Kinosaki Onsen, with its seven out-spa baths, and Yumura Onsen, with its abundant, high-temperature hot springs, make this an area where one can enjoy a hot springs tour. Izushi's specialty, Sara-soba, is a must-try.
The Kinosaki, Izushi, and Yumura Hot Springs area offers tourist attractions such as Kinosaki Hot Springs, the ruins of Takeda Castle, and Kinosaki Marine World; sightseeing events such as the Danjiri Festival, Sanbaso, and Sunflower Festival; and local delicacies such as okonomiyaki, onion soup, and gaufres.
Tajima, where the Kinosaki, Izushi, and Yumura hot spring areas are located, is blessed with rich nature. The area is also rich in outdoor activities such as swimming and camping in the summer and skiing in the winter, attracting many visitors throughout the year. Sightseeing spots such as Kinosaki Onsen, Izushi, and Genbudo Cave, as well as gourmet foods such as Tajima beef and Matsuba crab are also enjoyed by tourists.
Kinosaki Onsen is the main tourist attraction in the Kinosaki area in the northern part of Hyogo Prefecture. With a history of 1,300 years, Kinosaki Onsen has been a popular therapeutic hot spring resort for many years. It is known as a hot spring loved by many great writers, including Naoya Shiga.
The charm of Kinosaki Onsen lies in the elegant streets lined with wooden inns along the Oyajigawa River, which is beautifully lined with willow trees and cherry blossom trees, and in the out-spa baths. Matsuba Gani (Matsuba Crab) in winter is another of Kinosaki Onsen's delights. Around Kinosaki Onsen, there is a popular aquarium where you can enjoy dolphin shows and sea fishing, and Genbudo Park with its multiple caves.
Izushi is a castle town in the mountains located south of Kinosaki Onsen. It is called "Tajima's Little Kyoto" because the old streets, including samurai residences, still exist. The symbol of the castle town of Izushi is the Shinko Tower, located on the ruins of Izushi Castle. It is a fire watchtower-shaped clock tower built in the early Meiji period (1868-1912), and is said to have gotten its name from the fact that it used to announce the time with a drum.
Another famous local delicacy of Izushi is Izushi soba (buckwheat noodles). Soba noodle shops are scattered throughout the city, and visitors can enjoy soba with a variety of condiments such as egg, grated yam, and grated daikon (Japanese radish).
The Yumura area northwest of Izushi is home to Yumura Onsen, one of Tajima's most famous hot springs, along with Kinosaki Onsen. It is one of the highest-temperature hot springs in Japan and is known as the "village of hot spring water" for its abundant hot spring water. The footbaths in Yumura Onsen are also free-flowing, and the footbaths along the Haruki River are large enough for up to 70 people to enjoy at one time.
The Kinosaki, Izushi, and Yumura Onsen area offers hot springs and gourmet food in a rich natural setting. Tajima beef is a must-try local delicacy along with Matsuba crab and Izushi soba. This is a must-visit place for both hot spring and gourmet tours.
Experience the Charm of Old Japan Through a Traditional Hot Spring Tour Kinosaki Onsen is a historic hot spring resort in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, with a history dating back to before the Heian period (794–1185). Famous for its atmospheric streets and the tradition of visiting multiple public baths while dressed in a yukata, a lightweight cotton kimono, the town offers an enchanting glimps...»
Yumura Onsen is a historic hot spring resort in the town of Shinonsen, Mikata District, Hyogo Prefecture, in the former province of Tajima. Nestled in a mountain valley in the eastern San'in region of western Japan, it is known for its peaceful atmosphere, traditional hot spring culture, and picturesque riverside scenery. The hot springs are said to have been discovered in 848, during the early He...»
Takeda Castle Ruins, located in the Wadayama area of Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture, are the remains of a historic Japanese mountain castle famous for its magnificent stone walls rising above a sea of clouds. Often called the “Castle in the Sky” or the “Machu Picchu of Japan,” this spectacular site offers one of the country's most extraordinary historical landscapes. The castle was built on the sum...»
Located on the Hiyoriyama Coast in Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture, facing the Sea of Japan, Kinosaki Marine World is an aquarium that combines marine life exhibits with exciting entertainment and hands-on attractions. Visitors can observe fish and marine mammals, enjoy dolphin and sea lion shows, experience activities that recreate the sensation of diving underwater, and even interact with dolphins and...»
