Kamagatani Explained

Kamagatani
Native Name:霞間ヶ渓
Native Name Lang:jp
Map:Japan Gifu Prefecture#Japan
Relief:1
Type:Urban park
Location:Ikeda, Gifu, Japan
Coords:35.4319°N 136.5492°W

is a valley in the town of Ikeda, Gifu Prefecture, Japan noted for a scenic valley. It is a noted spot for viewing cherry blossoms in spring and was designated both a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument,in 1928[1] It is located within the borders of the Ibi-Sekigahara-Yōrō Quasi-National Park.

Overview

The Kamagatani valley was formed by erosion of the eastern slope of Mount Ikeda, and the topography is very steep. It was famed for its cherry blossoms since ancient times, and many varieties of flowering cherry trees grew naturally in this area. During the Edo period, the various daimyō of Ogaki Domain planted more cherry trees, (especially the Somei Yoshino variety) to help prevent landslides. As the area became a tourist destination after the Meiji restoration, planting and replanting has continued, and there are now an estimated 2000 cherry trees along a two kilometer length of the valley. The park is one of the leading hanami locations in the Tōkai region, and has been selected as one of the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan" by the Japan Sakura Association [2]

In addition, the area is also a special production area for tea, and tea fields spread out between the rows of cherry blossom trees.

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 霞間ヶ渓 . . 10 February 2012 .
  2. http://www.sakuranokai.or.jp/ Japan Sakura Association