Category: Sightseeing Spots
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Taniku BASE: The Enchantment of Succulents
Taniku BASE, a beloved succulent plant shop, opened since January 2023 in Yoka, Yabu City in northern Hyogo is dedicated to the cultivation and sale of more than 300 species of succulent plants grown in greenhouses. The shop handles a wide selection and has a large space for succulent arrangements. We had the opportunity to…
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Akenobe Mine
Established as Japan Heritage, Akenobe Mine was once the number one tin mine of Japan. Inside of the tunnel is relatively cool reaching 12 to 13 degrees Celsius during the summer season. Visitors can explore a section of the tunnel as part of a guided tour between the months of April and November (reservations are…
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Restaurant Yano
Restaurant Yano is a Chinese-inspired Japanese diner offering a wide variety of menu items. Their lunch set ramen and udon menus are famous for their reasonable prices and large portions. The “Chinese Soba Noodle” is by far the most highly recommended by staff. Spots detail
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Yabu City Tourism Information Center
The Yabu City Tourist Information Center is located right inside of Michi no Eki Yoka. The location is a perfect spot when looking for activities, events or things to do around Yabu, or the general Tajima area. The office has various different kinds of pamphlets as well as an interactive map where you can explore…
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Uegaki Morikuni Sericulture Memorial Hall
The Kaiko Memorial Hall, kaiko meaning silkworm is dedicated to Uegaki Morikuni who was a famous figure for his impact in the silkworm industry. The exhibition shows a silkworm house from the start of the Showa era which was restored, and shows the living situation of the farmers during that time. Kaiko no Sato and…
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Hotaru no Sato
The Okumeiji district is a small village area where nature is prosperous. During the month of June, many Japanese fireflies can be found by the water at night. During the day time there are many butterflies and dragonflies that can be found. The location also has lodging spaces, and is perfect for exploring nature. Spots…
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KATASHIMA Pâtisserie & Café
Opened in 1970, Katashima is a long-established western sweets shop in Yabu City, Hyogo Prefecture. Currently, the company operates four locations across Hyogo and Kyoto Prefecture and one French restaurant. Their confections are made using carefully selected local Tajima ingredients and are truly scrumptious masterpieces that bring joy to customers of all generations. Spots detail
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Wood Art Gallery
A space where visitors can feel the grandour of both the artistry and warmth of wood carvings. This space is the only location in Japan where visitors can come see the wood carving folk art displayed by artists in the Tajima and Oya areas. The artworks displayed are telling of history, and are permanently displayed.…
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Tarumi no Ozakura
Tarumi-no-Ozakura is the largest Edo-higan cherry blossom tree in Hyogo Prefecture and is established as one of Japan’s natural monuments. Scaling a height of 13.8 meters with a trunk circumference of 6.3 meters, it has been said that the tree is over 1000 years old. A long time ago the princess of the Izushi Feudal…
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Balloon Yoka Astronomical Observatory
Come join us for a guided viewing of the stars. Spots detail Address: 2142-3 Yoka-cho Yoka, Yabu City Te: (079) 663-2021 Website: http://www.balloonyoka.com/ Admission: 200 yen – within one hour per person2000 yen – for utilizing with a group under one hour400 yen – over one hour per person4000 yen – for utilizing with a…
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Wakasu Highlands Oya Ski Resort
Located 2 to 3 hours from Osaka, Kobe and Okayama. The Ski Slopes are conveniently located near the parking lot, and is a family friendly spot. Children who are middle school aged or younger can get a 1 day ski pass for only 1000 yen! Even if it’s the first time skiing or snowboarding you…
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Maisou Matsuri
Maisou Matsuri is a fire festival held on January 14th every year, and is a traditional practice that is dedicated to the Mii Shrine. Japanese devils, or oni are hit on by locals to wish for a healthy year. The oni wear kokimen or masks, and hold wooden shields called kiboko. According to a legend…
