●Where is Maniwa?
In Okayama, at the source of the Asahi River, bordering Tottori Prefecture, is Maniwa City. This beautiful city surrounded by mountains sits at an elevation of 500 meters above sea level. It is famed for its natural beauty and clean air, which has also brought notoriety to the agricultural products of the region. The milk of imported Jersey cows is of particular fame in these parts of Japan. This is reflected in the steep prices we have to pay for this precious commodity. It is well worth it though - it's absolutely delicious. So, come enjoy nature, come enjoy MANIWA. Come partake in the exciting activities that Maniwa and the surrounding area has to offer. Whatever the season, you will find your time quickly goes by.
●The four season of Maniwa (Autumn and Winter)
	The exhilarating ski slopes glisten on the snow-covered peaks of the magical, silver world that is Hiruzen. At times warm and light, and at times harsh, each of the four seasons in Maniwa has its very own special character. Maniwa is a testimony to the wonders of nature. Maniwa has it all, from skiing in winter, to bicycling and walking throughout the rest of the year. Enjoy the natural splendor of Maniwa. Come drink the famous milk of our Jersey Cows. Beautiful leaves in shades of auburn, red, orange, and yellow are put on show by the abundant trees. Nature is packing up for the winter, and the people of Maniwa are also getting ready for this time of hardship - though it is a time that also hides a lot of pleasures. Maniwa is probably at its most beautiful at this time of year, an excellent time to visit.
●The four season of Maniwa (Spring and Summer)
	Jersey Cows munch on pastures of green grass and the spring sings its freshness. The whole of Maniwa comes alive again. This is one of the busiest times of the year, with planting and preparations for a new season. There is a different, more energetic step to the people, as they greet the warmth and brightness of the sun. A glorious time for man and beast alike. Morning on the Hiruzen Plateau starts early. The singing of little birds and the sound of mountain streams provides nature's alarm call. And, whether morning or evening, the kind and soothing smile of Hiruzen's three peaks creates a wonderfully fantastical and peaceful atmosphere. As the morning sun slowly turns its face towards us, the chirping of birds becomes all the louder - the breaking of morning, time to take to our wings: "Where shall we raise our children? We have returned to Hiruzen, the place where our parents were born, surrounded by nature and human kindness. We have discovered a place of harmonious partnership." Natural mineral water, chosen as one of the best 100 waters in Japan, bubbles up at Shiogama no Reisen (cold water salt pan spring), cooling the humid summers of the Hiruzen Plateau. It's a time to relax, a time to enjoy the beauty of this place so comfortably nestled between the mountains of Hiruzen. A variety of outdoor pleasures can be enjoyed in these beautiful and tranquil surroundings. Your imagination is the only limit.
●What to do in Maniwa and surrounding area
	*Hiking/Driving The awesome natural beauty of the region can be enjoyed in many ways. Climb the three peaks of Hiruzen and see the whole valley appear beneath your feet. There are numerous hiking trails, from beginner to advanced. It is up to you. The majestic Hiruzen Plateau is located in Daisen Oki National Park, the most expansive sightseeing area in Okayama Prefecture. Jersey cows graze in their quiet pastures, adding a pastoral touch to the surrounding scenery. There is a restaurant, and you can also enjoy barbecuing. Horse riding is available, too. It is also famous for the Shiogama no Reisen (cold water salt pan spring), selected as one of the 100 best waters in Japan.
	*Jersey Cows and jersey milk Hiruzen Jersey milk is the best in the world. It is said that the Jersey milk from Hiruzen is richer in nutrients than any other milk in Japan. Jersey cows are originally from the small Anglo-French island in the English Channel called Jersey. It is said that, once, when England could boast of an empire that never saw the sun set, the King of the time decided that the standard of the milk from his Jersey cows must also be the best, so that he could be said to rule over the best cattle too. At the Hiruzen Jersey Land rest house, located in the large expanse of land at the foot of the Hiruzen mountains, many Jersey cows can be seen enjoying the rich green pastures of this agriculturally abundant area. It is the delicious milk of these Jersey cows that produces the special flavor of Hiruzen dairy products. However, milk for drinking is not the only kind of dairy product made here. You can also find delicious white-mould cheeses, like the kind made in French Normandy, or low-heat pasteurized yogurt, amongst other products. At Jersey Land you can not only purchase various Jersey milk products, you can try mouth-wateringly delicious Jersey beef, barbequed on ten-meter long grills. A fantastic place for steak lovers, and a wonderful place to catch your breath.