Ikuno Silver Mine, located in Asago City in northern Hyogo Prefecture, developed into one of Japan's leading silver mines from the Sengoku period (the Warring States period) through the modern era. In 1868, during the Meiji Restoration, it became Japan's first government-operated mine and played an important role in the modernization of the country's mining industry. Today, the former mine is pres...»
Hiyoriyama Coast is a rocky coastline in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, forming part of the San'in Kaigan Geopark and San'in Kaigan National Park. Facing the Sea of Japan, the coast features a deeply indented ria coastline shaped by wave erosion, with numerous unusual rock formations creating a dramatic natural landscape. Offshore, the small island of Nochigashima is home to a pavilion modeled af...»
Asago Arts Village is a scenic park in Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture, where art and nature blend harmoniously. Set amid lush greenery, the complex features an outdoor sculpture park, an art museum, and hot spring accommodation facilities. Visitors can enjoy contemporary sculpture, explore the surrounding woodland, and relax in a peaceful natural setting....»
Kasumi Coast, located in Kami Town in northern Hyogo Prefecture, is a spectacular rocky coastline within San'in Kaigan National Park. Designated a Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government, it is renowned for its rugged cliffs, unusual rock formations, sea caves, and beautiful blue waters. Shaped over millions of years by volcanic activity and the relentless action of the waves, the coastl...»
Izushi is a historic district in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, known for its traditional streetscape and rich samurai-era heritage. Once a prosperous castle town, it retains the atmosphere of the Edo period (1603–1868), with historic merchant houses, samurai residences, temples, shrines, and traditional buildings lining its streets. The district was designated a National Important Preservation D...»
Tendaki Waterfall, located in Oya Town, Yabu City, Hyogo Prefecture, is one of the largest waterfalls in the prefecture, with an impressive drop of 98 meters. Its majestic appearance has earned it a reputation as a waterfall pouring down from the heavens. Situated approximately 33 kilometers east of Mount Hyonosen, the waterfall is also associated with legends about Kobo Daishi (Kukai), the Buddhi...»
Takeno Coast, located in Toyooka City in northern Hyogo Prefecture, is a beautiful rocky coastline along the Sea of Japan. Part of San'in Kaigan National Park, it is known for its rugged terrain, exceptionally clear waters and diverse coastal scenery. The area offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of Japan's northern coastline, from dramatic cliffs and unusual rock formations t...»
Saruo Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall in the Muraoka area of Kami Town, Mikata District, Hyogo Prefecture. Known as one of the Three Great Waterfalls of Tajima, it has also been selected as one of Japan's 100 Best Waterfalls. Surrounded by lush woodland and dramatic rock formations, it attracts visitors who appreciate scenic landscapes and the natural beauty of the Japanese countryside....»
Izushi Sara Soba is a traditional buckwheat noodle dish served in Izushi, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture. Its distinctive presentation features small portions of soba arranged on individual white porcelain plates, accompanied by dipping sauce served in a small flask and a selection of condiments. This unique style allows diners to savor the noodles a few bites at a time while enjoying different co...»
Hattan Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall in the Kannabe Highlands of Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, within the San'in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark. Its name is said to come from the waterfall's height, which was traditionally compared to eight tan, a unit of cloth length. To distinguish it from other waterfalls with the same name, it is also known as Nashiki Hattan Falls or Hidaka Hattan Falls....»
Tajima Kogen Botanical Garden is a municipal botanical garden located in Kami Town, Mikata District, Hyogo Prefecture. Situated at an elevation of approximately 680 meters, it lies within the Hyonosen-Ushiroyama-Nagisan Quasi-National Park. Established on June 15, 1997, the garden is surrounded by beautiful highland scenery and has been ranked first in Hyogo Prefecture's list of 100 Best Tourist A...»
Nagusa Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Yabu City, Hyogo Prefecture, nestled on the slopes of Mount Myoken, which rises to 1,139 meters. The shrine stands at an elevation of approximately 800 meters and is surrounded by a magnificent forest of towering Myoken cedars. Its principal deity is Nagusahiko-no-Okami. Formerly known as Myoken Shrine, it flourished as a major center of Myoken worship...»
Authentic Handcrafted Soba Surrounded by the Natural Beauty of Tajima The Tokose area of Hyogo Prefecture is renowned as one of the region’s special destinations for soba, or Japanese buckwheat noodles. Tokose soba is a local specialty comparable in reputation to Izushi Sara Soba from Izushi, Toyooka City. In autumn, the surrounding buckwheat fields are covered in delicate white blossoms, creatin...»
