Ride along the Warashina River and enjoy Okushizu

Shizuoka City, a town of clear streams. After crossing the Abe River, you will come across the mysterious Kogaremori forest on the island of the Warashina River. As you continue through the Motoyama area, a high-quality tea producing region, you will see a tea cafe. There is also a free cafe space inside the store, so you can find your favorite brand. Further ahead, you will see the first large ginkgo tree in the schoolyard of Nakawarashina Elementary School. The golden leaves look very mysterious. If you continue across the Kiyosawa Bridge and ride along the Kuromata River, you will see Kiyosawa Sato Station on your left. Cross the Kunoo Bridge and head to Prefectural Route 32. Around Sakano Village, you will see a sign for the second large Kuromata ginkgo tree. If you look up, you will see a large tree that looks to be over 20 meters tall on the hill. After praying at the torii gate in front of the large ginkgo tree, head back the way you came. Your feet will feel lighter as you pedal downhill.

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  Kogarashi's Mori

  A small island on the Kawanakajima (middle island) a little upstream from where the Warashina River joins the Abe River, it is a designated scenic spot of Shizuoka Prefecture. This island is also mentioned in Sei Shonagon's "Makura no Soshi" (Pillow Book), and has long been read about in many waka poems as a utamakura (poem pillow) in Suruga Province. Hachiman Shrine was built on the island.

  Website here

• Satoen Factory and Direct Sales Shop "Ocha Café"

  Satoen, which has its own tea plantation and tea factory in the historic Motoyama region, introduces local teas at its street-front store. There is a free café space where you can choose tea while tasting. Opening hours: 9:30-17:30 (café until 17:00) Closed: Tuesdays

• Large ginkgo tree at Nakawarashina Elementary School

  Nakawarashina Elementary School is an elementary school located about 13 kilometers north of the city center, and there is a large ginkgo tree over 140 years old on its playground. The ginkgo trees and autumn leaves are very beautiful

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  Warabiko, a city and mountain village exchange center

  You can drop in anytime and use the restrooms as well as the baths. Warabiko holds exchange classes to promote the attractions of the area, such as soba noodle making and natural food making. Hours: 9:00-17:00. Closed on Mondays, the next day if a national holiday falls on a Monday, the New Year's holiday, and the fourth Tuesday of every month.

  Website here
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  Kuromata's Great Ginkgo

  Kuromata's Great Ginkgo is a natural monument designated by Shizuoka Prefecture. It is a large male tree estimated to be 500 years old and has a trunk circumference of 8.7 meters, and its size is surprising. In front of the great ginkgo, there is a torii gate and a sign with an explanation.

  Website here
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  Kiyosawa Sato no Eki

  A village station in the Kiyosawa district in the mountains of Shizuoka City. Popular dishes include rustic country soba noodles, wild boar croquettes, and mountain village cuisine made by local housewives, such as mugwort kintsuba. Business hours: 9:00-16:00 Closed: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday)

  Website here