Tohoku 2015 東北の旅 - Tsuta seven swamps 蔦七沼: Tsutanuma 蔦沼, Kagaminuma 鏡沼

Visited 15.10.2015 (Thu)

Panoramic view of Tsutanuma.

Autumn trekking. During our stay in Oirase Keiryu Hotel, we signed up for an autumn trekking course organised by its activity center. Met up with our guide at 6 am on the following morning, headed for two recommended viewing spots to admire Hakkoda mountain range 八甲田山 and two out of Tsuta seven swamps 蔦七沼 (Kagaminuma 鏡沼 and Tsutanuma 蔦沼), before returning to the hotel at 8.30 am. I was aware of Hakkoda mountain since I was also planning to visit it on Day 8. However, I did not know of the existence of the swamps till I participated in this trekking activity. Unexpectedly, this turned out to be one of the most memorable highlight on our first trip to Tohoku region.

Kagaminuma - untouched beauty.

Mirror. The group alighted at Tsuta Onsen 蔦温泉 where our trekking to Tsuta seven swamps began. Tsuta meguri no komichi 蔦巡りの小道 (Swamp Sightseeing Tour Trail) is a designated trekking route covering six out of seven swamps and it takes approximately 1.5 hour to cover the entire course. Tsuta seven swamps are scattered in various parts of a near untouched woods and these swamps were said to be formed when an eruption occurred near the top of Mount Akakura, sending a large amount of soil down to this area. We followed our guide into the forest of beech trees and were greeted by birds chirping occasionally during the trek. The leaves have transformed into mesmersing shades of green, red and yellow, and looked particularly attractive when sunlight were shone onto them. We moved carefully along the forest path and arrived at Kagaminuma 鏡沼, which means "mirror swamp". As the name suggests, the still waters in the swamp act as a natural mirror for the beech forest. The surrounding area is relatively undisturbed and maintained in its natural state to protect the forest ecosystem. A stream runs out from Kagaminuma and eventually goes underground and push out into Tsutanuma, our next stop on this trail.

Best. The path made of wooden plank reappeared and we were led out of the woods. The scenery which emerged right in front of my eyes was beyond words to describe. We have arrived at Tsutanuma, the largest out of the six swamps in the Tsuta meguri no komichi route. Covering an area of 6 hectares and measuring 1 km in circumference, Tsutanuma is a habitat to carps and other fishes as well as rare aquatic plants and an extremely beautiful sight to behold, particularly during autumn. The dense vegetation on the water side were already decorated by alluring and harmonious autumn colours, and a perfect reflection of the surroundings and clear blue skies could be clearly seen on the calm water surface of Tsutanuma. While we were admiring and capturing the picturesque scenery with our cameras, our guide started unpacking his camping bag and revealed a portable coffee maker, tumbler carrying hot water and cups. Within minutes, he handed us each a cup of coffee and a biscuit. This bonus act truly caught me by surprise and I could only count my blessing to be able to enjoy this exclusive breathtaking view accompanied by a cup of warm coffee. What a luxury indeed! Just before we left, a gentle breeze swept by and the mirror image was wiped out completely. Felt lucky that I could witness nature's moment of glory before the unexpected breeze came by.





To date, this is still one of my best travel moments which I will remember, for as long as possible.

======

Tsuta seven swamps 蔦七沼: Tsutanuma 蔦沼, Kagaminuma 鏡沼
http://towadako.or.jp/sansaku-map/tsutanuma-yakeyama/
https://www.aptinet.jp/Detail_display_00002567.html

How to get there?

(1) By JR Bus Tohoku and walk.
From Aomori Ekimae Bus Terminal Bus Stop 11 or Shin Aomori JR Station East Exit Bus Stop 1, board JR Bus Tohoku Mizumi-go みずうみ号 heading for Hakkoda Ropeway, Oirase Keiryu and Towada-ko.
Alight at Tsuta Onsen 蔦温泉.
Bus fare = 2,080 yen

JR Bus Tohoku: https://www.jrbustohoku.co.jp/route/detail.php?r=45&rc=11
* Note that the bus fare is covered by nationwide JR pass and JR East rail passes.