Carrying a backpack, traversing the mountains. The act of following endless trails and crossing several peaks is truly a journey. This summer, the PAAGO crew headed to the Ura-Iwate Traverse Route for such a traversal climb. The trail that forms the border of Iwate Prefecture and Akita Prefecture is a place that is coveted by hikers as it has a gentle landscape unique to Tohoku and hidden hot springs here and there. "I want to walk in nature! I want to travel!"

The navigators this time are Chuuta, a hiker who spreads the appeal of mountain trips on social media, and Yuri, who is in charge of public relations. How about a traversing mountain climbing, and a rare road aiming for a secluded hot spring? !

Hike & Backpacking Buddy BUDDY 33

The travel companion they carry on their backs is "BUDDY 33". A 33-liter model of the backpack series "BUDDY" for hiking and mountaineering developed by Pergoworks, it is a multi-purpose item that can be used not only for staying in a hut, but also for camping in a tent depending on the equipment.

In addition to the back design that maintains comfort even on long hikes, and the high center of gravity design cultivated with backpacks for trail running, it has a variety of functions that are useful for mountain trips.

The characteristic of "BUDDY 33" is the flap that also serves as top tension. Assuming that a roll-type mat is carried, it is possible to insert it while maintaining the stability and comfort of the backpack itself. In addition, it is full of functions such as large-capacity front pockets and side pockets that are useful for carrying small items and storing items that are frequently taken in and out, such as jackets.

Action food and gadgets are in the top pocket. A mesh pocket is placed on the inside, so you can safely carry your valuables. In addition, by adopting a zipper that is smooth and comfortable to pull, stress during use is reduced.

Chuuta's comment <br>I use BUDDY 33 regularly. BUDDY 33 takes me when I have a strong sense of travel on long trails. It's not just a one-night, two-day trip, it's a time of travel with plenty of content other than local trains, local inns, local shops, and mountains.
Even with the 2-person tent I always use, I have plenty of room, so I have a lot of food I bought at the store to eat in the mountains, and even if my packing gradually gets better after a few days of traveling, I can throw it away. , even if you are wandering around town, "THE. It is easy to blend in with the color and design that does not feel like a mountain. The fabric is also tough, so even if you rush into the bush, you'll be fine, and you can roll it over during breaks and sit on top of it. (smile)
I also like that the center of gravity is easy to move up, so even if the load is heavy, it won't interfere with lifting your legs. And top pocket of amazing capacity! If you think about putting it here, you'll probably find everything you need for a day trip (laughs). When I was a BUDDY beginner, I thought it would be difficult to take out something from the main part if I put the roll mat in the top, but it is comfortable because there is an amazing top pocket.

"Noyu and Long Trail" Itinerary of Ura-Iwate Traversing

The itinerary of the trip is below. The moving day from Tokyo was DAY 0, and it was practically one night and two days of traversing mountain climbing.

DAY 0: Meet at Tokyo Station. Take the Shinkansen to Lake Tazawa, then take the bus to the Nyuto Onsen area. Go to Kuroyu Onsen, enjoy the eve and hot springs and go to bed.
DAY 1: Exploring wild hot springs known only to those in the know from Kuroyu. After enjoying the morning bath, descend to Takinoue Onsen via the peak of Mt.
DAY 2: From Mitsuishi Sanso, walk along the back Iwate traverse to Hachimantai. Move to Morioka by bus and return to Tokyo by Shinkansen.

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To a hot spring paradise like a goal suddenly

The first day is moving day. The first destination is Kuroyu Onsen, which is known as a secret hot spring among the hot springs that Akita Prefecture boasts. Take the bus from Morioka Station and get off at the last stop, Nyuto Onsen. From the bus window, we could see the scenery of Lake Tazawa and the deep forest typical of Tohoku.

The PAAGO crew stayed in the "self-catering building". The rooms are simple, without meals, but the thatched-roof building is tasteful, and makes you feel like you've come to Akita. Before enjoying the hot springs, prepare your meals. I was allowed to use the communal kitchen, and I prepared a dish in advance to make “Kiritanpo hot pot”, which is typical of Akita. I went to bed feeling like I had already reached my goal with the comfortable lodging and the sumptuous food, even though the two-day trekking trip was about to begin.

DAY 1: A scenic route with intense ups and downs

The next day was also fine. When the morning sun shines on the hot spring steam, we pack our bags and leave. Of course, everyone got up at 5:00 and enjoyed the morning bath. What surprised me was that the trailhead was within the grounds of the hot spring. Once you open the gate, the trail is already there. The course time from here to Mt. Nyuto is a little over 2 hours. I climbed the mountain trail along the stream to the summit, but there was a field bath on the way, and I was planning to take a morning bath there as well.