Ginzan Town Corridor is the name given to a sightseeing route through the historic townscape of Kuchiganaya in Ikuno Town, Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture. Ikuno flourished as a mining town serving the renowned Ikuno Silver Mine, once one of Japan's major silver-producing mines. The area retains many traces of its mining heritage, including traditional townhouses, Western-style buildings, historic wa...»
Izushi Castle is a historic castle site located in Izushi Town, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture. Once an important stronghold in the former Tajima Province, it played a significant role in regional politics and military affairs from the Warring States period through the Edo period. Today, the ruins are designated a Historic Site by Toyooka City, preserving the memory of the area's feudal past. Alt...»
Kannabe Plateau is a beautiful highland area in Hidaka Town, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture. Located within the San'in Kaigan Geopark and the Hyonosen-Ushiroyama-Nagisan Quasi-National Park, the region is known for its distinctive volcanic landscape, lush scenery, and wide range of outdoor activities. Each season brings a different attraction, from fresh greenery and hiking in spring and summer t...»
Eirakukan, officially known as Toyooka City Izushi Eirakukan, is a historic theater located in Izushi, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture. Built during the Meiji period (1868–1912), it is renowned as the oldest surviving traditional theater in the Kansai region and is an important part of Japan’s performing arts heritage. Owned by Toyooka City, the theater has been carefully preserved and restored, al...»
Asago Art Village Museum is a contemporary art museum located in Asago, Hyogo Prefecture. Opened in 1999, it is the centerpiece of the nature-rich Asago Art Village, situated just below Tataragi Dam. The museum combines indoor exhibition galleries with an extensive outdoor sculpture area, creating a unique setting where contemporary art and the natural landscape complement one another. Surrounded...»
Genbudo Cave, located in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, is a remarkable geological site designated as a National Natural Monument of Japan. It lies within San'in Kaigan National Park and forms the centerpiece of Genbudo Park, which features five impressive rock formations: Genbudo, Seiryudo, Byakkodo, Minami-Suzakudo, and Kita-Suzakudo. The site is renowned for its striking columnar joints, wher...»
Tajima Mihonoura is a dramatic rocky coastline stretching approximately 8 kilometers between Cape Isasazaki, at the western end of Kasumi Coast, and Mount Kannon, near the eastern end of Hamasaka Coast. Located across Kami Town and Shinonsen Town in Hyogo Prefecture, this scenic area is renowned for its rugged cliffs, sea caves, and extraordinary rock formations. The name Mihonoura is believed to...»
Ritsuunkyo Gorge is a scenic mountain valley located in Wadayama Town, Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture. The area is famous for its ethereal landscapes, where river mist and vast blankets of clouds transform the surrounding mountains into a dreamlike scene. Its name is associated with these beautiful misty views, particularly the sea of clouds that sometimes forms over the Maruyama River valley. The ...»
Chorakuji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple of the Koyasan Shingon school located in Kami Town, Mikata District, Hyogo Prefecture. With a history of approximately 1,200 years, the temple is also known as the home of the Tajima Great Buddha, a remarkable collection of enormous wooden Buddha statues. The temple's mountain name is Kawaaizan, and its principal object of worship is Yakushi Ruriko Ny...»
Imagoura is a scenic inlet in Kami Town, Mikata District, Hyogo Prefecture, and one of the signature natural attractions of Kasumi Coast, a designated Place of Scenic Beauty. Also known as Imagohama or Imagoura Beach, it lies within San'in Kaigan National Park and the San'in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark. Its beautiful shoreline, unusual rock formations, and rich natural environment make it an appe...»
Takenohama Beach is a picturesque stretch of white sand backed by green pine trees in Takeno, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture. Located along the Sea of Japan, it forms part of the Takeno Coast and extends along the eastern side of the Nekozaki Peninsula. The coastline is included in San'in Kaigan National Park and the San'in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark, reflecting its outstanding natural beauty an...»
The Japan–Mongolia Folk Museum is a museum dedicated to the history, culture, and traditional way of life of Mongolia. Located in Tanto Town, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, it opened in 1996. In 2000, the museum expanded with the addition of a traditional culture experience and exchange facility, providing further space for exhibitions and cultural activities. The museum houses more than 5,000 i...»
Hyogo Prefectural Tajima Ranch Park is a public recreational park located in Tando, Shinonsen Town, Hyogo Prefecture. Spanning a mountainous area at elevations of approximately 350 to 600 meters, the park offers a wide range of activities in a beautiful natural setting. Visitors can enjoy seasonal sports, meet farm animals, admire panoramic views, and learn about the region’s agricultural heritage...»