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Menya Tenkamuteki Ramen
If you are driving along Route 9, stop by Menya Tenkamuteki and try its “Takaida-style Chinese noodles.” The thick soy sauce broth and special extra-thick noodles will surely fill your stomach. You can also request for the soup to be thickened or the noodles made thinner, according to your wants, making it ideal for everyone.…
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Wakasu Highlands Onsen Spa House
After a long day of skiing or outdoor activities, the best way to relax is going to an onsen. Connected to the Wakasu Highland ski resort, guests can easily come to refresh and rest here. Spots detail Address: 99-2 Oyacho Wakasu, Yabu City
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JR Yoka Station
JR Yoka Station is the main JR Station in Yabu that residents use for transportation to surrounding areas. Spots detail Adress: Yokacho Yoka, Yabu City
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Kurokuzan Zanzaka Odori
Out of the many “Zanzaka” dances in the Tajima Region, this one is known to have the longest history. The dancers wear momohiki (traditional Japanese bottoms) and tsutsusode (kimono dress sleeve) while dancing and shouting “zanzakazakazaka, zanzaka zatto.” The lyrics, movement and costume of the dance is from the later half of the Muromachi period.…
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Mt. Hyonosen
Mt. Hyonosen is the tallest mountain in Hyogo Prefecture. With a height of 1510 meters, it is viewed to be a top-class treasure of the Kansai Area. Along with Mt. Hachibuse, it is declared as a Hyōnosen-Ushiroyama-Nagisan Quasi-National Park. The area is surrounded by bountiful nature and is one of the few places where subarctic…
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Murannaka
“Murannaka” is a small farmhouse restaurant tucked in a corner of a field surrounded by rice paddies at the foot of a mountain. Opened in 2019 on exclusive farmland, it was the first restaurant in Yabu City to take advantage of the city’s special status as a National Strategic Special Zone. Yabu’s NSSZ status helps…
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Saihoji Weeping Cherry Blossom Tree
A beautiful weeping cherry blossom tree located inside of Saihoji Temple. During Sakura season the tree is lit up during night time Spots detail
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Fudōdaki Falls
A stream of light can be spotted from the waterfall which has a 13-meter drop. The water source of the stream comes from the 1,140-meter-tall Mt. Fujinashi. For a waterfall at a high elevation it produces a lot of water and has width. The light that appears from the entrance of the waterfall as well…
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Osa River Cherry Blossom Trees
An endless row of cherry blossom trees grows along the Osa River in the Kuroku area of Yoka. With around 200 trees growing in the area, it is the perfect spot to peacefully take a stroll and enjoy the spring weather in Yabu like a local! Spots detail Address: 1181-1 Yokacho Kuroku, Yabu City
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Michi-no-Eki Yabu
After its re-opening in March of 2020, Michi-no Eki Yabu has a new dining area COINOBA Village which includes a trendy cafe, bakery, and an abura soba (soupless noodles) shop. A perfect spot to take a break and enjoy a meal on your next road trip to Yabu! Spots detail
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Ohashi
At walking distance from Yoka roadside station (Michi no Eki Yoka), this Japanese restaurant focuses on providing the ultimate culinary experience by only utilizing local ingredients from local suppliers of the Tajima region and the prefectural Sea of Japan. Handling each ingredient with the utmost respect, owner Chef Dōgaki delicately creates fine dishes that highlight…
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Hyonosen Kokusai Ski Resort
Hyonosen is the tallest mountain within Hyogo Prefecture. The dyanamic mountain spreads from the center and is called the roof of Hyogo. From the center to the base of the mountain is a 2.1 km course. The snow quality and the location is ideal for skiing. The ski resort has three courses including the romance,…
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Tanigaki
Hidden in one of Yoka’s back streets with a welcoming chalkboard message “EAT LOCAL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR,” this newly renovated hip Japanese izakaya is all about organic seasonal food. Specialties here include dishes incorporating the legendary Yoka pork and Asakura sanshō pepper that exceptionally pair with their craft beer as well as with a wide…
