Tsukahara

Yufuin-cho, Yufu, Oita, is known for hot spring town. The Tsukahara district which spreads to the north side of Mt.Yufu, which is located at the border with Beppu City, is located in a highland area of 600m above sea level. Tsukahara Kogen is the land with various legends from the ancient times, such as “Tsukumozuka Legend” and “Tametomo Legend” made by demons, and a monument at Sacred Kirishima Shrine is inscribed that the village had already existed in the 4th century.

This is the birthplace of animal husbandry in Oita Prefecture hopes for Mt.Yufu at altitude of 1583m, and in the early summer, an idyllic landscape spreads like a fresh wind blows through lush meadows. Even though the Tsukahara district is located conveniently place within 10 minutes from Yufuin by car and 30 minutes to Beppu City, unspoiled great nature remains, and locally owned regional development without depending on the government has been always carried out due to isolated location from surrounding villages.
Tsukahara where was originally a rural area has been drawing attention as a sightseeing spot for about the last 20 years or so. The tourism association was established with the focus on those who fell in love with this landscape, and the name “Tsukahara Kogen” became known. Tsukahara Onsen which is one of the three major medicinal baths has been prospered as a hot spring resort since ancient times and is nationally famous for a secluded hot spring. 100% fresh hot water using spring's source that comes from the middle of the active volcano Mt.Garan. The spring quality is strong acidic.
Tsukahara is a small village with 141 households, about 340 inhabitants, but roughly three living style mix. Lives of people who were born and raised in this place and engaged in farming since their ancestors. Lives of people who started dairy farming after the end of the war. And, lives of people who have been fascinated by and moved into this land since the 1980s, run tourism business. Although each has different histories and backgrounds, it can be said that residents can enjoy the benefits of the wilderness in the result of the efforts of the predecessors who have secured this land from a long time ago.
It's an unobstructed vast land. Every time the business operator looking at a new business started to develop a new business, opinions in the district were divided, and they always reached agreement with persistent dialogue. Despite their political differences, they have the underlying common philosophy of “preserving the landscape of Tsukahara and aiming for sustainable development”.

Interviewed in July, 2018