- IZUSHI CASTLE TOWN
- NOSTALGIC OF THE EDO ERA
A castle town popular for its nostalgic atmosphere. The current townscape is reminiscent of the Edo era (1604) thanks to efforts to preserve the town’s original architecture.
Izushi is a town that continues on from the mythical era. Today it is a castle town popular for its nostalgic atmosphere of old Japan. Besides that, there are many local special products such as "Izushi Sara Soba", "Izushi Yaki (pottery)" and "Kiryusaiku". If you change into a kimono and stroll through the town, you will feel as though you have slipped through time.
Here shops, homes, and other buildings retain their original charm as well as community and rural life. Unlike other large tourist destinations, locals still live in town, adding to the atmosphere. Local grandmas chatting while they buy the day’s groceries, laundry hung out to dry, neighborhood children walking to and from school are just some of the many scenes of daily Izushi life.
Experience Izushi
Eirakukan
Eirakukan Kabuki Theatre is the oldest working kabuki theatre in the Kansai Area. The theatre setting is very intimate. Audience members can opt for traditional seating on the floor and everyone is seated very close to the actors.
The full access tour of Izushi's Kabuki theatre, Eirakukan, will put you on, behind, and under the stage. This is a rare and fantastic experience will help you feel like a real kabuki actor and take a closer look at the mysterious workings of a traditional Kabuki stage.
Izushi Sara Soba
Soba in Japan is usually served in a large dish. But Izushi soba is traditionally served on small plates, a single serving consists of 5 plates. There are about 50 soba noodle shops in Izushi that showcase this interesting serving method.
Use your chopstick to measure how many plates of soba you have eaten. 20 plates stack up to the height of a single chopstick.If you are able to finish off at least 20 plates in one sitting, you are given a commemorative plaque called a “Soba-dori” as a fun souvenir.
Sukyoji Temple
This zen temple was built in 1392. This was the family temple where the family of Izushi Castle had worshipped for generations. Here the Buddhist monk Takuan Soho created his namesake pickled daikon radish (“takuan”), now popular all over Japan, and for this reason the temple is also referred to as “Takuan Temple”. Takuan Soho was also the instructor to the great swordsman Musashi Miyamoto.In addition to tours of the garden, visitors can also try full-fledged zen meditation and traditional temple vegetarian food. You can also try traditional Japanese sweets.
Reservations are required if you wish to try the zen meditation.
Izushi Castle Town
In Izushi, you will have the chance to explore the Izushi Castle Ruins, Shinkoro Clock Tower, Samurai House, Eirakukan Kabuki Theatre (closed on Thursdays), and more!
Izushi is truly breathtaking in any season. It is recommended to try wearing a traditional kimono during your visit to further enhance your experience, especially in the spring or fall. In spring, the cherry blossoms surround the base of the castle ruins, while the fall foliage in autumn brings out the brilliant vermilion of the torii gates. You can reserve a kimono rental on our Tours & Packages page.
Local Expert
- Kohei Morigaki
- Master Local Expert of Izushi
PROFILE
I hope that you feel a little nostalgia while here. I also highly recommend walking the town in a kimono, you can rent one from us for both men and women.
Accommodations
Onishiya Suishoen
Torches and a Noh stage accent the central garden which is surrounded by a tatami floored modern Japa...
Uminone
LOCATION: Takeno; 9km from Kinosaki Onsen. Accessible by train (Takenoa Sta.) and bus.
Suigou
Surrounded by gardens, stop a while and calm your mind at our affordable Japanese family style inn.
- Some Available Plans
Shinonomesou
Public stone bath in main building and private baths in second building. Beautiful wooden furniture. ...
Kinosaki Tourism Hotel Higashiyamasou
The cool breeze rustles through the open-air hot spring bath at Higashiyama Sou, a Kinosaki hot sprin...
Nashikisou
LOCATION: Kannabe; 30km from Kinosaki Onsen. Accessible by train (Ebara Sta.) and bus.
- Some Available Plans
Tokiwa Bekkan
Gardens, cuisine, and an open air bath. A relaxing stay for each individual guest. Many have come bac...
- Some Available Plans
Seri
Enjoy traditional Japanese course meals and views of Maruyama River and the rolling mountains from th...
- Some Available Plans
Morizuya
Cave bath carved from the mountain, a favorite with female guests. In the middle of Kinosaki with an ...
- Some Available Plans
Okeshou
This traditional Japanese inn has Japanese style rooms with a living room and bedroom (2room) layout,...
- Some Available Plans
Tsutaya
Beautifully constructed of wood, this 3 story Ryokan blends into Kinosaki Onsen's elegance.
- Some Available Plans
yamayoshi
Awarded "No.1 satisfied with dinner in kinki and hokuriku area in Mar. 2014 by a Japanese website for...
- Some Available Plans
Okukinosaki Seaside Hotel
LOCATION: Takeno; 9km from Kinosaki Onsen. Accessible by train (Takenoa Sta.) and bus.
- Some Available Plans
Blue Ridge Hotel
LOCATION: Kannabe; 30km from Kinosaki Onsen. Accessible by train (Ebara Sta.) and bus.
- Some Available Plans
Totoya
LOCATION: Kyotango, Kyoto pref.; 45km from Kinosaki Onsen. Accessible by train (Amino Sta.) and bus o...
- Some Available Plans
Nishidaya
LOCATION: Izushi; 22km from Kinosaki Onsen. Accessible by bus. A rentable traditional Japanese mercha...
- Some Available Plans
Snow Land
LOCATION: Kannabe; 30km from Kinosaki Onsen. Accessible by train (Ebara Sta.) and bus.
- Some Available Plans
ACCESS
BY CAR
BY PUBLIC TRANSIT
Travel time: 60 - 70 min / Fare: 780 yen* (train 200 yen + bus 580 yen)
IZUSHI CASTLE TOWN
OF GREATER KINOSAKI ONSEN