Do you know the traditional event “Yamayaki” that heralds the arrival of early spring? Yamayaki is a traditional event that used to be held in mountains all over Japan. However, now there are far fewer places where mountain burning is practiced. Meanwhile, the place where the most impressive mountain burning is held is “Soni Kogen” in Nara Prefecture. So, what exactly is Yamayaki, and why is it still practiced in Soni Plateau today? This time, we will introduce in an easy-to-understand manner the mountain burning that heralds the arrival of spring in the Soni Plateau in Nara Prefecture, and the surrounding scenic spots.
【Soni Plateau】An easy-to-climb plateau with spectacular views in Nara‼︎
Soni Plateau is a plateau located in Oaza Taroji, Soni Village, Uda District, Nara Prefecture. Soni Kogen is pronounced as “Soni Kougen.” It is located between Kurosoyama and Kameyama. The name comes from the place name “Soni” that appears in the Kojiki. “Soni” means land with a lot of stones and gravel. In other words, “Soni” is land with very poor footing.
❶Elevation and area of Soni Plateau
The altitude of Soni Plateau is approximately 700m. The area is approximately 38 hectares, which is approximately the size of eight Tokyo Domes.
❷ Yamayaki is famous‼︎
Soni Plateau is famous for its mountain grilling. Yamayaki is held around February to March every year. Specifically, when the old pampas grass that covered the Soni Plateau in winter dies, it is the season for mountain burning on the Soni Plateau.
❸What is Yamayaki?
Yamayaki refers to burning down all weeds on an entire mountain. The original purpose was to secure pastureland, secure grassland, prevent deforestation, and prevent the outbreak of pests and diseases. It has been held for over 1,000 years and has now become a seasonal feature and traditional event.
❹Why mountain burning is still being carried out in the Soni Highlands.
The reason why mountain burning is still carried out in the Soni Highlands today is to use the ash from the mountain burning as fertilizer for the growth of pampas grass that sprouts in the spring. In fact, the pampas grass that can be harvested on the Soni Plateau is a valuable material that can be used to make thatched roofs, so the Soni Plateau Preservation Association, which is made up of local residents, is currently taking the initiative in burning the mountain. Recently, many people have come to see the mountain burning at Soni Plateau.
❺ Beautiful no matter what season you visit!!
The pampas grass of Soni Plateau is beautiful no matter what season you visit. From spring to summer, the Soni Plateau is covered in pampas grass, turning it green like a carpet. It also shines in silver and gold in autumn. Then, as winter approaches, mountain burning is carried out and the entire area is covered with pampas grass ash. Soni Plateau is beautiful from the Okameike Pond, the swamp at the foot of the mountain, and the top.
What is Mt. Yorimidake?
Mount Yoroi is a mountain located in Kazura, Soni Village, Uda District, Nara Prefecture. Yorodake is read as “Yoroi-dake/Yoroi-ga-dake.” It is also called “Odake”. The altitude is 894m. The name comes from the fact that it is a brave rock that looks like it is wearing a large armor that can reach the sky. By the way, Mt. Yoroi-dake and Mt. Kabuto-dake are mountains next to each other. When viewed from the Soni Village side, Mount Yoroi is on the right and Mount Kabuto is on the left. Comparing the two mountains, Mt. Yoiroi has a more vertically pointed shape than Mt. Kabuto.
What is Mt. Kabutotake?
Kabuto-dake is a mountain located in Imai, Soni Village, Uda District, Nara Prefecture. Kabuto-dake is read as “kabuto-dake.” It is also called “Medake”. The altitude is 920m. The name comes from its shape, which resembles a hoe-shaped helmet. A kuwagata helmet is a helmet often worn by samurai during Japan’s Sengoku period. Mt. Yoroi-dake and Mt. Kabuto-dake are adjacent to each other, so if you want to climb either one, we recommend climbing both at the same time. Both mountains are less than 1000m, so you can climb them without much difficulty.
【Byobuiwa Park】A park with a spectacular view of cliffs.
Byobuiwa Park is a famous spot on a cliff in Nagano, Soni Village, Uda District, Nara Prefecture. Byobuiwa Koen is read as “Byobuiwa Koen”. Byobuiwa Park got its name from the cliffs made of columnar joints that rise vertically like a folding screen. Columnar joints are rocks that are formed when lava slowly cools and solidifies, and the cuts are shaped like regular columns. During the season, azaleas bloom on the rock walls and many wild cherry blossoms bloom at the foot of the mountain, offering a clear and beautiful view of nature.
What is Saijobo Falls?
Saijobo Falls is a waterfall located in Konagao, Soni Village, Uda District, Nara Prefecture. Saijobo Falls is pronounced “Saijobō no Taki.” The name originates from the fact that in the old days, ascetics from the Buddhist temple Saijobo purified themselves at this waterfall and prayed to the spirit of Takien Daifudo Myojin. The drop is 5m, but the waterfall has a gentle and gentle flow.
Access information to Soni Plateau
Here you will find detailed information about access to Soni Plateau. The address of Soni Kogen is “Oaza Taroji, Soni Village, Uda District, Nara Prefecture.”
❶Route from Soni Village Office to Soni Plateau by car
| Soni Village Office ⇒ Prefectural Road No. 784 ⇒ Prefectural Road No. 81 ⇒ Soni Plateau |
The total travel distance is approximately 7km, and the travel time is approximately 12 minutes.
Summary
This time, we introduced the mountain burning that heralds the arrival of spring in the Soni Plateau in Nara Prefecture, as well as the surrounding scenic spots. Yamayaki, which is held in the Soni Highlands, is a festival of fire that burns down vast grasslands. For those who see it for the first time, it will be an unforgettable memory due to its overwhelming power. In addition, you can enjoy the mysterious scenery created by nature at the scenic spots around Soni Plateau. If you visit Nara Prefecture, we highly recommend that you stop by Soni Plateau and the surrounding scenic spots.
▲Official website
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