Awagatake

Located in the mountainous region of Kakegawa city, where tea cultivation is thriving, this 532m mountain in Higashiyama offers quintessential Japanese rural landscapes with its tea fields at the foothills.

The hike from the base to the summit takes about an hour, making it a moderately easy trekking route. Famous as a cherry blossom spot, about 500 cherry trees, including mountain cherry and Somei Yoshino, bloom in succession in spring. The Awawa Shrine at the summit hosts a "Sakura Festival" in early April. While it's possible to drive to the summit, the narrow roads often lead to congestion during this period, so walking is recommended.

The summit's observation rest area, "Kapposhi Terrace," offers stunning views of the tea fields below, Suruga Bay, and Mount Fuji. The cafe on the first floor serves meals using local Higashiyama tea, including a lunch set with tea rice and tea and dessert sets. The tea house "Higashiyama Ippukudokoro" at the foothills offers free servings of Higashiyama tea and sells tea and sweets, making it a great stop before or after hiking.