Iōzen Prefectural Natural Park, Natural park across Nanto and Kanazawa, Japan
Iōzen Prefectural Natural Park is a protected landscape that spreads across mountain ranges between Nanto and Kanazawa, with its highest point reaching 939 meters. The land features a network of hiking trails for different abilities and contains the IOX-AROSA Ski Resort on Mount Oku-iozen for winter sports.
The park received official protection in February 1975 and grew through a major expansion that finished in March 1996. This enlargement made it a more complete nature reserve for the Ishikawa and Toyama region.
The Sozen-ji Temple within the park holds ancient objects tied to Taichō, a major figure in the Shugendō religious movement. Visitors walking through the temple grounds can observe these pieces and sense how this place served as a center for spiritual practice.
The park is open year-round with hiking trails accessible in different seasons and skiing available in winter months at the resort. Visitors should prepare for changing conditions based on the season and bring appropriate gear for their chosen activity.
The IOX-AROSA Ski Resort was among the first in Japan to gain international recognition and draw winter sports enthusiasts from around the world. Its story shows how this mountain area shaped the growth of skiing in Japan.
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