Yamazaki Cirque
The Yamazaki Cirque is a bowl-shaped valley carved by an Ice Age glacier on the northwestern slope of Mt. Oyama in the Tateyama range. It is named after Naomasa Yamazaki, who discovered it. Most cirques in Japan are found on the eastern slopes of mountain ridges, but this is one of the few on the western side. It is designated as a natural monument.
Crater Ponds near Mikurigaike
Near Mikurigaike Pond there are clear crater lakes. Standing on the shore, you can see the rocks on the bottom, which shows how transparent the water is. On calm days the peaks of Tateyama are reflected perfectly on the surface, and the view is even more beautiful with lingering snow or autumn leaves. It is said that ascetic monks once used this water to make ink for copying sutras. A walking trail runs around the ponds, and you can see wetland and alpine plants along the way.
