The Taneyama Highlands
The Taneyama Highlands (Taneyama Plains), known in Japanese as Taneyama-ga-hara (種山ヶ原) is part of the Kitakami Mountain range bordering the eastern part of Oshu City (formerly Esashi City), the Town of Sumita and Tono City. It is famous by fact that it has been designated as a “National Place of Scenic Beauty” by the government of Japan and that the well-known Japanese poet and children’s author, Kenji Miyazawa wrote several of his most loved stories based upon his love of the area.
Taneyama is a place of rolling hills and sweeping grasslands which reach a high of 870 meters above sea level at Mt. Monomi. Although some parts of Taneyama are still used for agricultural purposes; mainly cattle and horse grazing and for hay production, the majority of the land is protected area of natural beauty. It is an ideal place to spend the day walking the series of well-marked trails or for enjoying a picnic.
Taneyama has an abundance of nature with many seasonal flowers in the spring and summer, and wonderful views of the fall colors when the leaves change. It is also home to a popular, two-day outdoor rock music event, the Kesen Rock Festival which hosts an extensive lineup of Japanese rock bands for the more than 2,000 fans that attend every July.
The Kesen Rock Festival
For those looking to spend time enjoying the cool summer evenings looking at the stars, Oshu City runs a small campground called Seiza no Mori which has six, fully equipped cabins for rent that sleep up to six as well as numerous tent sites for reasonable prices. During the summer months the cabins are usually solidly booked most weekends, so it is advised to reserve online early.
The Seiza no Mori campground
Access to Taneyama is limited by car, as there is no public transportation covering the immediate area. Car rentals are available just outside Mizusawa-Esashi shinkansen station in Oshu City and the drive is approximately 30 minutes east along route 397.
Links
Seiza no Mori Campground Kesen Rock Festival
