SHIZUOKA CITY KANKO NAVI

　The "Southern Alps" refer to the Akaishi Mountain Range. Together with the "Northern Alps" (the Hida Mountain Range) and the "Central Alps" (the Kiso Mountain Range), these three ranges are collectively known as the "Japanese Alps." The name was coined by Golland, a British engineer invited to Japan by the Meiji government.

　Among these Japanese Alps, the Southern Alps were designated a “UNESCO Global Geopark” in 2014. This recognition of the Southern Alps’ rich natural and cultural heritage led to a commitment to preserve it while continuing to coexist with human society.

　Within the designated area, the Ikawa district in northern Shizuoka City is entirely included in the “transition zone,” where people live in harmony with nature.

　It is a truly unique world, overflowing with the bounty of nature, where people live in harmony with the Southern Alps, preserving and passing down the unique lifestyle and culture of the deep mountains to this day.

A two-hour drive from downtown Shizuoka City lies the Ikawa district, the gateway to the Southern Alps. The Southern Alps UNESCO Eco-Park Ikawa Visitor Center provides up-to-date information.

The Oigawa Railway’s “Minami-Alps Aputo Line” winds its way up along the Oi River. Ikawa Station is the terminus. (*Currently suspended.)

The ferry landing at Lake Ikawa. There are sightseeing boats that take leisurely cruises around the lake, as well as ferries that serve as a means of transportation for local residents.

Take a leisurely stroll along the lake while enjoying the gentle breeze. Mount Kamikawachi in the Southern Alps peeks out from beyond the Ikawa Bridge.

A walking path along the shores of Lake Ikawa built on a disused railway line. Walking along the tracks, which have been left as they are, stirs up a sense of adventure.

Along the lakeside promenade at Lake Ikawa, a tunnel remains just as it was back then. It’s a moment to reflect on the dam’s history while gazing out at Lake Ikawa.

Ikawa Dam. Apparently, it’s Japan’s first “hollow gravity dam.” Maybe I’ll stop by the visitor center to learn how the dam works.

The town of Ikawa is home to ryokans where you can relax in a traditional Japanese-style room while savoring exquisite French cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients.

Minami-Alps Igawa Auto Campground. You can try canoeing here, and it also features hot spring facilities.

A heavenly flower garden adorning Mount Arakawa-maedake in the Southern Alps. A scene of pure bliss for those who have worked hard to reach this point.

Mount Matanodake, located at the northernmost tip of Shizuoka City, in the Southern Alps. The water that seeps from here eventually forms the Oi River, which flows into Suruga Bay.

Shirakaba-so in Akaishi Onsen, Southern Alps, offers lodging. The hot spring water is of exceptional quality, attracting many enthusiasts in search of a hidden hot spring.

・Southern Alps UNESCO Eco-Park

・Okushizu: Shizuoka City’s Mountainous and Rural Areas, Okushizuoka

・Minami-Alps UNESCO Eco-Park Igawa Visitor Center

・Tokushu Tokai Forest: Hiking and Sightseeing Information for the Southern Southern Alps

・Shizuoka City Ikawa Elementary School