Alpine Plants of the Summit of Mount Iwate

The volcanic cone of Mt. Iwate is comprised of contrasting environments: there are sandy, gravelly areas like that found at Fudodaira, and wet, marshy areas inside the caldera. These two very different habitats are both exposed to cold temperatures, strong winds, and snow. Despite the harsh environmental conditions, a variety of alpine plants adapted to the challenging climate flourish, and views of alpine flower meadows reward those who climb to Mt. Iwate’s summit area during the summer. These high-altitude plants bloom from June until August, peaking in July. *Do not pick flowers or disturb alpine plants.