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Ishigado Log House Village
Ishigado located in the Mori District is an area known as a cave ritual site where many earthenware and stoneware from the Jomon period was discovered. The campsite has an outdoor camping area that accommodates up to 8 tents and facilities including a bathroom and rice cooking area are available. The spot is perfect for…
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Wakasukogen Oya Stargazing Hike
Ranked as one of the top sites in Japan to go stargazing, this campsite holds stargazing sessions every Saturday between the end of April through November. Come view the dazzling stars in the sky you won’t want to miss it! Spots detail
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Nettei Sumo
Held at the Mizutani Shrine in Yabu “Nettei Sumo” was a court ritual that has been practiced since the Heian Period. The sacred practice is done on all fours which is said to ward off the evil spirits. Two men dressed in blue Kamishimo (a ceremonial dress) appear, and a series of ritual gestures is…
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Yamada Futaro Memorial
Yamada Fuutaro is a famous writer who has had many of his works made in to films and theater shows including “Mahou Tensei” and his “Ninpou Series”. His work Basilisk 〜The Kōga Ninja Scrolls was also made into an animated series. The memorial is built near Sekinomiya Elementary school, where Yamada attended school as a…
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Restaurant Le Bouquet
Le Bouquet is a retro and stylish restaurant offering a menu focused on Tajima beef dishes. Since its opening in 1973, Bouquet’s steaks, stews, hamburgers, and course dinners have been favourited by visitors who come to experience our world-renowned Wagyu beef. Bouquet’s famous fried jumbo tiger prawns and lunch set menus are also popular and…
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Osugi Zanzako Odori
Osugi Zanzako Odori is a traditional performance where the dancers carry a 2 meter fan on their backs and perform and dance in the center. The dancers chant and strum the drums while they powerfully move to the beat in a circle. A separate name is given to this dance called Oni Odori which means…
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Kominka Style Cottage
This cottage is a nostalgic kominka (old Japanese-style house) style lodge. When walking further into the mountains beyond the Ayu Park grounds, visitors will be brought to a nature escape full of serenity. While experiencing the old style and atmosphere of a kominka, you can also enjoy the luxuries of a ready to use kitchen…
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Hyperbowl Tohachi Ski Resort
Vast and exhilarating slopes! Hyperbowl Tohachi is one of the best ski resorts in the Kansai region located 120 minutes from the Hanshin area. Visitors can enjoy skiing and snowboarding as well as many newer snow vehicles including snow motorcycles, scooters, snow racers and ski bockerl. The wide and spacious slopes are especially a hit,…
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Yagi Castle Ruins
Designated as national cultural property in 1997, the Yagi Castle Ruins represents the military commander Yagi of the Tajima Region. Behind the ruins is the 400-year history of the Yagi family from the Kamakura, Sengoku and Toyotomi periods. The ruins of the castle are composed by the roof ruins from the Kamakura period, earthen castle…
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Yabu-jinja Shrine
One of the 5 main shrines in Tajima, Yabu-jinja Shrine was established in 737. The shrine represents the God of Agriculture and has been appreciated by locals for a long time. It is called Yabu no Myojin San or the Myojin (a title for Shinto gods) of Yabu by many locals and is known for…
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Hachikogen Ski Resort
Hachikogen Ski Resort is one of the best in the Kansai region and is known for having a wide range of ski slopes for a variety of levels. The resort is located in the western highlands of Yabu on Mt. Hachibuse which reaches an elevation of 1221 meters. Visitors can overlook the entire ski resort…
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Cafe&Sweets Buzz
Fancy a team in a relaxing atmosphere surrounded by rice paddies and mountains? This café proudly produces delicious pastries and sweets that go well as dessert with their popular lunch set menus. Spots detail
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Oya Art Village BIG LABO
An art community that brings together experimental art! BIG LABO in Oya is located inside of Old Oya High School which was abandoned, but then reformed in to an art space to bring locals and artwork together. The location was renewed in Spring of 2012 and brings together the art community by providing studio space…
