Appi Kogen Naka-no-Makiba and Oku-no-Makiba
Naka-no-Makiba and Oku-no-Makiba, located in Appi Kogen, are beautiful natural areas in Hachimantai City. The scenery here changes dramatically with each season, offering something to enjoy all year round!
When most people hear the word "Appi," they think of Appi Kogen Ski Resort, but if you go further up the mountain beyond the ski resort, you will find a vast Secondary Beech Forest. Selected as one of Japan's 100 Best Forests for Forest Bathing, it is home to horse grazing areas named Naka-no-Makiba and Oku-no-Makiba.
Since the mid-Heian period, about 1,000 years ago, until after World War II, Appi Kogen was known as a horse-rearing area. The local people maintained and preserved the natural grasslands, known as 'makiba,' through their close relationship with nature.
The Secondary Beech Forest surrounding the makiba was logged in the mid-1900s (early Showa period) for charcoal production and later regrew naturally. Through the practice of grazing cattle and horses, the forest floor has once again returned to its beautiful state.
So, by using thinning wood to build fences and introducing horses for grazing rather than livestock farming, the natural grasslands have begun to regenerate.
Today, against the majestic backdrop of Mt. Iwate, this grassland stretching through the primeval forests of beech and dwarf beech is an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, take a deep breath in nature, and restore your mental balance. In the middle of the grassland, you might even see horses grazing or relaxing in the shade.
Additionally, this area serves as the starting point for the Mt. Iwate-Hachimantai-Appi Kogen 50 km Trail, which traverses the ridges from the summit of Mt. Hachimantai, through Mt. Obukadake, and Mt. Mitsuishi, all the way to Mt. Iwate.
7.1km from Appi Kogen
Hosono, Hachimantai City, Iwate Prefecture
All information listed was confirmed at the time of publication. No responsibility is taken for changes made by third parties after this time.
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