Matsudaisan Onsenji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located on Mount Daishi in Kinosaki, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture. Belonging to the Koyasan Shingon school of Buddhism, it holds the distinguished status of a special head temple. Its principal object of worship is the Eleven-Headed Kannon, a Buddhist deity of compassion, and the temple has long served as a spiritual guardian of the Kinosa...»
Onzui Valley is a scenic natural area in the Onzui district of Haga Town, Shiso City, Hyogo Prefecture. Centered around Lake Onzui, the valley is known for its clear streams, lush forests, and beautiful seasonal scenery. Fresh green foliage in spring and brilliant autumn colors attract visitors seeking a peaceful escape into nature. The area also reflects a long history of forest use, having once ...»
Amarube Bridge is a remarkable railway bridge located in Amarube, Kasumi Ward, Kami Town, Mikata District, Hyogo Prefecture. It carries the single-track San'in Main Line operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR West), spanning the valley between Yoroi Station and Amarube Station. The bridge represents two distinct eras of railway engineering: the original steel structure, famously known as the A...»
Mount Hyonosen stands on the border between Yabu City in Hyogo Prefecture and Wakasa Town in Yazu District, Tottori Prefecture. Rising to 1,510 meters, it is the highest mountain in Hyogo Prefecture and is also known as Suga-no-sen. Recognized as one of Japan's 200 Famous Mountains and among the 50 Notable Mountains of Hyogo, it attracts hikers and nature enthusiasts throughout the year....»
The Kinosaki Onsen Ropeway is a sightseeing cable car in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, connecting the historic Kinosaki Onsen hot spring district with the summit of Mount Daishi. Officially known as the Kinosaki Onsen Ropeway, it has been a popular attraction for visitors exploring this charming hot spring town since it first opened in 1963....»
The Toyooka Municipal Kinosaki Straw Crafts Museum is located in the Kinosaki Onsen hot spring district of Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture. The museum was established to preserve and pass on the techniques of Kinosaki mugiwara zaiku, a traditional craft made from colored wheat straw, and to protect and display its remarkable works. The museum occupies a traditional Japanese earthen-walled storehou...»
Tendaki Valley is a beautiful natural gorge located in Ikada, Oya Town, Yabu City, Hyogo Prefecture. The Tendaki River, which originates in the mountains around Mount Hyonosen, the highest peak in Hyogo Prefecture, has shaped this scenic landscape over time. Surrounded by lush forests, the valley lies within the Hyonosen–Ushiroyama–Nagi Quasi-National Park and offers visitors an opportunity to app...»
Hyogo Prefectural Wood Hall of Fame is a museum dedicated to the relationship between forests, wood, and human life. Built around the theme of “Forests, the Sea, and the Sun,” it brings together the beauty of nature and elements of traditional Japanese culture. The facility opened in 1994 as an affiliated institution of the Hyogo Prefectural Uwanodai Outdoor Education Center, offering visitors opp...»
Kei Beach is a scenic sandy beach in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, known for its beautiful stretch of white sand backed by green pine trees. Located within San'in Kaigan National Park and the San'in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark area, it is surrounded by a rich natural environment and is a popular destination for summer seaside recreation. Locally nicknamed “K Beach,” it attracts visitors looking...»
Toyooka City Izushi Historical Museum is a history museum located in Izushi, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture. The museum introduces the area's rich historical and cultural heritage through a collection of valuable documents, artifacts, and other historical materials. Housed in a former merchant family's residence, it offers visitors an opportunity to explore the history of the Izushi domain and the...»
Tajima, in northern Hyogo Prefecture, is renowned for its winter seafood, especially Matsuba crab, a regional name for male snow crabs caught in the Sea of Japan. Raised in the cold, rough waters of the sea, these crabs are prized for their firm, delicate meat and naturally sweet flavor. Across the Tajima region, fishing ports and local restaurants take great care in selecting and handling high-qu...»
Located within Genbudo Park in Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture, the Genbudo Museum is a fascinating museum dedicated to rocks, minerals, fossils, and the traditional craft of Toyooka willow basketry. It introduces visitors to the geological wonders of the San'in region and Tajima, while showcasing remarkable specimens collected from around the world. Opened in 1972, the museum houses more than 2,500 ex...»
Hamasaka Onsenkyo is a hot spring area in Shinonsen Town, Mikata District, Hyogo Prefecture. Located in the historic Tajima region, it consists of three hot spring areas: Shichikama Onsen, Futsukaichi Onsen, and Hamasaka Onsen. Surrounded by beautiful natural scenery and blessed with abundant thermal water, the resort is popular with both local residents and visitors seeking relaxation, regional c...»
