Yoshino Plum Village

A Japanese sweets shop using plums located near Ume Park in Aomi City, Yoshino Umegou. Popular plum sweets with rich flavors include the plum blossom-shaped "Koubai Manju," which is made by wrapping smooth red bean paste kneaded in an iron pot with castella, and "Ume Kinu," a plum rice cake made with plum wine, making them perfect souvenirs from Umegou. In the shop's sweet corner, unique items such as "Aoi Ume Kuzukiri," which can only be tasted here, and "Aoi Ume Soft Serve" made with homemade green plum syrup are offered. During lunch hours from 11 AM to 3 PM, you can also enjoy the "Kuri Okowa Zen" served with plum wine.

This area, which stretches 4 km east to west on the south side of the Tama River from Hinatawada Station to Futamatao Station on the JR Ome Line, serves as the gateway to Chichibu Tama Kai National Park. It is dotted with tourist spots such as the symbolic Ume Park in Aomi City, the Yoshikawa Eiji Memorial Museum, and the Aomi Kimono Museum. True to its name as the village of plums, you can find plum blossoms in the precincts of shrines and temples like Tensawa-in, Sokuseiji, and Atago Shrine, as well as in privately owned gardens, which are open to the public as open gardens, making it a recommended place to stroll around. Ume Park in Aomi City had all its plum trees cut down in 2014 due to the plum disease "Ume Ring Spot Virus," but replanting began in 2016. Currently, about 1,200 trees of approximately 150 varieties are being planted, gradually restoring the former landscape. The Yoshino Umegou Plum Festival is held from mid-February to mid-March.

Known as a sacred mountain of mountain worship and popular for hiking, Mount Mitake has a visitor center located in the Oshi village on the summit. An interpreter (nature guide) is stationed there, providing information about the nature and hiking courses of Mount Mitake, and answering various questions. Inside the facility, there are interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn about the nature, history, and culture of Mount Mitake's flora and fauna in a fun way. In addition to slide presentations introducing the four seasons of Mount Mitake, a variety of programs such as craft experiences and nature classes are also held. There is a rest area where food and drinks are allowed, making it easy to use.