Mitsumata Blossoms of Ishimanahara, Misugi-cho

Overview

The Mitsumata blossoms of Ishimanahara, Misugi-cho, located in the mountainous region of Tsu City, Mie Prefecture, is a truly spectacular sight in spring, when the hillside is carpeted in a sea of yellow flowers. The peak season is from mid-March to mid-April, transforming the mountain into a magical landscape. Mitsumata flowers, as their name suggests (mitsu meaning "three" and mata meaning "fork"), have stems that branch into three, each bearing a flower. While the downward-facing flowers don't show as well from the observation deck, the walking trail offers a close-up view of these charming blossoms and allows you to fully appreciate their sweet fragrance. The walking distance from the parking lot to the flower field is about 1km, but it's a steep incline, so sturdy walking shoes are a must. A walking stick is also recommended. An observation deck within the flower field provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Mitsumata has long been used as a raw material for Japanese paper. The Ishimanahara Mitsumata grove originated around 1955 as a multi-purpose forestry project. Following several thinning operations, a particularly intensive thinning in fiscal year 2012 resulted in the unprecedented spread of the Mitsumata, leading to the breathtaking display we see today. The Mitsumata blossoms of Ishimanahara, Misugi-cho, are a highly recommended spring destination. Immerse yourself in the magical scenery and sweet fragrance of the Mitsumata, and create unforgettable memories.