Complete Guide to Amagi/Showa no Mori Kaikan and Surrounding Area (Shizuoka Prefecture) | Tourist Spots, Gourmet, and Access Information
Showa no Mori Kaikan, located at the foot of Mount Amagi in Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, is a captivating area where abundant nature and culture converge. As the core facility of the Michi-no-Eki (roadside station) “Amagi-goe,” this area attracts many tourists throughout the year and offers various ways to enjoy it, including forest bathing, literary walks, and local cuisine. This article introduces all the charms of the area surrounding Showa no Mori Kaikan.
What is Michi-no-Eki “Amagi-goe” Showa no Mori Kaikan?
History and Development of the Facility
Showa no Mori Kaikan is a facility developed in 1978 (Showa 53) to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Emperor Showa’s reign. It was developed as the “Amagi-yama Showa no Mori Natural Recreation Forest” within national forest land covering approximately 1,600 hectares in the Amagi Pass area, with Showa no Mori Kaikan constructed as the central facility.
Currently registered as Michi-no-Eki “Amagi-goe,” it is located along National Route 414 and has become an important transportation hub. The facility, which takes advantage of Amagi’s abundant primeval forest, has also been selected as one of “Japan’s 100 Best Forest Bathing Forests” and is cherished as a place of comfort where nature and culture harmonize.
Facility Composition and Features
Showa no Mori Kaikan is a complex facility composed of the following areas:
Forest Information Hall (Free Admission)
A forest museum that introduces nature such as plants and animals of Amagi through panels and videos. Visitors can learn in detail about the geology of the Izu Peninsula and the ecosystem of Mount Amagi. Exhibits about seasonal changes in nature and fauna and flora unique to this region are abundant.
Izu Museum of Modern Literature (Paid Admission)
Exhibits materials related to literary figures with connections to Izu, including Yasunari Kawabata and Yasushi Inoue. Amagi has been the setting for many literary works, making this a valuable facility to learn about its aspect as a literary region.
Restaurant and Gift Shop
Offers cuisine using local ingredients and sells special products of Izu. It is a space where visitors can enjoy meals while overlooking Amagi’s natural scenery.
Agricultural Produce Direct Sales Shop
Offers fresh vegetables and fruits grown by local farmers, as well as processed goods. Seasonal produce is displayed, allowing visitors to experience the region’s food culture.
Business Hours and Access Information
Business Hours
- Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Closed: Third Wednesday of each month (if a national holiday, the following day)
- May be closed during year-end and New Year holidays; advance confirmation is recommended
Access Methods
*By Train and Bus*
- Approximately 45 minutes by bus from Izu Hakone Railway’s “Shuzenji Station”
- Get off at “Showa no Mori Kaikan” bus stop
- Limited bus service; checking the schedule in advance is necessary
*By Car*
- Approximately 60 minutes from “Numazu IC” on the Tomei Expressway via National Routes 136 and 414
- Approximately 60 minutes from “Nagaizumi-Numazu IC” on the Shin-Tomei Expressway
- Parking: Free parking available (approximately 50 standard vehicles)
Address
892-6 Yugashima, Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Highlights Around Showa no Mori Kaikan
Charm as a Famous Autumn Foliage Spot
The area surrounding Showa no Mori Kaikan is known as one of Shizuoka Prefecture’s leading autumn foliage destinations. From fall to early winter, the natural mountains display vivid colors, captivating visitors.
Best Season for Viewing
- Late October through late November is typically the best time
- Due to altitude differences, autumn foliage can be enjoyed over approximately one month
- Dates may vary depending on weather conditions
Recommended Autumn Foliage Spots
*Nazusawa Valley*
Located about a 15-minute walk from the roadside station, Nazusawa Valley is a particularly popular autumn foliage spot. The way the valley stream flows smoothly over a single sheet of andesite rock beautifully harmonizes with the surrounding colored leaves, creating a spectacular view. The foliage reflected on the water surface is also beautiful and popular as a photography spot.
*Showa no Mori Walking Trail*
There are well-maintained walking trails around the kaikan, allowing visitors to enjoy autumn foliage while forest bathing. The color gradient created by various trees such as Japanese maple, maple, and beech trees is spectacular.
