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Konze Tenma no Mori

Park

Prefecture

Shiga

Type

Park

N/A

0 reviews

Free

Entry Fee

Free Entry

About This Destination

A green hilltop forest park on the slopes of Konze-yama in Ritto, next to the Michi-no-Eki Konze no Sato roadside station, laid out on the site of a 1975 national tree-planting ceremony and looking out over Lake Biwa, Omi-Fuji and the Konze hiking trails.

Konze Tenma no Mori is a spacious, wooded park on the slopes of Konze-yama (604 metres) in the hills of Ritto in southern Shiga, sitting right beside the Michi-no-Eki Konze no Sato roadside station. It occupies the site of the 26th National Tree-Planting Festival, held here in 1975 under the theme of creating a hometown of water and greenery; a hinoki cypress planted by Emperor Showa and a maple planted by the Empress still stand in the grounds. On a clear day the park's lookouts take in Lake Biwa, the cone of Omi-Fuji (Mount Mikami) and the Hira mountains on the far shore. It also serves as a trailhead for the Konze-yama hiking course, which links nearby sights including Konze-ji temple, an avenue of cherry trees and the Shiraito Falls. There is free parking for about 29 cars, and it pairs naturally with a stop at the adjacent roadside station for food and local produce. Reaching it really needs a car, about 20 minutes from the Meishin Expressway Ritto interchange; the seasonal Konze loop bus from JR Tehara Station runs only on autumn weekends.

Location

Prefecture: Shiga

Address: Ritto, Shiga, Japan

Nearest Station: Tehara Station

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Unknown

Food Options: There are no shops or restaurants inside the park, so bring your own supplies or use the neighbouring Michi-no-Eki Konze no Sato Ritto, which has a farm shop, a restaurant known for wild-boar shishi-don, and fig soft-serve ice cream.

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Konze Tenma no Mori?

It is a public forest park on the slopes of Konze-yama in Ritto, Shiga, laid out on the site of the 26th National Tree-Planting Festival held here in 1975. Trees planted at that ceremony by Emperor Showa (a hinoki cypress) and the Empress (a maple) still stand in the grounds. The park is green and spacious, sits right next to the Michi-no-Eki Konze no Sato roadside station, and is free to enter.

What is there to see and do?

On a clear day the park's lookouts take in Lake Biwa, the cone of Omi-Fuji (Mount Mikami) and the Hira mountains across the water. It is also a trailhead for the Konze-yama hiking course, which links Konze-ji temple, an avenue of cherry trees and the Shiraito Falls. Spring brings cherry blossom and fresh green, and autumn brings maple colour, so it is mainly a place for views, walking and seasonal scenery rather than built attractions.

How do I get there and is there parking?

A car is by far the easiest way: it is about 20 minutes from the Meishin Expressway Ritto interchange along Prefectural Route 12, and there is free parking for about 29 cars and 2 large vehicles. Public transport is limited: from JR Tehara Station on the Kusatsu Line the seasonal Konze loop bus takes about 30 minutes but runs only on weekends and holidays in autumn, so outside that window you need a car or taxi.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring for the cherry blossom and fresh greenery, and autumn for the maple colour and the clearest views over Lake Biwa. Autumn also has the practical advantage that the seasonal Konze loop bus runs on weekends, giving a rare non-car option. Winter is cold and quiet, and the mountain views depend heavily on the weather, so pick a clear day whenever you go.

Can I combine it with the roadside station, and where do I eat?

Yes, that is the natural way to visit. The park has no shops or restaurants of its own, but it is right next to the Michi-no-Eki Konze no Sato Ritto roadside station, which has a farm shop of local Shiga produce, a restaurant known for wild-boar shishi-don, and a fig soft-serve ice cream. A typical trip pairs a walk or viewpoint in the park with a meal and some souvenir shopping at the station.