Yakushiyama, Moss Phlox, Thirty-three Kannon Bodhisattva...A space that soothes the soul

Mount Yakushi, with the city of Kikonai at its back, is a small hill about 80 meters above sea level. In May, when the new green leaves come out, the sides of the hill are covered in a cluster of sparkling pink moss phlox.

You can see it when you enter the city along National Route 228. It takes about 15 minutes to reach the peak, and from the observation deck surrounded by moss pinks, you can enjoy a spectacular view of Kikonai city, the Tsugaru Strait, and the surrounding mountains. There is also a well-maintained walking trail between the neighboring mountains, Hagiyama, making it the perfect place for forest bathing.

The Thirty-three Kannon statues are also enshrined by the roadside in the mountains, providing a soothing atmosphere. There are baseball fields, tennis courts, and park facilities in the area around Yakushiyama and Hagiyama, and the area is known as "Furusato no Mori Park," a place of relaxation for people from inside and outside the town throughout the year.

*The moss phlox on Mt. Yakushi has suffered severe cold damage and insect damage, so the vegetation is currently recovering.
Currently, it is not possible to see the moss pinks.