Charm of Hiking Courses
The area around Mount Amagi has some of the finest hiking courses in the nation, with courses suitable for both beginners and advanced hikers.
Amagi Ridge Trail
A full-scale climbing course that traverses the main peaks of Mount Amagi. This approximately 8-hour course passes through Mount Manjirou and Mount Manjisaburo, allowing hikers to fully experience Amagi’s nature.
Old Amagi Tunnel Walking Trail
A walking trail leading to the old Amagi Tunnel, designated as a National Important Cultural Property. This beautiful stone tunnel also appears in Yasunari Kawabata’s novel “The Izu Dancer.” It is located approximately 3 km from Showa no Mori Kaikan.
Joren Falls Course
A course leading to Joren Falls, selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Waterfalls. Located approximately 15 minutes by car from the kaikan, visitors can see a beautiful waterfall with a drop of 25 meters.
Charm as a Literary Region
Amagi has been the setting for many literary works and is a literary region. Various facilities with literary connections are scattered around Showa no Mori Kaikan.
Inoue Yasushi Former Residence
The former residence where the literary master Yasushi Inoue spent his childhood is preserved and open for viewing. Visitors can feel the Amagi landscape that became the foundation of Inoue’s literature.
Sites Associated with Yasunari Kawabata
Around the Amagi Pass, the setting for “The Izu Dancer,” many locations from the work remain. Many tourists interested in literature visit to enjoy literary walks.
Recommended Gourmet Around Showa no Mori Kaikan
Restaurant “Takenoko Kaasan” Inside the Kaikan
Restaurant “Takenoko Kaasan” located inside Showa no Mori Kaikan is popular for its cuisine featuring local ingredients. It is an open space where visitors can enjoy meals while overlooking Amagi’s natural scenery, making it ideal for a tourism break.
Recommended Menu Items
*Amagi Soba*
Fragrant soba made from locally produced soba flour. Both cold zaru soba and hot kakigori soba are excellent, allowing visitors to savor the flavor of soba milled with Amagi’s clear water.
*Wasabi Rice Bowl*
Amagi is one of Japan’s leading wasabi-producing regions. A wasabi rice bowl generously topped with fresh wasabi is characterized by its sharp spiciness and refreshing aroma—a unique dish found nowhere else.
*Shiitake Burger*
A local specialty burger made with thick, locally produced shiitake mushrooms. Visitors can enjoy the juicy texture and umami of shiitake.
*Amagi Matcha Soft Serve Ice Cream*
Soft serve ice cream made with locally produced matcha is popular for its rich flavor. It is beloved by many tourists as a dessert after a tour.
Nearby Gourmet Spots
Agricultural Produce Direct Sales Shop at Michi-no-Eki
Fresh vegetables, fruits, and local processed goods line the shelves. Amagi wasabi, shiitake mushrooms, and seasonal mountain vegetables are particularly popular items. They are also appreciated as souvenirs.
Gourmet at Amagi Yugashima Hot Spring Town
Located approximately 10 minutes by car from the kaikan, the Amagi Yugashima hot spring town has old-established ryokan restaurants and local restaurants scattered throughout. Visitors can enjoy cuisine combining Izu’s seafood and mountain delicacies.
*Wild Boar Hot Pot*
A famous winter dish of Amagi. A hot pot made with locally hunted wild boar meat is valued for its nutritional benefits and warmth as a local folk dish.
*Venison Dishes*
Venison, noted as a game meat, is low-calorie and high-protein, making it healthy. Venison from deer raised in Amagi’s nature has little odor and is characterized by its tender texture.
Nearby Tourist Spots
Spots to Enjoy Nature
Joren Falls
Located approximately 15 minutes by car, this is a famous waterfall selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Waterfalls. With a drop of 25 meters and width of 7 meters, the waterfall cascades down basalt rock faces, creating a mystical atmosphere enhanced by the surrounding deep green. Visitors can descend near the basin and fully absorb the negative ions.
Mount Amagi
A volcanic group with Mount Manjisaburo (1,406 meters) as its main peak. Primeval forests of beech and hime-sharabark spread across the area, allowing visitors to enjoy seasonal natural beauty. The hiking trail is well-maintained and is a popular day-trip climbing destination.
