A Trip to the Hiruzen Plateau: A Sanctuary of Superb Dairy Products Surrounded by Nature
Hello Private Wisdom readers! In this issue of Private Wisdom, I would like to talk about my recent visit to the Hiruzen Plateau in Okayama Prefecture. This place is a hidden gem known for its rich nature and fresh dairy products. Hiruzen Kogen is located in Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture, and is part of the Daisen-Oki National Park, a highland area with beautiful seasonal scenery. The area is home to many Jersey cattle farms, and the dairy products produced there are superb in taste. I am writing this article based on my visit to this area and the excitement I experienced at a cheese factory. First, I recommend that you plan your visit by referring to Maniwa City’s tourist website for official tourist information on the Hiruzen Kogen Plateau. Here you will find detailed information on local events and accessibility.
It was a crisp early summer morning when I arrived at Hiruzen Plateau. It took about one and a half hours by car from Okayama Station, climbing up a mountain road lush with greenery along the way. When I arrived, I saw vast pastures and Jersey cows grazing leisurely. This scenery is so peaceful that it makes you forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Imagine visually: pastures of vivid emerald green, the brown fur of the cows glistening in the sunlight, and the mountains in the distance in a soft blue-purple gradient. The air is clear, and the faint scent of grass and the texture of the earth create a picturesque atmosphere. Surrounded by this scenery, we first headed to a local cheese factory.
Attraction of Hiruzen Jersey Milk: A Fresh Cheese-Making Experience
The main attraction of the Hiruzen Plateau is the rich milk from Jersey cows. Jersey cows are a breed native to Europe, characterized by their high milk fat content and creamy taste. Numerous farms here raise these cows and produce products such as cheese and yogurt. I visited a facility called “Hiruzen Jersey Land” and participated in a cheese-making workshop. This facility can be reserved through its official website and is popular with families and couples. The actual process of making cheese by hand was an unforgettable experience.
In the workshop, fresh Jersey milk is first heated and a coagulant is added to solidify it. The feel of my hands stirring the mixture is smooth and warm, and the gradual solidification is impressive. The finished cheese has a pale cream-colored surface with fine air bubbles floating on it, and the soft texture can be felt on my fingertips. The surrounding workshop interior is warmly decorated with wood, the sweet aroma of cheese wafts through the air, and the gentle lighting creates a gentle atmosphere. I invite you to imagine this visual description as you contemplate the experience. Through these experiences, I was able to experience the freshness and rich flavor of Jersey milk. For a related article, please also see Private Wisdom’s Enjoying Fine Dairy Products.
- Use fresh milk: In Hiruzen, milk is milked in the morning and processed immediately, so the flavor is exceptional.
- Tips for making handmade cheese: Temperature control is important, and keeping the temperature around 40°C (104°F) is the best way to ensure a smooth cheese.
- How to make it: Add herbs to the finished cheese to customize it to your own taste.
Cheese recommendations: Excellent menu items at local restaurants
After making cheese, I went to a local restaurant to taste some authentic cheese dishes. I visited a restaurant in the Hiruzen Kogen Center, where pizzas and gratins made with Jersey cheese are popular. The cheese fondue, in particular, is a must-try, and the taste of the rich cheese entwined with the vegetables and bread is unforgettable. The restaurant’s menu can be found on its official page. When you sit down, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the plateau through the window, which adds to the satisfaction of your meal.
I ordered the cheese fondue, and the sight of the golden cheese melting and bubbling in the pot whetted my appetite. The surface of the cheese is glossy, hot and steamy, and the aroma surrounding it is nutty and rich. The tables are rustic wood, and the soft lighting creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. With this visual in mind, I invite you to imagine the flavors as well. During the meal, I had a chance to talk with local people and hear about the history of cheese and production secrets. For example, Hiruzen cheese is made according to EU standards and is of high quality. From these experiences, I would like to share with our readers the pleasure of tasting not just a meal, but the culture of the land.
Q&A section: In anticipation of readers’ questions
- Q: Where can I buy Hiruzen cheese? A: Available at local direct sales outlets and online stores. For example, you can order from the Hiruzen Jersey Land website.
- Q: How long does the cheese-making experience take? A: About 1-2 hours. It is suitable for beginners and advance reservations are recommended.
- Q: What about allergies? A: Most facilities can accommodate allergic reactions, but please check in advance.
Hiruzen Kogen’s hidden gems: Activities and Pairings
In addition to the cheese experience, Hiruzen Kogen offers a variety of activities. I combined a morning walk along the trails with a visit to a ranch. For example, you can ride a bicycle along the “Hiruzen Cycling Road” and feel the breeze as you make your way around the cheese studios. You can find more details about this route on the Okayama Prefecture Tourism Federation’s website. Pairing cheese with wine is also recommended, and local wines are a great way to deepen the flavor.
During our walk, we came across small cheese huts scattered in the pasture. There, visitors can sample handmade cheeses, and the pale yellow cheeses are lined up on wooden trays, glistening in the sunlight. The texture of the cheese is moist and soft, the surrounding air is filled with the scent of fresh grass, and the quiet highland atmosphere is calming. Picture this visual depiction and you too will have a virtual experience. Through these activities, we experienced the natural bounty behind the cheese. As an internal link, please refer to Private Wisdom’s tips for the best nature walks.
- Cycling tip: Rent an electric bike to make the hills easier.
- Pairing Suggestion: Jersey cheese with a light white wine.
- Seasonal Fun: Autumn is the perfect time to pair cheese with the changing leaves.
Private Wisdom Summary
My experience with Jersey cheese at Hiruzen Kogen was unforgettable. This is a special place that is uniquely Private Wisdom, combining luxurious nature and exquisite dairy products. It is the perfect place to get away from everyday life and refresh your body and soul, and I encourage everyone to visit. Finally, a visual based on my experience: a table with an assortment of cheeses at dusk in the highlands, lit by a soft orange light that accentuates the creamy texture. In the background, the quiet mountain shadows surround the scene, cloaking it in a luxurious atmosphere. With this image in mind, plan your next trip. See also :World Cheese Exploration.
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