See Grasslands and Wind Turbines at Aoyama Highlands
A Highland Spanning Tsu and Iga
Aoyama Highlands (Aoyama Kōgen) lies on the border between Tsu and Iga in Mie Prefecture, with a ridge at an elevation of about 800 m extending roughly 10 km from north to south.
Part of Muro-Akame-Aoyama Quasi-National Park, the area offers walks across broad grasslands with views toward the Ise Plain and the Iga Basin.
Get Oriented at the Triangulation Point
The Triangulation Point, a representative viewpoint, is easy to reach from the parking lot and is a good first stop for understanding the relationship between the grasslands and the rows of wind turbines.
Even with open views, the highland covers a large area, so choose your next destination on a map—such as Maruyama Grassland or Parking Lot No. 6—before moving on.
Azaleas in Spring and Silver Grass in Fall
Azaleas in spring and silver grass in fall are highlights of the highland scenery, although blooming and coloring times vary with the weather.
Summer tends to be cooler than the lowlands, but with little shade from the sun, a hat and drinking water are essential in every season.
View the Wind Farms as Both Scenery and Technology
Large Wind Turbines Along a Wind Corridor
Aoyama Highlands lies on a wind corridor running from Wakasa Bay through Lake Biwa to Ise Bay, and wind power generation makes use of its year-round wind conditions.
Because the power facilities stand within a natural landscape, visitors can observe not only blade rotation and wind direction but also the complete system, including roads and transmission lines.
Replacement Work Underway in 2026
At Shin-Aoyama Kogen Wind Farm, 40 turbines rated at 2,000 kW are operating, while Aoyama Kogen Wind Farm is being replaced with 7 turbines rated at 2,300 kW each, for a total output of 15,000 kW.
The renewed Aoyama Kogen Wind Farm is scheduled to begin operating in March 2027, so check construction zones and on-site notices again on the day of your visit.
Kaze no Megumi no Yakata Requires Group Reservations
Kaze no Megumi no Yakata, where visitors can learn how wind power works, is not a tourist facility open for casual entry; it operates by full reservation for groups of 10 or more, such as school programs and corporate training groups.
It is open from 9:30 to 16:00 on weekdays and closed from December through March, so independent travelers should plan mainly around the publicly accessible outdoor areas.
Keeping the different viewing conditions for turbine-related sites in mind helps prevent confusion between public viewpoints and operational areas.
| Location | What You Can See | Key Visitor Information |
|---|---|---|
| Triangulation Point | Views of the grasslands and turbine rows | Use the public parking lot and walking paths |
| Maruyama Grassland | Ridge scenery and wind turbines | Do not push on in strong winds |
| Shin-Aoyama Kogen Wind Farm | 40 wind turbines rated at 2,000 kW | Follow signs and do not approach the equipment |
| Kaze no Megumi no Yakata | Educational exhibits on wind power | Groups of 10 or more, weekdays, advance reservation |
Connect the Viewpoints by Car
Use the Triangulation Point and Maruyama Grassland as Anchors
For a short visit, start at the Triangulation Point, then move to Maruyama Grassland or Parking Lot No. 6 as weather and road conditions allow to compare views from different distances to the turbines.
At each location, park only in designated places and respect pedestrian routes; do not stop on the roadside for photos or search for compositions while standing in the roadway.
Approach from Either the Hisai or Iga Side
The drive from the Ueno-higashi Interchange on the Meihan National Highway takes about 40 minutes.
Estimated travel time from the Hisai Interchange varies by source between about 40 and 60 minutes, so confirm your route before departure.
Mountain prefectural roads are more affected by weather than urban roads, so check traffic restrictions and road surfaces as well as travel time before setting out.
Set a Specific Destination in Your Navigation System
Searching only for the name of the highland displays a broad area, so set the Triangulation Point or the parking lot you plan to use as your destination.
In case reception is unstable, save the locations of viewpoints and roads to your map before departure.
Walk a 14 km Scenic Route Between Kintetsu Stations
Traverse from Nishi-Aoyama Station to Higashi-Aoyama Station
The Aoyama Highlands Scenic Course introduced by Mie Prefecture is a 14 km route from Kintetsu Nishi-Aoyama Station along the Tokai Nature Trail, passing the Triangulation Point, Maruyama Grassland, and the Takimidai viewpoint for Nunobiki Falls before descending to Higashi-Aoyama Station.
