🗺️ Mount Suwa

Mount Suwa has an elevation of 532 meters and is located in the eastern mountains of Kakegawa City, an area known for its tea cultivation. At the foot of the mountain, there are expansive tea fields, showcasing Japan's unique rural landscape. It takes about an hour to walk from the base to the summit, making it a suitable route for hiking. This area is also a famous cherry blossom viewing spot; every spring, around 500 cherry trees, including Yamazakura and Somei Yoshino, bloom in succession. The Awabobo Shrine at the summit holds a "Sakura Festival" in early April. Although it is possible to drive to the top, the narrow roads often get congested during cherry blossom season, so walking is recommended. The observation rest area at the summit, "Kapposhi Terrace (かっぽしテラス)," offers a panoramic view of the vast tea fields, as well as distant views of Suruga Bay and Mount Fuji. The café on the first floor serves meals made with locally grown Higashiyama tea, including lunch sets that incorporate tea into the dishes and afternoon tea sets that pair tea with desserts. The tea house at the foot of the mountain, "Higashiyama Ippuku Rest Area," offers free tastings of Higashiyama tea and sells tea leaves and sweets as souvenirs, making it a great place to visit before or after hiking.

A small mountain located in the mountainous area of Kakegawa City, where tea trees are commonly cultivated. From the summit, you can overlook the tea fields, Suruga Bay, and Mount Fuji. There are about 500 cherry blossom trees, and the shrine at the top of the mountain holds a "Sakura Matsuri" (Cherry Blossom Festival) during the cherry blossom season. The road leading to the summit is narrow, so it is recommended to walk there. The summit terrace and the teahouse at the foot of the mountain are popular midway attractions.