estimated drive time is from Mizusawa IC to Tsubunuma.
I want to plan my trip with the mountain road’s length and the estimated drive time to Tsubunuma in mind. I’ll leave time to stop by the pond, too.
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