The large tea plantations (70ha) spread over gently sloping hills are a major production area for Yame tea, a leading brand from Fukuoka. The tea fields, created by developing 103ha of mountain forest, are a symbol of Yame City. The view from the observatory at the top is stunning, resembling a carpet of green velvet. Tea picking takes place from April to mid-May, but the best time to enjoy the scenery of the tea fields is from August to March. Visitors can also enjoy Yame tea and Yame tea-flavored soft serve ice cream at the observatory’s cafe “Green Monster” while taking in the view of the tea.
In the legendary Hyugami gorge, which is said to have attracted the gods of Hyuga due to its beauty, lies Japan’s largest heart-shaped rock. Ringing the “Bell of Happiness” located there might just fulfill your romantic wishes. This enchanting spot is steeped in myth and is a beloved destination for those seeking love or simply wishing to experience the magic of a place touched by the divine.
Learn about the history and manufacturing process of Yame Tea at this museum. You can also enjoy meals and desserts that use green tea as well as experience making matcha (fine powdered green tea) on traditional stone grinds and hand-rolling green tea leaves, among other workshops. The Shizuku Tea is a must try, to truly savor the exquisite Yame Dentou Hon Gyokuro tea.
This facility is themed around Daniel Ken Inouye, a man with ties to Joyo Town and a bridge of friendship between the U.S. and Japan. In addition to a permanent exhibition room about Daniel, the museum has a café and store where visitors can enjoy local food and Hawaiian food.
A daimyo (feudal lord) garden where you can enjoy the natural beauty of each season. This strolling garden was created by the second feudal lord of Tsuyama Domain, Mori Nagatsugu, who invited a landscape gardener from Kyoto. It was designed to resemble the Sentō Imperial Palace located within the Kyoto Imperial Garden. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of each season, including cherry blossoms in spring, water lilies in summer, autumn foliage, and snowy landscapes in winter. The garden is now open to the public for free and is visited by many people. In September 2002, it was designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty by the national government under the name “Former Tsuyama Domain Villa Garden (Shurakuen).”
Located within Abashiri Quasi-National Park, Notoro Cape offers stunning views with its cliffs jutting out into the Okhotsk Sea and a picturesque lighthouse. This scenic spot has been featured in many commercials. From here, you can see the wind turbines in the Tokoro area and fishing boats in the Okhotsk Sea! At night, with only the lighthouse’s light, it’s known as a viewing spot where you can enjoy a sky full of stars, including the Milky Way. Many wild animals, such as White-tailed Eagles, Yezo deer, and Red foxes, inhabit the area.
Okuoikojo Station is located on a peninsula-like area on the left bank of Lake Sekke, formed by the construction of the Nagashima Dam. The two sides of the peninsula are separated by the Rainbow Bridge, which was built on the Igawa line, giving the station a mystical appearance as if it were floating on the lake.
The stunning greenery of Tochigi Yamizo wood and the rice paddies around Nasunogahara can be seen from the summit of Mt. Otei (Elevation: 512.9 meters). Also, on sunny days, you can see Mt. Tsukuba and Mt. Fuji.
Daioji Temple has been recognized as a national valuable cultural resource for almost 600 years and has a cathedral with a thatched roof, which is uncommon in Japan. With a thatched roof cathedral, which is rare in Japan, Daioji Temple has a long history of over 600 years and has been designated as a national important cultural property At the temple, you can experience Zazen, a sitting meditation where you can look within and replenish your mind.
The Zaoyama Observation Deck is the eastern entrance to the Atsumi Peninsula, offering a 360-degree panoramic view. On clear days, one can view not only the entire Atsumi Peninsula, but also the mountains of the Japanese Alps and Mt. Fuji. The Hoshizora Terrace on the second level is illuminated at night, and you can enjoy a wonderful environment that creates the “four seasons of Mt. Zao” with lighting that changes according to the season.
