Aoyama Plateau
A vast plateau dotted with towering wind turbines, offering breathtaking panoramic views and scenic drives.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Crisp air and soft light
Aoyama Plateau
Best Time
Crisp air and soft light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast plateau dotted with towering wind turbines, offering breathtaking panoramic views and scenic drives.
"A liberating spot with a panoramic view of the wind farms."
🚗 Car or Motorcycle Recommended
Essential for exploring the plateau's vastness and reaching viewpoints. Public transport is scarce.
📸 Best Photo Spots
Parking Lots 1 and 6 offer great angles for capturing the windmills and landscapes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Giant Wind Turbines
Various locations across the plateau
Marvel at the immense scale of these towering wind turbines against the expansive sky. A truly unique and impressive sight.
Panoramic Vistas
Designated photo spots and viewpoints
Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape, especially stunning during sunrise and sunset.
Scenic Driving Routes
Plateau roads
Experience the thrill of winding roads perfect for motorcycle and car tours, offering picturesque scenery at every turn.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Windmills & Views
Getting Around the Plateau
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Car or Motorcycle Recommended
Essential for exploring the plateau's vastness and reaching viewpoints. Public transport is scarce.
📸 Best Photo Spots
Parking Lots 1 and 6 offer great angles for capturing the windmills and landscapes.
🌬️ Cool Breeze Year-Round
Even on hot summer days, the plateau offers a refreshing, cool breeze.
☕ Weekend Cafe
A cafe is available on weekends, offering refreshments and a place to rest.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Car or Motorcycle Recommended
Essential for exploring the plateau's vastness and reaching viewpoints. Public transport is scarce.
📸 Best Photo Spots
Parking Lots 1 and 6 offer great angles for capturing the windmills and landscapes.
🌬️ Cool Breeze Year-Round
Even on hot summer days, the plateau offers a refreshing, cool breeze.
☕ Weekend Cafe
A cafe is available on weekends, offering refreshments and a place to rest.
🏍️ Motorcycle Touring Gem
Popular for motorcycle rides, with fun winding roads and scenic views. 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the spectacular panoramic views and the impressive sight of the giant wind turbines at Aoyama Plateau. The winding roads are a highlight for drivers and motorcyclists, offering a fun and scenic experience. While some find the facilities basic, the natural beauty and refreshing breeze make it a worthwhile destination for a day trip or a leisurely drive.
"Aoyama plateau was my favorite hiking experience in Tsu city. I have climbed it two times - once from Higashi Aoyama station and once from Nishi Aoyama station.
Higashi-Aoyama route - It is more scenic and traverses through streams (with bridges) and some steep mountain climbing at the end. The trailhead for this route can be reached by walking from the Higashi Aoyama station to Aoyama memorial park. The trail starts on the right side of the road. It will take you to a forest path and then lead you to an observatory where you can see Nunobikino falls. From there the stream section of the hike starts and it feels so nice to be in nature.
Nishi- Aoyama route - this is less physically challenging as you only need to climb about 400m height difference. From the back of the station there is a trail that guides you towards Aoyama plateau. So there is no need to walk on the road (which is reasonably busy). you will cross a horse riding area called Joba Club. Continue walking on the sidewalks after this point until you reach an over bridge. Cross it and go to the left side of the road to spot the trailhead. Initially it's a forest road that leads to some abandoned buildings from the 'Bubble period', campsites, and finally a long flight of stairs. Although there is a sign saying private property at the Sunny Villa, I believe it is an old sign board from the past which has not been removed. YAMAP marks this as a Nature trail and it is ok to pass through these areas. (These villas were projects from the economic bubble era which never came to fruition sadly). Spotted a snake and a Tanuki during this course."
Maharshi Ray
"The best spots to take photos are Parking Lots 1 and 6. ✋️
The photo spot with the giant windmill is off-limits to construction vehicles only...
I parked my bike in Parking Lot 1 and headed to the triangulation point.
Climbing the small hill and looking back, I was greeted by a spectacular view. ❤️
Going down the hill, I found a single building. It wasn't open, so I wondered if it had gone out of business...❓
There wasn't anything particularly special about it, but it was a great place to enjoy the beautiful view with the windmill in the background. ✋️"
KeN
"The parking lot can accommodate about 10-15 cars. There are toilets, drinking water vending machines, and a cafe (open only on weekends). This is a liberating spot with a panoramic view of the wind farms. The altitude is 4-5 degrees lower than the flat ground, so it is recommended for touring, driving, and picnics."
Yoshio.S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way to reach Aoyama Plateau is by car or motorcycle, as public transportation options are limited. The winding roads offer a scenic drive.