After crossing the bridge over the river and walking along the mountain trail along the stream, the color of the water gradually turned cloudy. And I found the hot spring on the open plateau of the valley! If you put your hand in it, there are hot spots and cold spots. If you mix it with a bucket you brought with you, adjust it with a hose that draws water from the stream, and adjust the temperature to the appropriate temperature, the outdoor bath with a spectacular view is complete. Even though I took a morning bath at Kuroyu Onsen a few hours ago, what a luxurious time.

Yuri: "This time, I brought the Kerorin pail version that I used in Hokkaido!"
Chuuta "For this purpose?! (I wonder if I'll carry it on my back forever...

The forest gets hotter and hotter as the sun gets stronger. As I climbed while receiving the baptism of early summer, the figure of Akita-Komagatake jumped in. Alpine plants such as day lilies are in full bloom on the plain in front of the summit, and in the distance you can see a deep forest that stretches on forever. It was a hike up while looking at the famous peaks of Tohoku.

Yuri: "I've just been in a hot spring, but I'm sweating..."
Chuuta "It's hot in the summer mountains! I'm glad I was able to carry plenty of water. There is no water until Takinoue Onsen!"

Climb Mt. Nyuto. Then get off the mountain and climb again!

Climb Mt. Nyuto (1478m). By the way, it forms the prefectural border between Akita and Iwate prefectures, and Mt. In the distance you can see Mt. Iwate (2038m) located at the southern end of the Ura-Iwate traverse. And I was able to see Mt.Mitsuishi (1466m), the final destination of the day.

Yuri: So you're going down from here once and then climbing back up there...
Chuuta "It feels like going down 800m and going up 650m. Let's do our best!"

The Iwate Prefecture side of Mt. Nyuto is a paradise route with gentle rain. Pass through the flower fields of Chingurma and lightly run on comfortable singletrack. The trail is about the width of a shoe. There were almost no man-made objects such as signboards, and I was able to enjoy the grandeur of nature as far as the eye could see.

Descend 800m earnestly and return to the forest zone. There were sections where route finding was required at times, such as large snow valleys and scree fields, but we cleared them without difficulty.

Yuri: “Climbing Mt. Nyuto alone makes me very satisfied.
Chuuta "There is also a hot spring area in Takinoue, where you can get off. It is also possible to stay here for one night."

Since we arrived at Takinoue Onsen just before noon, we took a short break here. While having a cold drink, if you're in the middle of the day! I enjoyed a day trip hot spring. Fill up with water here. Not only is there a risk of heat stroke, but water is lost through sweat, so it is essential to carry plenty of water. Then head to the trailhead to Mt.Mitsuishi and return to the climbing route.

In terms of course time and ups and downs, the route wasn't that difficult, but the heat of early summer slowed down slightly. As I climbed higher, I could see Mt. We arrived at our destination, Mitsuishi Sanso, just before evening, with the feeling of "Just a little more! Just a little more!"

Yuri: "Isn't this a really nice shelter! Reserved, reserved♪"
Chuuta "I thought, there are a lot of uncles (laughs)".

Speaking of enjoyment in the mountains of Tohoku, evacuation huts

Mountain huts are not manned like the mountains of the Alps, but the so-called evacuation hut style is characteristic of the mountains of Tohoku. Mitsuishi Sanso is a two-story building with a wood-burning stove, so you can enjoy a comfortable mountain hut stay. Basically, mats and sleeping bags are essential items.

Since I had a light meal for lunch, I decided to have dinner before the sun went down. We grilled the frozen chicken we brought in, skillfully made mixed rice cooked from uncooked rice, and made a toast! Since we stayed at an evacuation hut, we used food from the camp equipment for this trip. Fuel your hike with sumptuous cuisine.

Chuuta: "It's a great dinner with delicious food and sake."
Yuri: "It's only here that I dumped uncooked rice on the deck..."

By the way, the square cooker that you often see is a new product from PAAGO WORKS, which is scheduled to be released soon. Please stay tuned!

Chuuta's comment (Looking back on the first day)
Take a local train, or shop for food, alcohol, and other local products at local shops. I like to feel the "local life" during my mountain trips, and it was great to be able to touch them from the start of this trail. And hot springs are the most important part of a mountain trip (beer too), and it's irresistible to have hot springs right next to everything from the beginning to the end!

As soon as you pass through the forest that shines brightly in the morning sun, the mountains in the Tohoku region, where the forest line is low, give you a good view. Reward time in no time. The flower gardens of alpine plants, and the mountains you can see are gentle and loose, and the mountains continue to relax.

Taking a route that doesn't make sense to descend once and climb again, but it was fun because it felt like it was our own way. (Although I regretted a little in the forest area on the way back up lol) It was the best relaxing time to eat and drink while looking at the marsh on the terrace of the evacuation hut.

