Did you know that deep in the mountains of Tokushima prefecture there is a place famous for its moss phlox? Located in Misato, Yoshinogawa city, that place is Takagai Stone Bond.

In order to use this steep land for agriculture, it was developed into stone bonds to create terraced fields and to protect households.

Moss phlox has been planted on the stone bonds and every year from mid-April it changes into vivid colors! There’s a walking course along the ridges, and we recommend it as a spot for hiking, as well.

Well then, let’s go hiking on the stone bonds!
That’s what I wanted to do, but I was suddenly taken to the rest area and served free green tea!
The view of the mountains from here is amazing, too!

Now, let’s start afresh and go hiking on the stone bonds!
Actually, these stone bonds were built around 300 years ago in the middle of Edo period.
They have a historical ambiance that makes you want to feel them with your own hands.

The moss phlox planted on the edges hangs down almost like weeping moss phlox.

The majestic stone bonds are built in numerous layers.
Seen from below, the magnificent sight seems to continue all the way up to the sky!

Actually, the walking route is a course that climbs up.
The slope is quite steep, and you’ll be amazed at how they managed to develop such an area so deep in the mountains.

After climbing for a while, I’ve arrived near the highest layer.
Below I can see terraced fields and houses protected by the stone bonds.

After reaching the top, the slope for my descent is gentle – there is even a parking area available.

Offering lovely views of traditional mountain village scenery from various vantage points, the Takagai Stone Bond is located around 360 meters above sea level. The area has also been designated as an important cultural landscape by the Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs.
In addition, in 2009 the area was also selected among the top 100 Japanese villages.

The best time to see the moss phlox is at the end of April, but there is also a great spot for viewing fireflies at the nearby Misato Hotaru-kan (‘Misato firefly hall’).
Crops have been planted on the fields, as well, and we recommend a hike after the season of fresh green, as well.

How about a fun relaxing hike at the Takagai Stone Bond where you can see Japan’s traditional mountain village scenery?
Takagai Stone Bond

Location: Ogami, Misato, Yoshinogawa city
Guide Homepage: http://www.awanavi.jp/spot/2013032500309/ (Japanese)
Flowering season: Mid-April thru the end of April
Admission: Free

Setouchi Finder Photo-writer: Hironobu Matsuoka

Show larger map>

Give us your Like

Follow @setouchifinder

Keywords

Others Others Tokushima

Written by

Hironobu Matsuoka

Hironobu Matsuoka / Photo-writer Born in 1974 in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, and currently living there, Hironobu is the president of Mediapolis Inc. "I travel around the country in Solar King, an eco-camping car that has a solar power generator, and film the beautiful scenery of Japan in high-definition. I want to move around the country as much as possible and leave behind videos of precious Japanese nature and scenery for future generations to enjoy. Although I travel all over the country, I love my home area of Setouchi." 'Healing Japan TV' - Traveling virtually around the country through 'healing videos'.

http://www.healing-japan.tv/

> More Articles writtern by "Hironobu Matsuoka"

> to Photo Writer List