Ise-Shima National Park: Yokoyama View Point Reopens, Fully Renovated

In accordance with the March 2016 interministerial initiative of “Our Vision to Support the Future of Through Tourism,” the Ministry of the Environment is promoting the “Project to Fully Enjoy National Parks” with the aim of branding Japan’s national parks as world class. While there are 34 national parks in Japan in total, eight of them have been selected for leading and focused implementation of the project. They are: Akan-Mashu National Park, Towada-Hachimantai National Park, Nikko National Park, Ise-Shima National Park, Daisen-Oki National Park, Aso-Kuju National Park, Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park and Keramashoto National Park. At Ise-Shima National Park, the Yokoyama Picnic Site has been completely refurbished and is now open to the public. The picnic site commands a breathtaking view of , a major scenic element of the national park. To help visitors appreciate the natural beauty with comfort, the site has been renovated into an elegant view point with the newly-constructed Yokoyama Tenkū (Sky View) Café Terrace and other facilities. From the café terrace with a cup of coffee in hand, you will enjoy a panoramic view of Sato-umi (coastal area) in which nature and human life melt into each other. We look forward to welcoming many visitors.

1. Yokoyama View Point At the Yokoyama View Point, your eyes will be fixed on the beauty of Sato-umi, a harmonious symbiosis of Mother Nature and humans. The natural landscape of Ago Bay with its numerous small islands and the ria coastline embraces rows of pearl culturing rafts and other crafts for human activities. To help visitors appreciate this symbiotic scenery in an open and relaxed atmosphere, a pavilion and a central observatory deck have been constructed newly with the name of Yokoyama Tenkū (Sky View) Café Terrace. The pavilion houses a café that serves beverages and light foods with a local touch. Within the walking distance of the café terrace, two smaller observation decks --- Komorebi Terrace and Soyokaze Terrace --- have been built in addition. The parking area, roadways and walkways have been refurbished as well.

２. Features of the renovation (1) Yokoyama Tenkū (Sky View) Café Terrace Concept: “The stage on which people confront the overwhelming beauty of Ago Bay, the land and the sky which nurture the foods they need and the culture they cherish” The pavilion housing the café and the central observatory deck are integrated as one spot to allow visitors to be marveled by nature, while reposing quietly with refreshments. Please enjoy the local tastes and the gorgeous Sato-umi landscape where nature and humans evolve in tandem.

■ Observatory deck Stretching out toward the coastline, the observatory deck gives viewers the sensation of Stories to Experience –National Parks of Japan-

floating freely in the sky. The deck is terraced to align with the terrain with its front edge set low and not to disrupt the natural landscape. The floor material is Japanese cypress delivered from within , which adds a touch of class.

Central observatory deck of Yokoyama Tenkū (Sky View) Café Terrace

■ Pavilion (First floor) Café, Lounge (free), bathrooms (Second floor) Lounge (free) (semi-outdoor observatory deck) The pavilion is a two-storied wooden building. Some 60% of the lumber used came from within Mie Prefecture. The floor is made of rust-colored granite stones (from Shodoshima Island in the Seto Inland Sea) to match the color of the soil in Yokoyama. The interior design and color of the pavilion are restrained so that the vivid landscape outside will stand out all the more.

◇ Café (takeout style) Shop name: Mirador Shima “Mirador” is the Spanish word for “observatory.” The menu includes AOSA (sea lettuce) Scones and other light foods prepared from or with locally available ingredients. Thus, guests will feel connected to the blessings from the Satoyama and Sato-umi of Ise-Shima region. Open hours: 9:00 - 16:30 (no fixed holidays)

◇ Lounge (free) 24 seats (with table 16 seats, chairs only 8) Open hours: 9:00 - 16:30 Any visitor can use this lounge with no need for purchase at the café. The tables and chairs are made of Japanese cedar brought in from within the prefecture. Lamps on the walls

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have designs of Camellia japonica (a type of wild camellia), Rhododendron reticulatum (a type of wild azalea) and Lilium japonicum Thunb. (bamboo lily) flowers that grow naturally in Yokoyama.

Tenkū (Sky View) Café Terrace (left: Pavilion: right: Café and Lounge (free))

(2) Additional observatory decks The parking area, pavements, walkways and other auxiliary facilities have also been renovated. Please take the time to stroll for a while after you have relaxed at the Yokoyama Tenkū (Sky View) Café Terrace.

■ Komorebi Terrace Concept: “The heavenly terrace to just relax in the shade of a Japanese zelkova tree” A one-minute walk from the Tenkū (Sky View) Café Terrace by the wheelchair accessible boardwalk will take you to Komorebi Terrace. The word ‘Komorebi’ means ‘sunlight filtering through foliage.’ Trees surround the Komorebi Terrace, providing a sense of seclusion of sorts. Japanese zelkova and Japanese chinquapin trees stand in the center, spreading out a pleasant cover of shade. There is a terrace counter on which to place your beverage cups or bottles. Sit down on the bench, quench your thirst and gaze into the distance.

■ Soyokaze Terrace Concept: “The terrace where you can seek peace and contentment because Ago Bay is all yours” From the Tenkū (Sky View) Café Terrace, take a 10-minute stroll in nature and climb a short stairway, then you find yourself in the midst of a wide-open terrace. You will be taken aback by the panorama of Sato-umi with rows of aquaculture rafts and other structures indicative of vibrant human life. At 170 meters above sea level, the breeze is fresh and crisp. You may be tempted to open your bento box here.

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Left: Komorebi Terrace Right; Soyokaze Terrace

(3) Access, map Access: 10 minutes by car from Kintetsu Ugata Station or 45 minutes’ walk from Kintetsu Shima Line Shima-Yokoyama Station

At Yokoyama Visitor Center, you can learn a lot about the nature and culture of Ise-Shima National Park. Also, you will find information about the many nature activities the Center organizes for park visitors. Open hours: 9:00 - 16:30 Closed on Tuesdays

Yokoyama Visitor Center access map http://chubu.env.go.jp/nature/yokoyama/english_home/yokoyama_vc/index3.html

Yokoyama Picnic Site Map

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Yokoyama Nature Observation Map in Autumn http://chubu.env.go.jp/nature/yokoyama/english_home/pdf/OpenAutumnEngMap.pdf

Ise-Shima National Park Yokoyama Visitor Center http://chubu.env.go.jp/nature/yokoyama/english_home/index.html

Contact: Visitor Use Promotion Office, National Park Division, Nature Conservation Bureau, Ministry of the Environment E-mail: [email protected]

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