[Image1]Tokiwa mansaku, a flower that grows naturally in only three places in JapanFrom Shodai Mountain, pop

Tokiwa mansaku, a flower that grows naturally in only three places in Japan

From Shodai Mountain, popular for its many hiking routes and as a beginner-friendly mountain walk, we introduce tokiwa-mansaku (tokiwa mansaku).
Tokiwa refers to evergreens that keep their leaves year-round.
Mansaku is said to express the wish for a bountiful harvest.

The three places in Japan where you can encounter wild tokiwa-mansaku flowers are said to be
Shodai Mountain, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture
Ise Jingu, Mie Prefecture
Kamukura, Kosai City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Typically they are in bloom from mid-April to late April each year.

Spot information
Shodai Mountain (Shodai-san)
Shodai Mountain parking lot, restrooms available
2773-595 Kaba, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture
0968-63-1421 (Arao City Tourism and Cultural Exchange Division)

#Shodai Mountain #Arao-jenic #tokiwa-mansaku #Kyushu mountains #Kyushu Nature Trail #low-mountain hike #mountain climbing #Shodai Mountain trail running #Arao City #Kumamoto

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Mar. 14, 2025
Enjoyable even on rainy days! Spots in Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture Arao City Library Address : 〒864-0033 1-1-1 Midorigaoka, Arao, Kumamoto Prefecture Opening hours : 10:00–20:00 Closed : Last day of every month (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays) Admission : Free Phone : 0968-57-7747 Designed with the image of a "Tidal Flat Library," the interior features several zones. There is a room where children can take off their shoes and enjoy picture books at ease, and a children’s restroom with a nursing room, so families with small children can relax and use the facilities comfortably. Manda Pit Station Address : 〒864-0001 200-2 Haramanda, Arao, Kumamoto Prefecture Opening hours : 9:30–17:00 Closed : Mondays (the following weekday if Monday is a public holiday) Admission : Free (Manda Pit ruins require a fee) Phone : 0968-57-9155 This is an indoor exhibition facility located just before Manda Pit. In addition to dioramas and explanatory panels, a free VR experience is available. The 360-degree realistic images and sound let you feel as if you have descended underground. It’s a weatherproof attraction where you can learn about the history of Manda Pit. Marugoto Orao Product Center Address : 〒864-0001 169-22 Haramanda, Arao, Kumamoto Prefecture Opening hours : 11:00–16:30 Closed : Mondays (the following weekday if Monday is a public holiday) Admission : Free Phone : 0968-57-9960 This product center offers souvenirs such as local specialties and sake from Arao, the local pottery known as Shodai-yaki, and a tourism information corner introducing Arao’s gourmet spots and nearby sights. On sunny days, it’s pleasant to rest on the benches at the rooftop observation area. Arao Kids Dome Address : 〒864-0041 4186-19 Arao, Arao, Kumamoto Prefecture (Inside Arao General Cultural Center) Opening hours : Sessions last 2 hours each Session 1 9:00–11:00 Session 2 12:30–14:30 Session 3 15:00–17:00 Closed : Tuesdays (the following day if Tuesday is a public holiday) Admission : 700 yen for junior high school students and older 300 yen for ages 3 up to junior high school students Free for children under 2 *Group discounts available for 20 or more people Phone : 0968-66-4111 This indoor experiential digital art exhibit is produced by the internationally popular teamLab. Children can easily join by coloring pictures that then come to life on the walls and floors. Though sessions are time-limited, it’s an immersive and joyful space that kids will love.