Shakunage Gorge 鎌掛谷ホンシャクナゲ群落
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Shakunage Gorge is a very pleasant gorge with rhododendron (shakunage) blooming on the slopes during early May. The official name is Kaigake-dani Valley which is part of the Suzuka Quasi-National Park. Shuttle buses are provided from Hino Station.
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Shakunage means Rhododendron. From the bus stop, it's a short walk through the gorge until the flowers. But first, pay 400 yen to enter. The money is used for preservation work. MapShuttle bus from Hino Station arrives at Shakunage Gorge, taking about 15 min.
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Walk through a forest.
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Picnic paviion. There are a number of walking trails.
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Path to the flower gorge.
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An easy walk up a hill.
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About the Shakunage Gorge. Very pleasant gorge with rhododendron (shakunage) blooming on the slopes during early May. The official name is Kaigake-dani Valley which is part of the Suzuka Quasi-National Park.
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No smoking from this point.
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Nice nature path.
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The first shakunage in sight.
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Rhododendron normally grow at much higher elevations so it is unusual to see them here.
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Different type of flower called Ookaminoki in Japanese. オオカメノキ（大亀の木、学名： Viburnum furcatum)
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Ookaminoki in Japanese. オオカメノキ（大亀の木、学名： Viburnum furcatum)
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Rhododendron
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Rhododendron in sight from the trail.
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Way up to a lookout point.
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Lookout deck.
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View from the lookout deck.
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The Rhododendron species is this gorge are called Hon-shakunage. (Rhododendron makinoi Tagg ex Nakai)
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A different trail going back.
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Budding Rhododendron.
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Budding Rhododendron.
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Budding Rhododendron.
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Dark pink Rhododendron.
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Pink Rhododendron.
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Light pink Rhododendron.
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Rhododendron closeup.
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A stream runs through the gorge.
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Way going back.
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Shuttle bus going back to Hino Station.
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Note the bus schedule for Hino Station. Leaves only once an hour.
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