Autumn colors are moving from the mountains down to the flatlands around Kyukamura Hiruzen Kogen (休暇村蒜山高原), a highland resort hotel in Hiruzen Kamifukuda, Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture, which sits in front of the three Hiruzen peaks. The foliage relay continues through mid-November, and the hotel is selling a stay plan aimed at guests who want to climb the peaks among the autumn leaves.
The Three Hiruzen Peaks in Daisen-Oki National Park
The three peaks standing right in front of the hotel are Kamihiruzen (上蒜山, 1,202 m), Nakahiruzen (中蒜山, 1,123 m) and Shimohiruzen (下蒜山, 1,100 m). They are part of Daisen-Oki National Park (大山隠岐国立公園).
The summits offer 360-degree views. Below lies Hiruzen Highland, and Mt. Daisen (大山) and Mt. Karasugasen (烏ヶ山) can also be seen. Some sections of the trails, such as the rocky stretches, are steep, but the rest are well maintained, so the climb can be enjoyed by hikers from beginners to veterans.
Mountain Climbing Support Stay Plan
The "Mountain Climbing Support Stay Plan" (山登り応援宿泊プラン) includes a transfer from the hotel to the trailhead of Kamihiruzen, Nakahiruzen or Shimohiruzen, a packed lunch (with tea), and a hot spring bath after the descent.
Guests using public transportation can also use a transfer timed to Yakumo No. 24 (やくも24号), which departs Neu Station (根雨駅) at 5:05 PM. This transfer is available only with this plan.
Trailhead Transfers
- Departure: 8:00 AM on the morning after the overnight stay, with guests taken to the trailhead of their choice among the three peaks
- Pickup: After the descent, guests call the hotel, and staff pick them up at the trailhead
Plan Details
- Period: Tuesday, September 1, 2026 to Monday, November 30, 2026
- Reservations: Required at least 2 days in advance
- Price: From ¥18,500 per person for one night with two meals (tax included; bathing tax of ¥150 separate)
- The price is for one adult, based on two guests sharing one room on a weekday
Autumn Foliage Spots Near Hiruzen Kogen
Fukuda Shrine (福田神社)
Fukuda Shrine is about 10 minutes by car from the hotel. It is also known as Omiya-sama (大宮様), and the "Omiya Odori" (大宮踊) handed down at the shrine is designated a nationally Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
Two large ginkgo trees, estimated to be more than about 650 years old, stand on the grounds. They usually turn the grounds yellow from early to mid-November. Even after the leaves have fallen, a yellow carpet covers the whole grounds.
Tokuyama Shrine (徳山神社)
Tokuyama Shrine is also about 10 minutes by car from the hotel. From late October to mid-November, the maple and ginkgo trees on the grounds change color, creating a contrast of yellow and red.
It is known as a hidden autumn foliage spot in Hiruzen and is also a popular photo spot.
About Kyukamura Hiruzen Kogen
Kyukamura Hiruzen Kogen is a highland resort hotel facing the three Hiruzen peaks: Kamihiruzen, Nakahiruzen and Shimohiruzen. Its natural radon hot spring, which can also be used after a hike, is popular for warming the body to the core. The hotel is about 10 minutes by car from Hiruzen IC on the Yonago Expressway, and guests can enjoy the pastoral scenery of the highland.
- Address: Hiruzen Kamifukuda, Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture (postal code 717-0602)
- Website: https://www.qkamura.or.jp/hiruzen/