The Naomi Uemura Adventure Museum is located in Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture, and celebrates the life and achievements of Naomi Uemura, one of Japan’s most famous mountaineers and explorers. Situated within Naomi Uemura Memorial Sports Park, the museum introduces visitors to his remarkable journeys, pioneering spirit, and determination to push the limits of human endurance....»
Ase Valley is a scenic gorge in Hidaka-cho, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture. It stretches across the upper reaches of the Ase River, which originates near Kanayama Pass at an elevation of 760 meters. Surrounded by lush broadleaf forests, the valley is home to numerous waterfalls collectively known as the 48 Waterfalls of Ase. The approximately three-kilometer-long gorge offers beautiful scenery thr...»
The Kiyonaga Ito Memorial Museum is a municipal art museum in Izushi, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, dedicated to the works of Kiyonaga Ito, a celebrated Western-style painter born in the area. The museum opened in 1989 as the Izushi Town Ito Museum and was renamed the Toyooka City Museum of Art, Kiyonaga Ito Memorial Museum, in 2014....»
Hyogo Park of the Oriental White Stork is a prefectural research and conservation facility in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture. Dedicated to protecting and breeding the oriental white stork and restoring its wild population, the park plays an important role in safeguarding a bird designated as a Natural Monument of Japan and recognized as Hyogo Prefecture's official prefectural bird. Its work extend...»
Tajima Kokufu and Kokubunji Hall is a history museum in Hidaka-cho, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture. Operated by Toyooka City, the museum introduces the region's rich history through archaeological discoveries, historical documents, reconstructed scenes, and hands-on learning experiences. It is an excellent place to explore how people lived and how the local area developed from ancient times throug...»
Shinkoro Clock Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Izushi, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture. Located on the grounds of the Izushi General Branch Office, this historic wooden tower dates back to the early Meiji period (1868–1912). Izushi flourished as a castle town, and its traditional streets and historic buildings preserve much of the atmosphere of old Japan. Shinkoro stands as an en...»
Kitamaekan is a multi-purpose cultural and leisure facility located near Takeno Beach in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture. Centered around a museum dedicated to the historic Kitamaebune trading ships and a hot spring bathing facility, it offers visitors an opportunity to discover the history and culture of the Takeno area, which forms part of the San'in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark. The complex inc...»
Daijoji Temple is a historic temple of the Koyasan Shingon school of Buddhism, located in Kami Town, Mikata District, Hyogo Prefecture. It is also the 28th temple on the Saigoku 49 Yakushi Sacred Sites pilgrimage. The temple is renowned for its magnificent painted sliding doors and other interior paintings created by the celebrated Edo-period artist Maruyama Okyo and his pupils. These works have b...»
Mikobata Ore Dressing Plant was once a major mineral-processing facility in Sago, Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture. Operated first by Mitsubishi Goshi Kaisha, later by Mitsubishi Metal Corporation, and eventually by Akenobe Mining, it played an important role in the development of Japan's modern mining industry. Today, the remains of this industrial site offer a glimpse into the scale and ambition of ...»
Izushi Karo Yashiki is a historic museum in Izushi, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, where visitors can explore a reconstructed residence of a high-ranking samurai from the late Edo period (1603–1868). Commonly known as Karo Yashiki, or the Senior Samurai Residence, the building offers insight into the lives, architecture, and political intrigues of Japan's feudal era....»
The Kinosaki Literary Museum, officially known as the Toyooka Municipal Kinosaki Literary Museum, is a cultural facility located at 357-1 Yushima, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture. Opened in November 1977, it introduces the works and histories of writers and literary figures who visited or had close ties to Kinosaki Onsen, one of Japan's historic hot spring resorts....»
Ueyama Rice Terraces are a beautiful series of stepped rice paddies located in Nukita, Ojiro District, Kami Town, in northern Hyogo Prefecture. Also known as the Nukita Rice Terraces, they have been selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Rice Terraces by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Surrounded by mountains, these carefully maintained fields are among the most iconic landscapes ...»
Hachibuse Plateau is a scenic highland area in Yabu City, Hyogo Prefecture. Located within the Hyonosen-Usiroyama-Nagisan Quasi-National Park and the Tajima Mountain Prefectural Natural Park, it is surrounded by beautiful mountains and offers opportunities to enjoy the changing landscapes of every season. In winter, the area becomes a popular destination for snow sports, while the warmer months ar...»
