Regional Focus: Niihama

Forest Park Yuragi no Mori, a facility for learning about the importance of protecting the natural environment, is located at an altitude of 800 m in the mountains above Niihama city. At the centre of the park is Auberge Yuragi, an attractive hotel, and a restaurant serving a wide menu of French cuisine. From the rooms to the north, you can see the Akaishi Mountain range. On the south side, there’s a huge domed pergola growing with wisteria. A Pergola Wisteria Festival is held in early May when the flowers are in full bloom.

Next to the Auberge is Sakura Kōbō, a workshop where you can make bookmarks and cards using wildflowers and try your hand at woodworking using simple kits. Behind the workshop is a covered area with firepits that you can use for BBQs and cooking with the Dutch ovens hired from the facility. There’s a promenade in the park where you can enjoy various flowers in each season and dramatic views of the mountains.