Suzuka Quasi-National Park 鈴鹿国定公園
- Published on : 03/02/2020
- by : J.L.
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A mountain range between Lake Biwa and Ise Bay
The quasi-National Park of Suzuka, between sea and mountains with its beautiful natural formation, offers serenity and relaxation...
Where is Suzuka Quasi-National Park located?
The quasi-national park extends between the prefectures of Mie and Shiga. To the east is Ise Bay, and to the west is Great Lake Biwa. The park was named quasi-national in 1968. The great mountain range of the Suzuka Mountains runs through the entire extent of the park, with the very famous Mount Gozaisho at its center.
- Read also: The beaches of Lake Biwa
Mount Gozaisho is the tourist destination of the region. Very popular, people come here from big cities such as Nagoya, Osaka, or Kyoto for a day trip or an excursion with an overnight stay in one of the many ryokans, traditional Japanese inns. Depending on the season, it is possible to ski, climb, admire the ice strewn over the "juhyo" trees in winter, the autumn colors of kôyô, the cherry blossoms in spring, or again the azaleas covering the shrubs.
- Read also: Where to see Japan's "juhyo" Snow Monsters?
An Onsen in the Japanese mountains
At the foot of Mount Gozaisho, head to Yunoyama Onsen in the Mitakigawa Valley. A renowned spa resort in which some twenty hotels and ryokans await you, as much for a pure moment of relaxation as for enjoying the surrounding nature in all seasons. Away from the city, there is little commercial activity around Yunoyama-onsen, perfect for a moment of tranquility in the calming hot springs of Yunoyama-onsen...
The historic source of the place was discovered in the 8th century by a monk. In the Edo period (1600-1868) pilgrims and curious attracted by its fame came from the big cities Osaka and Nagoya.
Then during the Satsuma rebellion in 1877, the place welcomed wounded warriors who came to recover their health. Word of mouth then worked very quickly to make the reputation of the source and its magnificent natural setting particularly appreciated.
- Read also: Five onsens with a view of Mount Fuji
Yunoyama-onsen
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How to get to the top of Gozaisho? The hiking trails in Suzuka Park
A ropeway departs from Yunoyama onsen to the Sanjo-koen arrival station at 1180 meters above sea level. It's 12 min of an impressive scenic ride in the air during which you will be dazzled by the view stretching from Ise Bay to the Chita Peninsula.
- Access to the cable car, 2450yen (1220 yen reduced rate) round trip, open from 9 am to 5 p.m.
In Sanjo-koen, you have the choice between several solutions to reach the top of Mount Gozaisho. Or by chairlift (650 yen round trip) for those who want to have a good time in just 8 short min. Either on foot via a 30 min hiking trail, which will ensure direct contact with nature.
Do not miss Boko dai, a panoramic view of Lake Biwa, or Fujimi iwa Tendo dai which offers the luckiest a view of Mount Fuji, but for that, you will have to trust favorable weather.
After all these adventures, back at the Sanjo-koen station, a delicious meal awaits at the "Nature restaurant", savor the simple yet gourmet meal with your eyes fixed on the beautiful landscapes!
Shobo-ji Temple
Located north of the Suzuka Mountains, this temple clings to the side of Fujiwara Mountain.
Shobo Buddhist temple was founded in the year 807 by the monk Saicho, who initiated the Tendai branch. You will reach it by a long climb of 300 steps, a great effort which will be rewarded by the magnificent view of a Japanese garden laid out at the end of the Heian period (794-1185) when the temple itself was destroyed in the Sengoku period (1467-1568) then rebuilt in the Edo period. This remarkable garden is Kaikyu style, offering a walk around the pond, under the cherry trees, in the greenery, or the red leaves of the koyo, under the winter snows...
In autumn, the place is at the height of its beauty, with all the surrounding beauty is reflected on the surface of the pond.
- Read also: Buddhism, religion in Japan
Traditional tea from the Mie region
Mie Prefecture is the third largest tea producer in the country after Shizuoka and Kagoshima. Called Ise-cha, from the old name of this department, most teas have been produced at the foot of the Suzuka Mountains by 110 manufacturers since the 10th century on more than a thousand hectares.
Suzuka tea contains a particular variety called Kabusecha whose new shoots are covered with straw to protect them from the sun. Thanks to this ancestral technique, the leaves of a beautiful dark green do not release any bitterness but on the contrary, a pleasant finish.
Small producers have joined forces in a cooperative to pool their productions and offer green tea-based products, such as matcha ice cream, matcha latte, or matcha Castella cake. Between a tasting on-site and everything you bring back, you can savor the experience long after the trip...
- Address: Ise Matcha Cafe, Nagasawacho 914, Suzuka.