Hachicho Pond
A volcanic crater lake on Mount Amagi with a mystical atmosphere. A well-maintained hiking course of approximately 4 km around the pond allows for nature observation.
Hot Spring Facilities
Amagi Yugashima Hot Spring
Located approximately 10 minutes by car from the kaikan. This historically significant hot spring is said to have opened during the Heian period and boasts abundant hot water and quality spring water. Many facilities offer day-trip bathing, making it ideal for relaxing after sightseeing.
Yugano Hot Spring
A hot spring town that served as the setting for “The Izu Dancer.” Ryokans are lined along the Kano River, offering a picturesque atmosphere.
Historical and Cultural Facilities
Old Amagi Tunnel
A stone tunnel completed in 1905 (Meiji 38), designated as a National Important Cultural Property. The 445.5-meter-long tunnel is a structure built with the finest civil engineering technology of the time.
Amagi-yama Tunnel Museum
A museum where visitors can learn about the history and construction techniques of the old Amagi tunnel. It provides insight into the hardships of those involved in tunnel construction and conditions at the time.
Shuzenji Hot Spring
Located approximately 30 minutes by car, this is a representative hot spring town of Izu. A historic hot spring town said to have been founded by the monk Kobo Daishi, it has many attractions including the Bamboo Grove Path and Shuzenji Temple.
Seasonal Enjoyment
Spring (March – May)
Forest Bathing in Fresh Greenery
Spring in Amagi is a season of beautiful fresh greenery. The vivid green of newly sprouted young leaves soothes visitors’ hearts. After learning about spring plants at the Forest Information Hall, a walk on the trail is recommended.
Mountain Vegetable Picking Experience
Under the guidance of a local guide, visitors can experience mountain vegetable picking. Ferns, ostrich ferns, aralia shoots, and other mountain delicacies nurtured by Amagi’s abundant nature can be harvested.
Cherry Blossoms and Rhododendrons
From late April to early May, rhododendrons bloom at their peak on Mount Amagi. Pink and white flowers color the mountain, heralding the arrival of spring.
Summer (June – August)
Charm as a Summer Resort
At higher altitude, Amagi remains cool even in summer, functioning as a summer resort. With temperatures 5 to 10 degrees lower than lowlands, visitors can spend time comfortably. Forest bathing and valley walks allow for enjoying the hot summer coolly.
Firefly Viewing
From mid-June to early July, fireflies can be observed in the clear streams of the surrounding area. The mystical light dance is a summer tradition.
Water Play in Clear Streams
Water play is enjoyed in clear streams like Nazusawa Valley. The cool, pristine water makes visitors forget about summer heat.
Fall (September – November)
Autumn Foliage Viewing
Amagi’s fall is the season of autumn foliage. From late October through late November, Japanese maples, maples, and beeches display vivid colors. The autumn foliage of Nazusawa Valley is particularly beautiful, attracting many tourists.
Mushroom Picking
In fall, Amagi is abundant with mushrooms such as shiitake and maitake. Mushroom-picking tours with local guides are also held.
Literary Walks
With cooler autumn weather, literary walks are ideal. While visiting sites associated with Yasunari Kawabata and Yasushi Inoue, visitors can immerse themselves in the literary world.
Winter (December – February)
Snowy Landscape
Mount Amagi is covered in snow in winter, offering a fantastical snowy landscape. Snow accumulation around the kaikan creates a world of white.
Wasabi Field Tours
Winter is a beautiful season for wasabi cultivated in clear streams. Wasabi field tours teach visitors about the cultivation methods of Amagi wasabi, which boasts quality among Japan’s finest.
Hot Spring Indulgence
Cold winter is when hot springs are most welcome. After warming the body in surrounding hot spring facilities, enjoying warm cuisine at the kaikan’s restaurant is recommended.
Event Information
Annual Event Calendar
Mount Amagi Mountain Opening Ceremony (Early May)
An event marking the beginning of the climbing season. A safety prayer ceremony is held, praying for climbers’ safety.
