The Amagi mountain range in Izu City is one of Japan’s most precipitous areas, with annual rainfall between 3,000 and 4,000 millimeters. This abundant rainfall feeds the springs that nurture Izu’s water wasabi. The beautiful landscape of the tatami-ishi style wasabi fields in this region, its rich ecosystem, and the skillful cultivation techniques have been recognized as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System under the title “Traditional Cultivation of Shizuoka Water Wasabi.” This area boasts the largest cultivation area for water wasabi in Japan, with a history of over 250 years in wasabi farming. Please adhere to the rules when visiting the wasabi fields.
Inokashira, the Village of Spring Water, is blessed with an abundance of springs brought forth by the sacred Mount Fuji and 1,000 hectares of forests, serving as the source of distinctive industries such as trout farming, which boasts top-class quality nationwide. Leveraging these rich natural resources and abundant food ingredients, the area has actively welcomed foreign visitors to Japan and residents using vacant houses. As part of its regional branding, the slogan “Healing with the Five Senses in Inokashira” has been adopted, focusing on promoting the rural lifestyle with Mount Fuji as a backdrop, the springs, and the hospitality of local cuisine.
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.
Kurogi Grand Wisteria, with an age exceeding 600 years, is designated as a natural monument of Japan. Located at the Susanoo Shrine, the wisteria features an extensive trellis that spreads over approximately 3,000 square meters. Each year around mid-April, it blooms, displaying hanging clusters of purple flowers that exceed one meter in length.
The former Ouchi Residence in Shiraki-no-sato, an old private house in the mountains of Tachibana town, is the birthplace of Chozo Ouchi, a politician who worked for friendly relations between Japan and China from the Meiji Era to the early Showa Era. At one time, the house was on the verge of being abandoned, but the preservation group for the former Ouchi Residence, led by local residents, has worked to preserve the house and restore it to its current state. Now designated as a cultural asset by Yame City, it has become a center for people to interact and inherit the culture of the area.
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.
Embraced by a thousand cherry blossom trees, this is Okayama’s premier cherry blossom viewing spot. A symbol of Tsuyama City, selected as one of “Japan’s Top 100 Castles” and “Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.” The castle was built in 1616 by Tadamasa Mori, the younger brother of Ranmaru Mori, who was killed in the Honnoji Incident. Although all the buildings were demolished under the Meiji government’s castle abolition order, the Bitchu Yagura turret was restored in 2005 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the castle’s construction. The turret, along with the impressive stone walls that stand about 45 meters high, has become a new popular spot. The castle is also known as one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in the prefecture, with about 1,000 cherry trees in full bloom creating a spectacular view. The illuminated cherry blossoms viewed from atop the stone walls are also a magnificent sight.
The townscape of the Josai district is woven together with temple and shrine architecture, traditional townhouses, and modern buildings. The building, constructed in 1917 (Taisho 6), is a two-story wooden structure featuring a dome at the front, with intricate decorations on the roof and windows. Each room has a fireplace made of different types of marble, and the building is registered as a cultural property by the national government. The café on the first floor is a lovely space, with walls made of traditional plaster and a high ceiling. Here, you can enjoy “Yōan Coffee,” named after Udagawa Yōan, a Western scholar from Tsuyama who is credited with coining the kanji characters for “coffee.” The townscape of the Josai district, which is a blend of temple and shrine architecture, traditional townhouses, and modern buildings, was selected as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in 2020.
