Hiruzen Herb

Small park in the Maniwa highlands of Okayama, set at an elevation that keeps temperatures noticeably cooler than the cities below. The grounds hold a lavender field that blooms in summer, alongside beds of other fragrant herbs arranged through a short forest trail. A shop at the entrance sells dried herbs, herb-infused products, and plants to take home, and a cafe offers herb teas and simple food made from the garden. The surrounding Hiruzen plateau is known for dairy farming, and fresh milk soft-serve from nearby stands has become something of a regional specialty for visitors passing through.