Yumura Onsen Expo Center Yumechiyokan is a museum located in the heart of Yumura Onsen, in Shinonsen Town, Mikata District, Hyogo Prefecture. Opened in November 2004, the museum explores the history and culture of this famous hot spring resort under the theme of “Seeking Warmth.” Through nostalgic displays and recreated streetscapes, visitors can experience the atmosphere of Japan during the Showa...»
Yoshitaki Waterfall is a beautiful natural attraction in Kajiy a, Ojiro Ward, Kami Town, Mikata District, Hyogo Prefecture. Designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty by Hyogo Prefecture, it is also recognized as a geosite within the San'in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark. The waterfall lies within the Hyonosen-Ushiroyama-Nagisan Quasi-National Park and is valued for both its striking scenery and geologi...»
Oyacho Osugi is a historic mountain village in Yabu City, Hyogo Prefecture, known for its distinctive traditional farmhouses built during the heyday of silkworm farming. The area was designated a Historic Landscape Formation District by Hyogo Prefecture in 2001 and selected as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in 2017. Its village streetscape preserves ...»
Toyooka City Izushi Meijikan is a history museum in Izushi, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture. It occupies the former Izushi County Office, a building constructed in 1887 during the Meiji period (1868–1912). Its distinctive pseudo-Western architectural style, which blends Western design elements with traditional Japanese construction, has been designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Toyooka City....»
Arikoyama Inari Shrine, also known as Shiroyama Inari, is a historic Inari shrine in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture. Closely associated with Izushi Castle, it has served as a guardian shrine of the castle since the early Edo period. Its stone stairway lined with vivid vermilion torii gates leads visitors to a peaceful sanctuary overlooking the traditional streets of Izushi, offering a memorable co...»
Kinosaki Art Museum is located in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, just northeast of the main hall of Onsenji Temple, which overlooks the famous Kinosaki Onsen hot spring town. The museum preserves and displays valuable Buddhist artworks and historical artifacts belonging to this venerable temple, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the area's religious heritage and cultural history across ...»
Yabu Shrine is located in Yabuichiba, Yabu City, Hyogo Prefecture. It is known as the third-ranked shrine of the former Province of Tajima and has a long history of religious significance in the region. The shrine appears in the ancient Engishiki, a record of officially recognized shrines compiled during the Heian period, and includes two shrines classified as Myojin Taisha, or major shrines of ex...»
Sukyoji Temple is a historic Zen Buddhist temple in Tojo, Izushi, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture. Belonging to the Daitokuji school of the Rinzai Zen tradition, it is officially known by its mountain name, Engakuzan, and is affectionately called Takuan-dera, or Takuan Temple. The temple is closely associated with the renowned Zen master Takuan Soho and has long served as a family temple for the lo...»
Torokawataira Plateau is a scenic highland located at an elevation of approximately 700 meters in Kami Town, Mikata District, Hyogo Prefecture. Spreading across the middle slopes of Mount Torokawa, this beautiful natural area is renowned for its expansive mountain scenery, rich forests, wetlands, and clear spring water. It has been ranked first in Hyogo Prefecture's selection of the region's 100 b...»
Mouchet House is a Western-style wooden residence built in the early Meiji period (1868–1912), located in Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture. Originally used as an office for the Mikobata Mine, this historic building is now open to the public as the Mouchet House Museum. It also houses the Mouchet House Photography Gallery, where visitors can explore the area's industrial heritage alongside works of pho...»
Seikei Shoin is a historic private academy established by the Confucian scholar Ikeda Soan in the Sukinami area of what is now Yoka Town, Yabu City, Hyogo Prefecture. Located at 171 Shukunami, Yoka-cho, the former academy is closely associated with the educational traditions of the late Edo period. In March 1970, it was designated a Cultural Property of Hyogo Prefecture....»
Nakashima Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture. Listed in the ancient Engishiki, a 10th-century compilation of Japanese laws and religious regulations, it was formerly ranked as a prefectural shrine. It is especially renowned as a sacred place dedicated to Tajima-mori-no-Mikoto, revered as the ancestral deity of confectionery. Confectioners from across Japan visit t...»
The Tarumi Great Cherry Tree is a magnificent wild cherry tree of the Edohigan variety, located in Tarumi, Oya-cho, Yabu City, Hyogo Prefecture. Also known as Sen'o, meaning “Immortal Cherry Tree,” it has long been cherished by local residents as a treasured natural landmark. On June 9, 1951, it was designated a National Natural Monument of Japan....»
