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  The giant mountain salamander knows it’s a cool zone in mid-summer  
  Hiruzen Highland  
     
 
The summer months (June to August) are dominated by warm, moist air currents from the Pacific and produce high temperatures and humidity in Western Japan’s coastal area. Cool mountain zones (altitude over 3000ft.)

become a paradise for Japanese city-dwellers as well as for foreign travelers.The Hiruzen highland is one such zone. You can guess the chilliness of the brooks in this highland (one of the original sources of Asahi River) by the fact that they are the habitat of the giant mountain salamander, a species that has survived since the Ice Age. 		 
     
  The trail to Hiruzen is a rather long journey from Okayama City, located at the mouth of the Asahi River. You will arrive at Chugoku Katsuyama station after a two and a half hour ride on local JR lines. Before going up to the Highland it is strongly suggested that you stop and stay at Yubara Spa, famous for its river-bed spa (sunayu, above).
  
     
 
Once you arrive at the highland, you'll know that the long journey was worth it. There you can see herds of Jersey cows grazing in peaceful meadows. Mountain ranges are linked by driving roads and cycling trails and are naturally connected to the superb Mt. Daisen (the highest mountain in Western Japan). Many sports and activities such as horse-riding are available; the most thrilling and adventursome among them would be “The river trek to see the Giant Salamander”.