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Hasamaji no Satoyama no Mori Park Golfing Course
Hasamaji Satoyama Forest Park has 3 golf courses and features beautiful Sakura trees that you can enjoy while playing golf with friends. Rental materials are also available, and perfect for easily enjoying a game or two. Outside of the course is a community center, and a multipurpose park (includes playground equipment as well as a…
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Asakura Castle Ruins
The Asakura Castle Ruins is the birthplace of the Japanese feudal lord; Asakura who ruled the Ichizen Province (Fukui Prefecture) during the Sengoku Period. Lord Asakura was the prince under Emperor Kotoku, and he became the new King of Hyomai. During the start of the Heiian period, he changed his last name to the match…
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Bekku no Ookatsura
The area where Bekku no Okatsura is located is said to have been visited by the Kobo Daishi/Kukai while they were travelling around the country. The Kyokaiji Temple was started here and the Katsura tree was planted. Legend has it that it was called the sacred tree of water. The tree has a height of…
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Tendaki Falls
Selected as one of the top 100 waterfalls in Japan for its beauty, Tendaki Falls is an impressive waterfall that boasts a 98 m drop – the largest in Hyogo Prefecture. The waterfall flows as if it is coming from the heavens, and holds to its name as one of the most famous waterfalls in…
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Restaurant La Rivière
La Rivière is a French-inspired restaurant committed to using only local products. As its name suggests, the restaurant is situated along the Maruyama River where a row of Sakura trees delights patrons every spring during the blossom season.The restaurant updates its menu every month according to the season, focusing on delicious local ingredients, so you…
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Nagusa-jinja Shrine
As one climbs the uphill slope, they will be impressed by the appearance of the Nagusa-jinja Shrine. At the eighth stop of the Myoken Mountain, the three-storied pagoda can be found. The pagoda was gifted by Izumo Taisha during the great renovation after Yabu-shi gifted them a Myokensugi Tree in 1665. The pagoda reaches a…
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Michi-no-Eki Tajima Rakuza
Michi no Eki Tajima Rakuza is a resting area that will brighten up the mood of your trip. From enjoying the world famous Tajima Beef, beautiful scenic nature of the area, a natural onsen, relaxing hotel, delicious seafood, gift shop and a convenience store! There are many things you can look forward to here. A…
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Uchiyama Strawberry Land
The largest strawberry tourist farm in the Tajima area! It is located 10 minutes from the Bantan Accessway/Asago Interchange exits. The strawberries are grown at an elevated level preventing any dirt from getting on the fruit, and for the convenience of visitors so they do not have to reach further up or down to grab…
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Michi-no-Eki Yoka Tajima no Kura
Tajima no Kura has a clear open space, and was made to look like a Kura (a Japanese warehouse, with thick walls, used to store valuables during natural disasters). A wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables are delivered by local farmers on the daily. There is also a restaurant area with the fragrant smell…
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Bunsan Gallery Sericulture Farmhouse
A sericulture farmhouse from over 150 years ago was revived in to an art gallery. Uchigee art that was founded in Oya as well as wood carving folk art is displayed in the gallery. It is a space where artists living in the nature and countryside can come together to bring their artwork to public…
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Ohashiri Matsuri
The festival has been around for over 1800 years, and is a traditional practice that has been established as intangible cultural property. The morning of the festival the participants shout “Hattou, Yogozaruka” and start carrying the Mikoshi (sacred palanquin) from the Yabu Shrine all the way to the Itsuki Shrine. The route is 40 km…
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Yabu Onsen Tajima Rakuza
Yabu Onsen is a natural hot spring that has radon and a weak alkali content. This spring is good for treating a variety of things including nerve and muscle pain and chronic digestive disease. The spring has an excellent capability of retaining heat and continues to remain hot for long hours. The silky smooth spring…