Ojiro Ancient Experience Forest is a historical park located in Hiroi, Ojiro Ward, Kami Town, Mikata District, Hyogo Prefecture. The park was developed to help visitors learn about life in ancient Japan following archaeological excavations at the Uenoyama Site in 1986. Through reconstructed dwellings and hands-on activities, visitors can explore aspects of Japanese history from the Jomon period th...»
Muraoka Folklore Museum Mahoroba is a local history museum in Kami Town, Mikata District, Hyogo Prefecture. It occupies a distinctive Western-style building originally constructed in 1894 (Meiji 27) as the government office of Mikata District. In 1988, the building was dismantled and reconstructed for use as a museum, preserving its historical appearance and giving the former government office a n...»
Hyogo Prefectural Maruyamagawa Park is a public sports and recreation complex in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture. Set amid the region's beautiful natural surroundings, the park offers a wide range of opportunities to enjoy sports, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences. It is a popular destination for local residents, families, and visitors looking to combine active recreation with time in na...»
Gokurakuji Temple is a Buddhist temple belonging to the Daitokuji branch of the Rinzai Zen school, located in Kinosaki Town, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture. Dedicated to Amida Nyorai, the Buddha of Infinite Light and Life, the temple stands quietly in the southwestern corner of the famous Kinosaki Onsen hot spring district. Its long history, tranquil grounds, and close ties to the local community ...»
The Futaro Yamada Memorial Museum is a literary museum in Yabu City, Hyogo Prefecture, dedicated to the life and work of Futaro Yamada, one of Japan’s most distinctive popular novelists. The museum opened in April 2003 as a municipal facility in the former Sekinomiya Town, Yabu District. Following the municipal merger in April 2004, it became part of Yabu City. The museum stands on the former sit...»
Manpukuji is a Shingon Buddhist temple located in Yabu City, Hyogo Prefecture. Its full formal name is Shingusan Honjo-in Manpukuji, incorporating its mountain name, Shingusan, and its temple title, Honjo-in. The temple’s principal image is Senju Kannon, the Thousand-Armed Bodhisattva of Compassion. It is widely known throughout the region as the “Koyasan of Tajima,” a name that reflects its long-...»
Morosugi Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Uchimachi, Izushi, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture. It is an ancient shrine recorded in the Engishiki, a register of Shinto shrines compiled in the 10th century, and was formerly ranked as a prefectural shrine under Japan's traditional shrine-ranking system. The shrine stands at the northern foot of Mount Ariko, east of the ruins of Izushi Cast...»
Shofukuji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple of the Tendai school located in the Yumura Onsen hot spring area of Shinonsen Town, Hyogo Prefecture. Its origins are said to date back to the early Heian period (794–1185), when it was founded by the Buddhist monk Ennin, also known as Jikaku Daishi. The temple's mountain name is Tenryuzan, and its principal object of worship is Fudo Myoo, the Buddhis...»
Shikisan Kannonji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple belonging to the Tendai school, located in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture. Its mountain name is Shikisan, and it is also known simply as Kannonji Temple. The principal object of worship is the Eleven-Headed Kannon, a manifestation of the Buddhist bodhisattva of compassion. With a history of approximately 1,300 years, Kannonji is regarded as o...»
Hyogo Prefecture is one of Japan’s leading producers of snow crabs, making it a top destination for crab lovers during the winter season. Matsuba crab is a premium brand of male snow crab (*zuwaigani*) caught along the Sea of Japan coast of Hyogo and Kyoto prefectures, as well as in Tottori Prefecture. Renowned for its delicate sweetness and rich flavor, it is one of the most celebrated winter del...»
Hatahata, known in English as sailfin sandfish, is a white-fleshed fish found in the Sea of Japan, the Sea of Okhotsk, and the northern Pacific Ocean. Typically growing to around 20 centimeters in length, it is prized for its rich natural oils, delicate flavor, and tender flesh that separates easily from the bones. Because hatahata has few scales and relatively few small bones, it is easy to eat ...»
Deep-fried hatahata is a traditional home-style dish from the Tajima region of northern Hyogo Prefecture. Small sailfin sandfish are cleaned by removing their heads and internal organs, then fried whole until deliciously crisp. Because hatahata has no scales and its flesh separates easily from the bones, it is considered an easy fish to eat and has long been a popular part of local home cooking. ...»
Hamahotaru is a local specialty made from fresh firefly squid landed in Hamasaka, a coastal area of northern Hyogo Prefecture known for its substantial firefly squid catches. The squid are packed fresh soon after being brought ashore, allowing consumers to enjoy their delicate flavor and freshness....»
