Mt Omuro in Ito, Shizuoka, last erupted about 4,000 years ago, leaving the mountain its distinctive inverted bowl shape. It hasn’t made a peep since then, so visitors can now take a chair lift up to the crater (or caldera).
Omuro's height is a deceptive 580 metres, which as the chair lift starts moving at an almost perpendicular incline, is actually quite steep. Tumbling out at the summit, we can see the full sweep of the mountain, the crater dip in the centre, and the walking ridgeline trail that rings it.
The walk round the 300m circumference of the crater is a very manageable 1 km, with welcome railings and steps for some of the narrow and steep edges. Time is divided between feeling a wonder at being so close to a crater, its depth a plunging 70m, actually walking around it, and then also soaking in the scenery of the seamless immense ocean of dark blue sea and sky, the roof tops of the town of Ito. It might be nervy. It’s narrow, and you can see the drop down into the sea on one side, and the crater on the other.
Sengen Shrine at the start of the main trail is believed to be the home of the God Of Mountains, Ocean And War. Although spoiler alerts did foretell their presence, it is still dramatic to suddenly encounter five life-size Buddha statues, 300 years old, the gift of a grateful father for his daughter's life. Then, eight large Jizo statues known as Atsugatake Jizo, donated by fishermen for sea safety, travels, and a good catch.
Getting down into the crater can only be with a ticket for the archery lessons or paragliding. Seeing it afar, though, might actually provide a better sense of the depth and width of the crater, with the people inside looking so tiny.
Mt. Omuro's shape categorizes it as a scoria cone. Climbers have been disappointed they can't climb up, but this is to protect the mountain, and its designation as a national natural monument for being so well kept and maintained.
Mount Omuro is apparently a landmark for passing ships. If returning home, they must feel some joy. We feel joy, too, being on top of Omuro and being in Japan.