Public transport to Aoyama Plateau is very limited. It's best to plan your visit with a private vehicle. Some hiking trails start near Higashi Aoyama and Nishi Aoyama stations, but require further travel to the plateau itself.
The roads leading up to and around Aoyama Plateau are known for being fun and winding, making them ideal for motorcycle and car touring. Enjoy the scenic journey!
Yes, there are parking lots available, with Parking Lots 1 and 6 noted as excellent spots for photography. These lots can accommodate around 10-15 cars.
Yes, hiking is possible. Routes include one from Higashi Aoyama station, passing streams and leading to an observatory, and another from Nishi Aoyama station, which is less challenging and goes through forests and past abandoned buildings.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no mention of an entrance fee for Aoyama Plateau itself. Access to the general viewing areas and roads is typically free.
Aoyama Plateau is an outdoor natural area and is generally accessible at all times. However, facilities like the cafe are only open on weekends.
No advance booking is required for general access to Aoyama Plateau. It's a natural landscape open for exploration.
While most areas are open, one specific photo spot with a giant windmill is noted as being off-limits to construction vehicles, implying general public access is permitted.
Basic amenities like toilets and drinking water vending machines are available. A cafe operates on weekends.
📸 📸 Photography
Parking Lots 1 and 6 are highly recommended for capturing stunning photos of the windmills and the panoramic views.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer hues and fewer harsh shadows. Sunrises and sunsets can be particularly spectacular.
While you can see the wind turbines up close, be mindful of safety barriers and designated paths. The sheer size of the propellers is impressive when viewed from a safe distance.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes and the scale of the windmills. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details.
The combination of the vast wind farm, rolling hills, and dramatic skies provides unique photographic opportunities, especially during the golden hours or with interesting weather conditions like mist.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Enjoy scenic drives, motorcycle touring, hiking, photography, and picnicking. The plateau offers a refreshing escape with beautiful natural scenery. +1
Absolutely! Many visitors enjoy picnics with the stunning backdrop of the wind farms and panoramic views. It's a liberating spot to relax.
The plateau is at a higher altitude, making it cooler than the surrounding areas, typically 4-5 degrees Celsius lower. It can be windy, and even on hot days, a refreshing breeze is common.
The most prominent features are the numerous giant wind turbines. You'll also find scenic viewpoints, winding roads, and natural landscapes.
During hikes, visitors have reported spotting snakes and Tanuki (Japanese raccoon dogs).
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While extensive playgrounds aren't a feature, the open areas allow for running around, and the scenic drives can be an adventure in themselves. The hiking trails offer varying levels of difficulty, so choose one suitable for your family's stamina. Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, as facilities can be limited outside of weekends.
🏍️ Motorcycle Enthusiasts
Plenty of parking is available, making it easy to stop and take photos or simply soak in the atmosphere. The cooler climate at higher altitudes is also a welcome bonus for riders, especially during warmer months. Don't miss the chance to experience the liberating feeling of riding through this impressive natural setting.
📸 Photographers
Parking Lots 1 and 6 are prime locations for capturing the iconic windmills. Experiment with wide-angle lenses to convey the scale of the turbines and the landscape, or use a telephoto lens to focus on specific details. The changing weather and seasons can also offer dramatic backdrops, from misty mornings to vibrant sunsets.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Aoyama Plateau by Vehicle
Parking is available at various points, with Lot 1 and Lot 6 being particularly noted for their photographic potential. These lots offer convenient access to viewpoints and are good starting points for exploring the plateau. Remember that while the roads are enjoyable, always drive or ride responsibly and be aware of your surroundings.
The plateau's higher elevation ensures a cooler climate, making it a pleasant escape even during warmer months. The refreshing breeze is a significant draw, contributing to the overall liberating atmosphere of the area.
Hiking Trails and Nature
The Nishi Aoyama route is considered less physically demanding. It begins near the station and guides hikers through forests, past remnants of the 'Bubble period' economic boom (abandoned buildings and unfinished projects), and campsites. This trail also involves a long flight of stairs and is marked as a nature trail, with signs indicating it's okay to pass through.
During these hikes, keep an eye out for local wildlife. Visitors have reported sightings of snakes and Tanuki, adding an element of discovery to the natural experience. The plateau's diverse flora and fauna contribute to its appeal as a hiking destination.
The Iconic Windmills
While you can't walk directly into the turbine areas for safety reasons, designated viewpoints offer excellent opportunities to appreciate their scale and capture stunning photographs. The windmills are particularly photogenic during sunrise and sunset, when the light casts long shadows and bathes the landscape in warm hues.
These turbines are not just visually impressive; they are an integral part of the plateau's identity, symbolizing a harmonious blend of nature and technology. The constant hum of the turbines, though subtle, adds to the unique ambiance of the area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit