I went on fieldwork for the first time in a while to see Mushroom Rock.
The view from Takabocchi was amazing! I was able to see Mt. Bandai and various other mountains and trees.
There were some areas that were only accessible to visitors of Koriyama Natural Forest, but even excluding those, there was a spacious area to enjoy fieldwork.
On the way to Mushroom Rock, I came across a pond called Nigoriike (Migori Pond), which wasn't as murky as I expected. The birdsong was soothing.
Jodo Matsuyama isn't particularly high at 343 meters, but if you take the path leading out of Kuroiwa (currently closed due to the effects of the Great East Japan Earthquake) and turn right, you'll find a slope with a large elevation change, making it a great place for hiking.
There's a shrine deep inside Jodo Matsuyama, but I wasn't able to go this time, so if you're interested, please check it out.
There's a sign pointing to a cave near Takabocchi, but it's more like a small secret base. Climbing rocks like Takabocchi can be very slippery, so please be careful.
There's a lot of pollen in the air right now, so I recommend taking precautions beforehand. Please be careful not to enter the wrong land as it is owned by the Ministry of Defense.
The playground equipment is currently under construction so you can't go in, but you can play in the plaza next door. It's spacious so you can play at your leisure.
I definitely recommend you go and check it out!
I went to see the Mushroom Rock.
It was a 500m hike up and down a sloping path that resembled a mountain trail at the back of the park. It wasn't a place you could just pop into.
I managed to squeeze it in during a short break, but it's better to visit with plenty of time to spare.
The area is surrounded by nature, and deer are said to frequent the area. There was a sign warning that bringing pets is dangerous.
The Mushroom Rock is made up of tuff, sandstone, and shale, separated by a fault line, allowing you to observe the degree of erosion by the rocks.
Because the rock is undergoing significant weathering, you can see from pre-earthquake photos that it collapsed during the Great East Japan Earthquake.
There's a grassy area, barbecue facilities, and playground equipment for children.
A short walk away you can see the unique mushroom-shaped rock formations.
Some flowers like Primula japonica and Skunk Cabbage were also in bloom.
The hills around Jodo Matsuyama have been turned into a park where you can enjoy hiking. The pine forests are magnificent, earning it the nickname "Matsushima on land." The unique, oddly shaped rock formations known as Kinokoiwa are a must-see. There are also athletic playgrounds, making it a great place for families.