DAY 2 Walk the Golden Course from Mitsuishi Sanso to Hachimantai

On the second day of the Ura-Iwate Traverse Trail hike, we will walk a long hike course with few ups and downs. There are also peaks such as Mt. Mitsuishi (1466m), Mt. Ofuka (1541m), Mt. Susomori (1448m), Mt.

The second day of walking the ridgeline that continues from Mt. Iwate to Hachimantai. The PAAGO crew was looking forward to walking through the scenery as if it were a long trail. The weather forecast was cloudy, but when I left the mountain hut and went out on the trail, I could expect a sunny day thanks to the flow of the wind, although there was gas.

And when I climbed Mt. Mitsuishi, which is a view spot, I could see the traverse along the way, and I was excited.

Chuuta "It's cool and easy to walk because it's a little gas!"
Yuri ``It would be nice to be able to traverse lightly with hut-stay equipment.''

A pleasant trail that symbolizes the Ura-Iwate Traversing Road. Short pumice trees spread all over, and you can see not only the peak you are aiming for, but also the mountains you have walked. The wind blows well, and the heat that I was suffering from is blown away.

For hikers, the scenery can be said to be the ideal type of trail that envisions "I want to walk this kind of road." There aren't many places where you can experience the exhilaration of flying in the sky and the lightness of walking. Just by walking here, you should be able to feel the value of coming to the Ura-Iwate Traverse. Of course, it goes without saying that you can enjoy its charms to the fullest by walking for 3 or 4 nights.

However, there are few places to hide your body, so there is a risk of hypothermia if you continue to be exposed to the rain and wind during the cold seasons such as spring and autumn. A rain jacket and warm clothes are a must. However, such pure nature is also the attraction of the Ura-Iwate Traverse.

After stopping at Omi Sanso, you will enjoy the trail that continues to "delicious sections" after passing the summit of Daisomori. A small Yamagami Pond suddenly appears, a star crow greets you, and you find a colony of Glaucidium glabra in full bloom.

Chuuta "It might be hard if you're wearing a tent gear, but if you're wearing a cabin gear, it's light!"
Yuri: “And with fewer ingredients, it feels much lighter.”

Then, climb the last peak, Mt. Mt. Mt. Takeda (1577m), and go through the road to Hachimantai. If I had the chance, I would have to walk for about 15 minutes to get to the summit. By the time we reached the finish line, a thunderstorm had begun, and where was the sweltering heat? I headed to the visitor center to escape from the thunder, and looked for the bus stop to Morioka station with a back hair.

Chuuta “If you have a few more days, you can go via Mt. Iwate or walk to Tamagawa Onsen.”
Yuri "One night is too short! I want to come back in autumn next time!"

Chuuta's comment (2nd day, looking back on the trip)
No hangovers with a good night's sleep in a comfortable shelter!
The evacuation huts in the Tohoku region are all kept clean, and you can tell that everyone is taking good care of them. Clean up before departure with gratitude.

This day is a favorite special trail with a good view from start to finish. You can walk comfortably without wasting a single second while watching the endless trail. The view was so good that there weren't many places to escape from the scorching sun.

The water in Omi Sanso's pool is really cold and delicious, and I might have gulped down nearly a liter on the spot. When I helped pour water on Yuri-chan, who was covered in water from her head, with Kerorin, it was too cold and her head hurt. (smile)

This time the bus didn't run from Akita to Iwate, so the goal was Hachimantai, but we connected to Tamagawa Onsen and Moriyoshi beyond, Appi Kogen, and started at Mt. Akita-Komagatake and Mt. Iwate. You can change the route and the number of days, so you can create your own route. There are still many hot springs and outdoor baths, so I would like to come back for a walk as if I were searching for treasure.

Gear list for hut night traversing

Finally, I can't wait to introduce the gear list. In the case of traversing the ridgeline of the summer mountains and staying at a hut, packing with the BUDDY 33 is relatively easy. In other words, this time I was able to carry gorgeous ingredients as much as I did not have camping equipment such as tents and tarps.

Gear List@Chuta

Gearist@ Yuri

Let's walk the mountain with BUDDY 33

How was your trip on the Ura-Iwate traverse with “BUDDY 33”? The mountain trip itself was a short one-night, two-day trip, but there was a lot to see. Rather than climbing a single mountain, I think that by visiting various spots such as hot spring towns, trails, and hot springs from the town at the foot of the mountain, you will be able to see not only the scenery but also the things you can experience. Autumn is the best season for the Ura-Iwate Traversing Road. We hope you will enjoy walking through the fantastic mountains dyed in autumn leaves.