Red Hill Heather Forest: A Stroll Among Flowers and Healing in an Exotic Forest
Located in Tsu City, Mie Prefecture, "Red Hill Heather Forest" is a botanical garden that spans approximately 130,000 square meters of restored countryside 🌼. The "Redwood Forest," featuring the world's tallest trees, the "Semper Sequoia," offers an extraordinary experience that feels like wandering into a foreign forest ✨.
Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers: cherry blossoms, rhododendrons, and wisteria in spring; water lilies in summer; autumn leaves and roses in fall; and the serene forest in winter.
I visited in mid-June, when the hydrangeas were in full bloom, creating a scene reminiscent of Monet's paintings 🎨. Walking through the dappled sunlight was a soothing experience that lifted my spirits.
This forest, where nature and art blend seamlessly, is perfect for couples or solo travelers 💖.
🚃【Access】
- By train: From Kintetsu/JR "Tsu Station," take the Mie Kotsu Bus bound for "Toyogaoka" → Get off at "F Kitayama" and walk about 5 minutes.
- By car: About 5 minutes from "Geino IC" on the Ise Expressway.
- Parking: Use the Farmers Market "Asatsumi" parking lot (free, approximately 323 spaces) 🅿️.
* On weekends and holidays, buses are available. About 30 minutes from Tsu Station (one-way fare: 740 yen).
🧭【Travel Tips】
- Best time to see hydrangeas: Mid to late June 💠.
- Wear comfortable shoes and a hat for walking 👟👒.
- The garden has a café and shop offering local vegetables and souvenirs 🍅🛍️.
- Visit early in the morning for fewer crowds and better photo opportunities 📷.
- Plenty of shaded areas make summer visits cool and pleasant 🌳.