	*Hotsprings After a long, hard day of having fun in Maniwa, enjoy the soothing effects of a natural hot spring. In Japan this national pastime is valued not only as a way of getting clean but also for the spiritual regeneration it provides. Yubara Hot Springs, a 20-minute drive from the Hiruzen area, is one of three famous hot springs in the Mimasaka district. The Yubara Hot Springs area includes five hot springs: Yubara, Shimo Yubara, Taru, Maga and Goroku. These alkali thermal springs are known to have a positive effect on rheumatism, neuralgia and skin diseases. Drinking the water helps to counter gastroenteric disorders and diabetes. 【Suna Hot Spring in Yubara】 An open-air bath of water from the bed of the Asahi River, one of Okayama's three big rivers, the Suna Hot Spring is now famous for being chosen as the best open-air bath in western Japan. There is no fence around the bath and men and women bathe together. However, wearing swimsuits is not permitted. People who bathe here can feel at one with nature. Open 24 hours for free. 【Shimo Yubara Hot Spring】 The Himawari-Kan rest house at the Shimo-Yubara Hot Spring has a bath for pet animals as well as separate open-air baths for men and women. 【Maga Hot Spring】 Maga Hot Spring, the southernmost of the Yubara Hot Springs, has a historical atmosphere. This bath is unique because its depth of 1.3 meters means that people must stand whilst taking a bath. 【Taru Hot Spring】 Many people who suffer from cuts or skin diseases visit this hot spring hoping to alleviate their ailments. Taru ('foot') also means barrel and the name of this hot spring is derived from the story that the hot spring water here used to be sent in barrels so that injured samurais could heal their wounds. There are few experiences as wonderful or relaxing as a trip to a hot spring after a hectic day. There are few experiences as wonderful and relaxing as a trip to the hot spring after a hectic day.
	*Bicylcing Take advantage of the numerous scenic bicycle paths that weave throughout the area. Hiruzen, where the environment is always foremost in people's minds, was one of the first places in Japan to build extensive bicycle paths, which are now enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Maps are readily available - or be adventurous and explore for yourself. Whatever you do, it will be an adventure.
	*Skiing If you are lucky enough to arrive in winter, be sure not to forget your skis. Hiruzen and the Hiruzen plateau are home to some of the best skiing in Japan, with plenty of slopes and lifts. Don't worry if you forget your skis, as most places have rental facilities. If you have never tried cross country skiing, then this is the place to do it, with free lessons and equipment hire. This gentle valley will be kind to you.
	*Horseriding Hiruzen has a horse riding center that was opened to the public from the end of October 1997. Come take advantage of this state of the art facility to improve your equestrian skills; or, for beginners, come and ride in the beautiful environs of Maniwa. We are here to help you in any way we can.
	*Great mineral spring (Shiogama) Traveling one kilometer west of Hiruzen Town Hall to the Nakaigawa River in Shimofukuda, you reach an intersection in the district's main road from which you can head for Kofu Town and Chuka Village. Going two kilometers directly north from this point, you will find yourself in a national park, and at the source of the Shiogoma cold water spring. The source of the spring comes from the very center of the Hiruzen mountains, where it springs up from the valley of the 1122-meter middle peak. At approximately 12 meters by 5 meters, the small spring source of 60 square meters has the peculiar shape of a gourd. Reaching 1.9 meters at the spring's deepest point, the water bubbles out from the source at a rate of 0.3 cubic meters a second. The velocity of the bubbling water and the temperature of 11 degrees Celsius remain constant throughout the year. Close by you can find, amongst other facilities, Shiogama Lodge, a trout breeding center, and a camping ground. Many people visit this beautiful area to enjoy sightseeing, mountain climbing and skiing.
	*Cusine The local cuisine of Hiruzen is known as Hiruzen okowa (steamed rice with red beans). A long time ago there was a careless housewife living in a Daisen temple. One day whilst cooking, this housewife confused red azuki beans with the garnish for sushi and accidentally stirred the red azuki beans into the steaming sushi rice. The unexpectedly delicious taste that resulted from this mistake was given the name okowa, and that is the story of how the Hiruzen okowa got its name. Later on, someone suggested that a special Hiruzen variety of okowa should be made. And in 1960, by experimenting with different vegetables and water quantities, the distinct okowa that we know today was created. The main difference between the original okowa and Hiruzen okowa is that in Hiruzen okowa the red azuki beans have been replaced with delicious chestnuts. So if you come our way, don't forget to try this local delicacy.
Maniwa City Tourism Association 420-2, Katsuyama, Maniwa-city, Okayama, Japan 〒717-0013　Tel.0867-44-4111　Fax.0867-44-3002