I've climbed a few mountains in my time, both in New Zealand and in Japan, but Yume-no-Teien is one of the most beautiful mountain locations I've seen. It was discovered by the owner of a nearby guesthouse when he was climbing Mount Kitaokusenjodake, and he gave the area its rather romantic name. The plants growing there are wild and completely natural, but there is an amazing variety, and it really seems like a garden. It is only 15 minutes walk uphill from the car park, and even in August it was blessedly cool up there. I hope I can go back there when the rhododendrons are blooming!
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Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood
I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page has some 40,000 followers. I have been the Regional Partner for Yamanashi Prefecture since 2014.I am enjoying exploring the prefectures around Tokyo (I like to get off the beaten track), and I hope the photos and stories I share will encourage more people to discover this wonderful country.
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