Hiruzen Jersey Land

Hiruzen Jersey Land is a popular highland farm and leisure park located in the Hiruzen Highlands of Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture, Japan. Situated at approximately 840 meters elevation on the southern slopes of Mount Hiruzen, the facility was established in 1978 as part of efforts to develop the region's dairy farming industry and promote tourism in this scenic mountainous area. The park takes its name from the Jersey cattle breed that forms the centerpiece of its operations, as the highland climate proved ideal for raising these dairy cows originally from the British Channel Islands.

The attraction serves as both a working dairy farm and a family-oriented tourist destination, offering visitors direct interaction with farm animals and the opportunity to experience rural Japanese agriculture. The park is home to a herd of Jersey cows, along with sheep, horses, rabbits, and other farm animals that visitors can observe and sometimes feed. The facility produces its own dairy products, including milk, ice cream, yogurt, and cheese, which are available for purchase and tasting on-site. The soft-serve ice cream made from Jersey milk is particularly renowned for its rich, creamy flavor due to the high butterfat content characteristic of this breed.

Visitors can participate in various hands-on activities throughout the year, including butter-making workshops, horseback riding experiences, and seasonal events. The expansive grounds feature walking paths with panoramic views of the Hiruzen mountain range and surrounding plateau. During spring and summer, visitors can enjoy the contrast between grazing cattle and blooming lavender fields. The park also houses several restaurants serving dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, including Jersey beef and dairy products.

Hiruzen Jersey Land is accessible by car via the Yonago Expressway, with parking available for approximately 1,000 vehicles. The nearest major city is Okayama, located roughly 80 kilometers southeast, which takes about 90 minutes by car. Public transportation is limited, though buses operate from JR Chugoku-Katsuyama Station during peak tourist seasons. General admission to the park is free, though individual activities and facilities charge separate fees, typically ranging from ¥300 to ¥1,000 per person depending on the experience.