[Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture] A bright red carpet covers the entire mountain. The best azalea spot in Japan! Tokusenjozan

Mount Tokusenjo, which towers over Kesennuma City in the northeastern part of Miyagi Prefecture, is a mountain with an altitude of 711m that is said to be the best place for azaleas in Japan.
It is said that over 500,000 wild azaleas and astragalus azaleas grow over 500 hectares, the size of about 10 Tokyo Domes.
The trees are in full bloom from mid-May to late May, turning the entire mountain so red and orange that you'll feel as if you've wandered into the season of autumn leaves.

The red-colored peak of the mountain can be seen from far away on the plains, and the contrast between the green of the surrounding mountains and the red-colored Mt. Tokusenjo is stunning.

Why it became a famous place for azaleas

Tokusenjoyama was home to the Tokusen Copper Mine, which mined copper from the early Taisho era to 1950.

After burning and forest fires, the area was used as pasture.

Part of the current mountain trail was built as a "fire line."

Since then, as a result of numerous forest fires and tree-planting projects, the climate of Mt. Tokusenjo and the soil called ``Kuro no Boku'' around the mountaintop are suitable for the growth of azaleas, and the native mountain azaleas have grown. It is said that it became a large colony.

About 30 years ago, azalea stocks were small, and even locals didn't pay much attention to them.

However, the late Mr. Umekichi Sasaki, then Kesennuma city councilor, was fascinated by the azaleas blooming in the mountains, and in 1976, he and his friends worked together to cut down the undergrowth and ivy that got tangled with the azaleas, and advocated the need for ``care management.'' . 

As a result of this work, the azaleas that had been in the shade of vegetation grew large and brightly colored the mountain, and the city later mowed the grass and created sidewalks. Mr. Sasaki formed the ``Tokusenjo Nature and Azalea Preservation Association'' made up of volunteers, and hosted the ``1st Azalea Festival'' in 1978, and the intention is now to become the ``Tokusenjo Azalea Love Association.'' It has been passed down from generation to generation, and azalea festivals and nature conservation activities are carried out.

At the same time as Mr. Sasaki's activities, in Motoyoshi Town to the south, the then town councilor, the late Takashi Sudo, asked the council to "protect the azaleas, which are a valuable asset of the town," and promoted the charm of azaleas and the maintenance of the mountain. While appealing to the public, they cut the grass themselves and created an environment suitable for the growth of azaleas, and in 1981, azalea conservation activities began as a town project.

 The passionate passion of our two predecessors and the steady efforts of local people who sympathized with that passion have moved cities and towns forward, forming the foundation on which Tokusenjozan's azaleas have become famous throughout the country.

Characteristics of azalea

Rhododendron is a general term for plants belonging to the Ericaceae family, the genus Rhododendron, and is widely distributed mainly in Asia, and is a flower so loved that it is the national flower of Nepal.

It blooms from the end of the cherry blossoms until early summer.

Because it can be pruned, it is often used for hedges, and is planted in a variety of places, such as at the foot of low street trees.

Access route to Mt. Tokusenjozan

There are two access routes to Mt. Tokusenjo: from the Kesennuma side in the north and from the Motoyoshi side in the south. The road on the Motoyoshi side to the south is narrow, so only regular cars can pass, so be careful when driving.

Kesennuma side

There used to be an unpaved section on the Kesennuma side, but it is now paved and has one lane in each direction, allowing large vehicles to pass through.

There is also a parking lot, with 3 large bus parking spaces and a total of 150 regular car parking spaces available.

Motoyoshi side

On the other south side, Motoyoshi, the road is narrow and can only be passed by regular cars. .

If you don't like passing by oncoming cars, we recommend accessing from the Kesennuma side.

There are three parking lots near the trailhead with a total of 80 parking spaces.

Climbing route

Kesennuma side trailhead

From the Kesennuma side trailhead, it takes about 15 minutes to reach the first observation deck.

From the first observation deck, you can see a panoramic view of Tsutsujigahara, and you can see clusters of azaleas in full bloom on an overwhelming scale.

Walk 5 minutes further from the first observation deck to reach the second observation deck, and proceed further from there to the Azalea Road, which looks like an azalea tunnel, filled with clusters of azaleas that are taller than a person.

Motoyoshi side trailhead

From the Motoyoshi side trailhead, there is a steep slope until you reach the ridge path, but once you get to the ridge path, you can enjoy views to the north and south. There is a ``relaxed work path course'' that is easy for everyone from children to the elderly to walk.

What equipment and time does it take?

It takes about 40 to 1 hour to reach the summit on both the Kesennuma and Motoyoshi routes.

You can walk around in a picnic-like atmosphere, and as long as you're dressed appropriately for exercise, you don't need full-fledged mountaineering equipment, so anyone can climb with confidence!

However, there are no shops along the way, so don't forget to prepare drinks in advance to stay hydrated!

INFORMATION

• Parking lot (free)
  • Kesennuma side: 150 regular cars, 3 large cars
  • Motoyoshi side: 80 regular cars
• Approximate taxi fare: JR Kesennuma Station → Tokusenjoyama one-way 4,000 yen to 5,000 yen
• Best time to see azaleas: Usually from mid-May to late May
• URL: Kesennuma Tourism Promotion Organization

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