Mount Omuro is seen as the symbol of Shizuoka's Ito City, with a unique silhouette that is often compared to an overturned bowl. The mountain is popular with visitors, and a lift is available to the top – hiking around the crater is one activity people can take part in, and it affords some incredible views out over the surrounding area.
The mountain also hosts the Omuro Yamayaki Festival in spring each year, and it's an event with around 700 years of history. It originally started out as a way to preserve the mountain by burning all of winter's dry, dead grass, but it has since become popular with visitors in its own right – thousands of people turn up each year to watch the unique sight of the mountainside up in flames.
Please note that in the event of snowfall or strong winds, the event will be postponed. Weather-based decisions will be made at 6.30am on the day.
Getting there
Mount Omuro can be accessed by bus from either Ito Station or Izu-Kogen Station – take the bus bound for Shaboten Zoo and Mt. Omuro. Alight at the last stop, and Mount Omuro is visible from there.
Kim Bergström @kim.b
Almost 12 years living in Asia. Passionate about Japan's off-the-beaten-path spots, family-friendly travel, flower events (all of them!) and the amazing tea culture here. 🍵🌼🌸
