Hiruzen Plateau is located at an altitude of 500-600 m in the northern part of Okayama prefecture. It is also one of West Japan’s representative resort areas.

Allowing visitors to enjoy a pleasant ride around the area, there’s also a driving route around the Hiruzen plateau.

It feels incredibly refreshing to drive through the area with the majestic mountains in the background!

There’s also the Hiruzen Plateau bicycle road that has a circumference of around 30km. Bicycle rental facilities are available at several locations, so do try some cycling and feel the plateau breezes!

(Details of the Bicycle Road can be found at the end of the article.)

Hiruzen Plateau is also well-known as one of Japan’s largest pasture areas for Jersey cattle!

If you wish to enjoy this idyllic plateau scenery to the fullest, we recommend visiting Hiruzen Jersey Land!

Beyond the fairytale style buildings, a pasture area spreads out with views of the Hiruzensanzan range, and cows walk around without a worry in the world.

Every once in a while they come up to the fence, so you can enjoy some time interacting with the Jersey cows while they munch away on the grass!

At the facility shop you can buy milk products made with fresh Jersey cow milk. On top of the hugely popular Hiruzen Jersey Zeitaku Yoghurt, there’s a thick layer of yellow cream; it’s a very creamy yoghurt!

Hiruzen Jersey milk, the staple product, has a slightly sweet yet rich, addictive flavor!

During the spring and summer holidays they arrange an event where visitors can try milking a cow. Some children are scared when they see the size of the cows up close, but the moment they are able to extract milk, under staff supervision, they are all smiles!

When the weather’s good at Hiruzen Plateau, to the north and north-west you can see Mt. Daisen.

It’s a famous peak that’s counted among Japan’s top 100 mountains. At 1729m above sea level, it’s the highest mountain in the Chugoku region.

This is scenery from Kimendai near the border of Okayama and Tottori prefecture.

It’s a spot that offers a marvelous view of Mt. Daisen (back left) and Mt. Karasugasen. Within the grounds you’ll also find a shop and toilets.

Towering right nearby Mt. Daisen, this is Mt. Kagikaketouge (located in Kofu, Hino district, Tottori prefecture). It’s around 20km from Hiruzen Plateau via the Hiruzen Daisen Skyline. Located midway, you can also find Kagamiganaru, which is famous for its camping area and skiing grounds. The area, including the Hiruzen Plateau, is one big resort area.

The Hiruzen Plateau isn’t only about seeing the majestic mountain range; you can also enjoy cycling, camping and barbequing among other activities, and taste various local specialties starting from Jersey. We also recommend it to escape the summer heat!

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Hiruzen Plateau Bicycle Road
Facilities & maps for cycling:
http://cms.top-page.jp/p/maniwa/3/1/106/ (Japanese)

Hiruzen Jersey Land
Location: 956-222 Hiruzennakafukuda, Maniwa city, Okayama prefecture
Open: 9.00-17.00 (Mar thru Dec) 10:00-16:00 (Jan thru Feb)
Closed: January 1st & every Wednesday in January and February (Open all week from March thru December)
Parking: Available (toll-free)
http://jerseyland.hiruraku.com/ (Japanese)

Kimendai Observation and Rest Area
Location: 1109 Hiruzenshimotokuyama, Maniwa city, Okayama prefecture
Open: 9:00-17:00 (Shop & toilets) * You may use the parking area even outside business hours
Business season: Early April to Mid December (The road is closed during winter)
Parking: Available (toll-free)
http://cms.top-page.jp/p/maniwa/3/1/19/ (Japanese)

Setouchi Finder Photo-writer: Hironobu Matsuoka