Amagi Firefly Festival (Mid-June – Early July)
Firefly viewing events are held throughout the surrounding area. Guided firefly viewing tours and local food stalls are also available.
Amagi Autumn Foliage Festival (Early-Mid November)
An event held during peak autumn foliage season. Local specialty product sales and folk art performances are held.
Amagi Yugashima Hot Spring Winter Festival (January – February)
An event held in the hot spring town during winter. Free hot spring bun distribution and local cuisine tasting events are held.
Accommodation Information
Recommended Hotels and Ryokans in the Area
Accommodations at Amagi Yugashima Hot Spring
The Amagi Yugashima hot spring town, located approximately 10 minutes by car from the kaikan, has various types of lodging facilities. Options range from traditional ryokans to modern hotels, suitable for various budgets and preferences.
*Luxury Ryokans*
Luxury ryokans featuring traditional Japanese architecture and refined hospitality offer seasonal kaiseki cuisine and free-flowing hot spring baths.
*Budget-Friendly Accommodations*
Reasonably priced accommodations suitable for families and group trips are abundant. Visitors can enjoy hot springs and local cuisine casually.
Pensions and Minshuku
Around Mount Amagi, there are scattered pensions and minshuku with friendly atmospheres. Guest interaction with owners and homemade cuisine are appealing features.
Camping Sites
For those wishing to camp in nature, nearby camping sites are recommended. Various facilities are available, from auto-campgrounds to bungalows.
Tourism Tips and Advice
Clothing and Belongings
Season-Appropriate Clothing
- Spring/Fall: Bring layers as mornings and evenings can be cool
- Summer: Hat and sunscreen are necessary due to strong sunlight
- Winter: Warm clothing and non-slip shoes are essential
Hiking Equipment
- Trekking shoes or comfortable walking shoes
- Backpack
- Drinking water and trail snacks
- Rain gear (weather can change suddenly)
- Map and compass (cellular signals may not reach some areas)
Crowd Conditions and Visiting Tips
Crowded Periods
- Autumn foliage season weekends (late October – mid-November)
- Golden Week
- Summer vacation period
Tips for Comfortable Tourism
- Weekday visits are recommended
- Early morning visits avoid crowds
- Check parking lot congestion conditions in advance
- If using buses, check the schedule ahead of time
Estimated Time Spent
Kaikan Viewing Only
Approximately 1 – 2 hours
Including Surrounding Walks
Approximately 3 – 4 hours
Including Hiking
Half day – Full day
Souvenir Information
Souvenirs Available at Showa no Mori Kaikan
Wasabi Products
A variety of wasabi products are available, including Amagi-produced fresh wasabi, wasabi pickles, and wasabi mayonnaise. Fresh wasabi paired with a grater makes an ideal souvenir.
Shiitake Products
Thick, aromatic Amagi shiitake mushrooms are popular items. Dried shiitake and processed products like shiitake tsukudani are abundantly available.
Local Sake and Shochu
Izu local sake and regionally produced shochu are also sold. Japanese sake brewed with Amagi’s clear water is characterized by its clean taste.
Tea
Shizuoka Prefecture-produced green tea and Amagi-produced matcha sweets are popular.
Wooden Crafts
Crafts and wooden tableware made from Amagi wood are also sold. Warm handmade items are appreciated as mementos.
Conclusion
The area around Amagi and Showa no Mori Kaikan is a captivating tourism destination where abundant nature, history, and culture harmonize. Various ways to enjoy the area are possible, including forest bathing, hiking, literary walks, hot springs, and gourmet dining.
Known as a famous autumn foliage spot, many tourists visit in fall, but the area has charm in all four seasons with new discoveries no matter when visited. Showa no Mori Kaikan, developed as Michi-no-Eki “Amagi-goe,” is convenient both as a base for gathering information and as a rest spot.
Located in the central part of the Izu Peninsula, access to other tourist attractions is good, making it an ideal base for Izu sightseeing. Whether you wish to spend time leisurely in nature, immerse yourself in the literary world, or actively enjoy hiking, the area meets various needs.
Please experience a trip touching Amagi’s abundant nature and culture around Showa no Mori Kaikan. Beautiful scenery changing with the seasons and warm hospitality await visitors.