Standard walking time is about 6 hours 30 minutes, and you must allow additional time for breaks, photography, and waiting for trains.
Distinguish Short Walks from the Full Traverse
The wind farm guide also shows hiking courses of up to 12 km, but their distances and start and end points differ from Mie Prefecture's station-to-station traverse.
Do not judge difficulty from the label “highland walk” alone; confirm the course name, distance, and cumulative ascent and descent on the map you will use.
Plan Backward from Train Times
When completing the traverse by public transportation, check departure and arrival station train times first and set a schedule that lets you descend well before sunset.
If you only want to visit the viewpoints, a roughly 30-minute taxi ride from Kintetsu Sakakibara-onsenguchi Station is another option.
Comparing the demands of each transportation method makes it easier to choose a plan suited to your companions' fitness.
| Method | Estimate | Planning Point |
|---|---|---|
| Tour viewpoints by car | Short walks from each parking lot | Check road restrictions and parking locations |
| Station-to-station traverse | 14 km; about 6 hours 30 minutes | Add time for breaks and train schedules |
| Taxi from Sakakibara-onsenguchi Station | About 30 minutes to the highland | Arrange vehicles for both directions in advance |
| Group tour | About 1 hour 30 minutes | Groups of 10 or more; inquire at least 1 month ahead |
Prepare for Strong Winds and Sudden Weather Changes
Leave the Turbine Area in Strong Winds
Aoyama Highlands is a windy area suited to power generation, and the wind can be strong along the ridge even when conditions are calm in town.
If gusts begin to buffet your body or flying debris poses a danger, stop visiting viewpoints or walking the ridge and move into a vehicle or to a safe, lower location.
Leave High Ground When You Hear Thunder
The grasslands and turbine area are exposed high ground, making it dangerous to continue taking photos or moving around as thunderclouds approach.
Even before thunder is audible, retreat from high places early if the sky darkens and the wind direction changes.
Check for Snow and Icy Roads in Winter
Snow and road ice occur in winter, and mountain roads may freeze even when there is no snow in town.
If you lack winter equipment or traffic restrictions are expected, postpone your visit and do not force your way in while searching for an alternative route.
Sharing weather-based decision criteria in advance can prevent a delayed retreat caused by prioritizing the scenery.
| Conditions | Main Hazard | Action to Take |
|---|---|---|
| Strong winds | Falls and flying debris | Leave the ridge and turbine area |
| Thunderstorms | Lightning on exposed high ground | Descend early or shelter in a vehicle |
| Dense fog | Getting lost or collisions with vehicles | Slow down and reduce your activity range |
| Snow and ice | Skidding and impassable roads | Check restrictions and winter gear; consider postponing |
Photograph Responsibly to Protect Nature and Power Facilities
Do Not Cross Restricted-Area Signs or Fences
Although the turbines may look like part of the tourist scenery, they are operating or under-construction power facilities, and visitors may not enter management roads or fenced areas.
If you encounter construction vehicles or maintenance work, wait where you will not obstruct passage and follow the instructions of on-site staff.
Do Not Take Wild Plants or Animals
In the grasslands and forests of the quasi-national park, observe from the paths without picking flowers or approaching wild birds.
Take all trash home and do not leave food behind, helping protect both wildlife and visitors.
Finish Photography Before Sunset
Even when photographing the evening scenery, calculate the time needed to return to the parking lot or trail junction before sunset, and never enter an unfamiliar route after dark.
When using a tripod, do not block pedestrians or vehicles, and stand where you can support it at all times so it will not topple in a sudden gust.
Before departure, everyone in the group should share the map, turnaround time, and contact method; solo travelers should tell family or others their planned route.
Summary: Read the Wind and Distance When Exploring Aoyama Highlands
At Aoyama Highlands, you can view the grasslands and rows of turbines from the Triangulation Point and Maruyama Grassland while experiencing both the terrain that supports wind power and the strong winds themselves.
Before visiting, check the 2026 replacement work, access boundaries, and road conditions; distinguish the 14 km traverse from short walks, and enjoy the highland with a plan that allows you to turn back in strong winds, thunderstorms, or snow.
Reviews (0)