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Sericulture Farmhouse Area
Within the Osugi district in Oya, many 3-storied silkworm houses can be found. This rural landscape is representative of the historic culture of silk farming. Found along the Tani River, storehouses and barns revolving around the silkworm houses and other traditional buildings can be found. The Osugi district is in the northern area of Hyogo…
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Maruyama River Sakura Road
The row of cherry blossom trees lined along the Maruyama River is the perfect spot to enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms in Yabu while going for a drive. We recommend you stop by Michi-no-Eki Yabu for a quick lunch to enjoy their soup less noodles or purchase some yummy homemade bread on the way home!…
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Hachibuse Nabe
Hachibuse nabe is a delicious hot pot dish that can be enjoyed in the Hachibuse Highland area in Sekinomiya. The dish contains duck and fresh vegetables making it the perfect dish to enjoy after a day out on the slopes. Spots detail
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Wakasu Zanzaka Odori
Dressed in colorful costumes and hats decorated with flowers the Wakasu Zanzaka dancers move to the rhythm of the drums and present an old fashioned, but graceful dance. The dancers move while playing the drums and present a unique style of dance called Suwari Odori (dancing while sitting). Another name for this dance is “Hime…
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Miidani Ancient Tombs
In the 58th year of the Showa period, while investigating the burial grounds during park maintenance an Iron Sword of Bonshin no Toshigokatsu (oldest inscription in Hyogo Prefecture) was discovered. After the park maintenance was completed, the area was named “Tsurugi Gaoka Koen” after the inscribed iron sword. The area was built between the year…
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Bekku no Tanada
Bekku no Tanada is a rice terrace spreading from the center of Mt. Hachibuse, and placed 700 meters above sea level. It faces Mt. Hyonosen (also known as the roof of Hyogo Prefecture) and is a fantastic sight representative of Japan. Around 130 squares of rice paddy fields are beautifully displayed in the area during…
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Wakasu Highlands Oya Campsite
At Wakasu Highlands Oya Campsite located in Yabu visitors can enjoy the scenic mountain views and serene nature in northern Kansai. The camping season starts in April and goes till November with options including glamping, log houses, and camping tents available for rental. The campsite also boasts having guided stargazing hikes, where visitors will ride…
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Seikeishoin
Seikeishoin is the Kangakujuku (Chinese Studies School) opened by the great figure of Tajima, Ikeda Soan, between the Bakumatsu and Meiji period. Soan had an innovative teaching method where he combined Neo-Confucianism and Yomei-Gaku. The teaching focused on self-discipline, training and educating the younger generation. By the time of his death in the 11th year…
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Gohanya
A traditional Japanese restaurant in a wooden and glass structure with a gallery on its first floor, Gohanya offers local Tajima cuisine while enjoying a panoramic view of the green mountains of Yoka. Their famous “Torobako-bentō” lunch box is designed in the image of a “Torobako” (traditional shipping box used to hold seafood from the…
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Rest House Tendaki
A restaurant surrounded by greenery at the trailhead of “Tendaki” – one of the 100 top waterfalls in Japan – this restaurant provides tasty menu options using local ingredients. Dining here you can indulge in nature, clean air, and some delicious food, and enjoy the “taste” and “moment” you can only experience near the Falls.There…
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Togayama Onsen Tennyo no Yu
Togayama Onsen is a hot spring with bicarbonate ion, salt, magnesium and other minerals making it a unique bath. The sodium bicarbonate is known for its hydrating and moisturizing properties for the skin. As a result many hot springs that contain this are known as “Bijin no Yu”, meaning hot spring of beauty or hot…
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JR Yoka Station
JR Yoka Station is the main JR Station in Yabu that residents use for transportation to surrounding areas. Spots detail Address:Yokacho Yoka, Yabu, Hyogo 667-0021 Google map