Kasumi Crab is a local specialty from Kasumi, a picturesque fishing town in the Tajima region of northern Hyogo Prefecture, where mountains meet the Sea of Japan. The name refers to red snow crab landed at Kasumi Fishing Port, prized for its rich sweetness and deep, satisfying flavor....»
Kukuhi Shrine is located in Shimonomiya, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture. It is renowned for its unique connection with the Oriental stork, a bird deeply associated with Japanese folklore and good fortune. The shrine is listed among the small shrines recorded in the ancient Engishiki, a compilation of Japanese laws and religious regulations from the 10th century, and was formerly classified as a vi...»
Kasumi Onsen is a hot spring destination in Kami Town, Mikata District, Hyogo Prefecture. It is part of the wider Kasumi Onsenkyo hot spring region, known for its beautiful seasonal scenery, relaxing hot springs, and abundant seafood. Located in the historic Tajima region of northern Hyogo, Kasumi is an appealing destination for travelers seeking both coastal landscapes and traditional Japanese ba...»
Tankuma is a restaurant specializing in tamago kake gohan, a beloved Japanese comfort food consisting of a raw egg served over a bowl of hot rice. Located in Kurio, Tantocho, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, the restaurant opened in 2006 and is operated by Nishigaki Poultry Farm Co., Ltd. It has grown into a popular destination, attracting approximately 40,000 visitors each year. The appeal of Tan...»
Ishibe Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Shimotani, Izushi, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture. It has long been an important place of worship for the local community and is recognized as a Shikinaisha, a shrine listed in the Engishiki, an ancient record of Shinto shrines compiled in the 10th century. Its long history reflects the development of the Izushi area and the enduring religious t...»
Kyooji Temple is a Nichiren Buddhist temple located in Izushi, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture. Known as Ichijozan Kyooji, it has long been associated with the ruling families of the former Izushi Domain and served as one of their family temples, where ancestors were honored and memorial services were held. The temple's head temple was Myokenji, a major Nichiren Buddhist temple belonging to the Shi...»
Sakatare Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Hokkeiji, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture. Listed in the ancient Engishiki, a compilation of Japanese laws and religious regulations from the 10th century, it was formerly classified as a village shrine. The shrine stands at the eastern edge of a flat area in a valley carved by the Kamatanigawa River, a tributary of the Maruyama River, near the entranc...»
Mannenzan Entsuji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture. It belongs to the Nanzenji branch of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism and has long been an important religious and cultural site in the region. The temple is associated with the renowned Zen monk Takuan Soho and is also known as the place where Oishi Kichinoshin, the second son of Oishi Yoshio, a leader of t...»
Mount Tajima Myoken is a mountain on the border between Yabu City and Kami Town in Hyogo Prefecture. Also known simply as Myoken-san, it is part of the Hyonosen-Ushiroyama-Nagisan Quasi-National Park and lies at the southern end of the Tajima Central Mountain Range. The mountain forms part of the watershed between the Yada and Hioki rivers and is included among the 50 famous mountains of Hyogo Pre...»
Aokura Shrine is a mysterious and atmospheric Shinto shrine located on the slopes of Mount Aokura, which rises to 811 meters in Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture. It is considered the inner sanctuary of Zenryuji Temple in the Noza district. According to one tradition, the shrine enshrines a spirit divided from Iyu Shrine, a historic shrine in Iyuichiba, Asago City that is listed in the ancient Engishik...»
Tataragi Dam is a hydroelectric dam in Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture, set amid the quiet mountains of the Tajima region. Built on the Tataragi River, part of the Maruyama River system, it is operated by Kansai Electric Power and serves as a key component of a large-scale pumped-storage hydroelectric power system....»
Kusube Valley is a beautiful natural gorge in the Ojiro district of Kami Town, Mikata District, Hyogo Prefecture. Located within Hyonosen-Ushiroyama-Nagisan Quasi-National Park, it stretches along the upper reaches of the Kusube River at the foot of Mount Hotoke-no-O (1,227 meters). The river is one of the headwaters of the Yada River, which eventually flows into the Sea of Japan. With its numerou...»
Kinosaki Onsen Local Beer is a craft beer brewed using 100% malt, the natural resources of the Tajima region, and delicious water from Futami. Made with malt and yeast in a rich natural environment, this beer offers an authentic taste of local brewing traditions. It is produced without heat pasteurization or artificial additives, allowing the distinctive character of its ingredients to shine throu...»