The thrill awaits you Taking a boat trip down the Tenryu River gives you an opportunity to see spectacles along the way that can only be seen by boat along this 6km course from Funagira Dam to the Futamata district. Season: April 1 (Tuesday) to November 29 (Saturday) Fare: JPY 2,310 for adults, JPY 1,150 for children, and JPY 630 for toddler Tel(Tenryu Hamanako Railway): 0539-26-2111

A station on the road between the mountains Situated among the mountains on Route 362 between Tenryu City and Haruno Town, the Station on the Road is close to Akiba Shrine and its famous "Fire Prevention God.". Worshipers come from all over the Japan to visit this shrine. As its name implies, the Station on the Road is a great place to take a rest and have a refreshing cup of local Tenryu Tea. Open: from 8:30 to 18:00 (April to September) from 8:30 to 17:00 (October to March) (The restrooms, parking lot, and public phones are available 24 hours a day) Closed: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and 12/31 to 1/3 (however, from 1/1 to 1/3 the restaurant is open) Parking: Parking is available for 40 standard cars, two buses, and one space allocated for the handicapped individual.

You will be surprised when you see this huge Tengu (Japanese long-nosed goblin) mask The Tengu is the symbol of Mt. Akiba. It is well worth taking a look at this huge Tengu mask at the Tengu Square-at night its eyes sparkle. Tengu can be seen all over Haruno Town and should not be missed, such as the Tengufs wooden clog monument and designed character on the newel of Miyagawa bridge.. Tel(Haruno Town Tourist Organization): 0539-83-0066

Home of the "Father of the Takarazuka Revue Company" Tetsuzo Shirai, known as the father of the Takarazuka Revue Company (a Japanese all girls musical revue theater company), was born in Inui, Haruno Town. He wrote numerous songs such as the famous "Sumire no Hana Saku Koro" [When the Violets are in Bloom]. More than 600 of his treasured items and materials related to Takarazuka are on display. Tel(Sanson Development Center): 0539-89-0200 Open from 9:00 to 17:00 Closed: Mondays (Tuesdays when Monday is a national holiday), the day after national holidays, and year end/beginning Entrance Fee: free

Flower hot spring, gorgeous place to stay The Kassaka Kagura is an ancient Shinto dance performed by the young men of the Kassaka district where Yahata Shrine and Kiyomizu Shrine are located. The event is held in late October when the shrines have festivals. The site has a hall devoted to an explanation and history of the dance. There is also the "Kagura Tea Shop" where you can eat hand-made soba noodles (Japanese buckwheat noodles). Lodging is offered in an environment where you might even catch a glimpse of wild deer. Tel(Kassaka Kagura no Sato Office (Kagura Tea Shop)): 0539-89-1470

A fantastic place to see the autumn foliage The 5km gorge extending from Kassaka in Haruno Town to Kadoketa in Misakubo Town along the Kita River is known as the "Myojin Gorge." The bare rocks and crags, carved from the steep rapids, are fascinating during any season, but in the autumn, the trees such as maple tree, zelkova, and beech, lining the gorge display their brilliant colors. The best time to view the autumn foliage is usually around the middle of November. Tel(Haruno Town Tourist Organization): 0539-83-0066

Wake up to the sound of birds, sleep with the stars Situated up high in the mountains, this Pension is famous for its cold mineral spring. As even shown on TV, mountain potatoes, wild boar stew, and other seasonal dishes are offered at the pension. You can even play tennis. You are welcome to come just for a bath and dining, but be sure to make a reservation in advance. Tel: 0539-84-0239 Stay: Two meals and lodging for a night is from JPY 8,300 (reservations required) Website: http://www.hihoo.net/symphony/

A solemn shrine with a 1300-year history Situated on the top of Mt. Yamazumi at 1,107m elevation, the first thing you will notice when you visit this shrine is a huge cedar tree, said to be more than 1,260 years old. It is a natural monument of Shizuoka Prefecture. The shrine is visited by many worshipers during the two festivals held each year in spring (April 17) and autumn (November 17). Tel: 0539-82-0008

Learn about these antelopes which are registered as living national monuments This facility, located 600 meters north of Yamazumi Shrine on the Super Rindo Road, was built as a learning center about the antelopes that inhabit the area. These antelopes have been designated as a living national monument. Stuffed antelopes are on display and a section of the facility is devoted to an explanation about their mode of life, special features, and the species in general. Another section is devoted to information about the forests around Misakubo. The facility is used by researchers and nature-lovers alike. Tel: 053-87-1200 Open: from 9:00 to 16:00 Entrance fees: JPY 200 for adults and JPY 100 for children

Relax your body and mind in the middle of nature This is a 25 hectare area of virgin forest from the Super Rindo Road Yacho no Mori route to Mt. Kadoketa From an elevation of 1,200 meters to 1,300 meters (3900 to 4300 feet), Japanese beach and oak trees remain in their virgin state. You will probably run into some unusual birds and insects, which inhabit high elevations. An assortment of viewing platforms, information boards and aobservatory are located along the walking paths. Tel(Misakubo Town Hall Industry Department): 0539-82-0008

One of Japan's few rock-filled dams Completed in 1969, this is one of the few dams in Japan that was built by piling up rocks and clay. It is 105 meters high and 224 meters wide. Deep in the mountains, the beautiful artificial lake that resulted from the dam construction is full of carp and other fish including pond smelt which could be caught in winter. Tel(Misakubo Town Hall Industry Department): 0539-82-0008

God of fire prevention With an elevation of 886 meters, Mt. Akiba has been known as a sacred mountain for fire prevention from ancient times. The paths to this mountain have been known as the Akiba Kaido (Akiba Route) for centuries, and they remains today over a large area. Worshipers still make their way here in large numbers from all over Japan, especially around and during the "Akiba Himatsuri" Festival which is held December 15th and 16th. At this time a lot of tourists also make their way here. Tel 0539-85-0111 (Upper Shrine) 0539-85-0005 (Lower Shrine)