(Year-Round) Time Travel in Izushi Castle Town
A town bursting with the heart of old Japan charm, soba noodles, and willow crafting.
- DETAILS
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- Kinosaki OnsenIzushi
- 1 day
- train / bus
- solo travelersenior travelerfamily with kids
- All season
Day 1
Kinosaki Onsen Station
Take the Zentan Bus from Kinosaki Onsen Station to Izushi Castle Town.
Depending on the day, you may have to take a train to Toyooka Station and then ride the Zentan Bus from Toyooka Station.
Another option is to hire a taxi in front of Kinosaki Onsen Station.
Depending on the day, you may have to take a train to Toyooka Station and then ride the Zentan Bus from Toyooka Station.
Another option is to hire a taxi in front of Kinosaki Onsen Station.
About30min.
by bus
Izushi Bus Stop
About2min.
by foot
Izushi Castle Ruins & Arikoyama Shrine
Be the envy of all travel instagrammers with one of Japan's rarest photo ops - a castle and red torii gates in one picture!
37 red torii gates line the stone steps to the top of Arikoyama Shrine, opening up to paths along the way for exploration of the austere Izushi Castle Ruins.
37 red torii gates line the stone steps to the top of Arikoyama Shrine, opening up to paths along the way for exploration of the austere Izushi Castle Ruins.
DISCOVER EVEN MORE
About3min.
by foot
Shinkoro Clock Tower
The oldest Japanese style clocktower is just a few steps away from the castle ruins: another great snapshot.
DISCOVER EVEN MORE
About3min.
by foot
Samurai House Karoyashiki
Be a guest of Izushi Castle Town's head samurai!
This building used to be the home of the Izushi Castle chief retainer, now home to yet another great photo op with the man himself!
This building used to be the home of the Izushi Castle chief retainer, now home to yet another great photo op with the man himself!
DISCOVER EVEN MORE
About1min.
by foot
Toyooka City Art Museum
A charming collective of local artworks, with selections rotated regularly.
DISCOVER EVEN MORE
About5min.
by foot
Izushi Sara Soba Noodle Lunch
Head back to the town center for lunch.
Unlike other regions in Japan, Izushi's soba noodles are proudly served to guests on five porcelain plates, but don't be afraid to ask for seconds!
They say if you can eat your chopstick's height in plates, you're a soba champion!
Unlike other regions in Japan, Izushi's soba noodles are proudly served to guests on five porcelain plates, but don't be afraid to ask for seconds!
They say if you can eat your chopstick's height in plates, you're a soba champion!
DISCOVER EVEN MORE
About5min.
by foot
Meijikan
Architecture buffs will adore the giyofu style of this old county office.
"Giyofu" architecture is when a building is built in a western style, but with completely Japanese building techniques.
"Giyofu" architecture is when a building is built in a western style, but with completely Japanese building techniques.
DISCOVER EVEN MORE
About3min.
by foot
Sasazuru Sake
Up for some sake tasting?
Since 1708, Sasazuru Sake has been serving up authentic brews to locals and visitors alike.
Since 1708, Sasazuru Sake has been serving up authentic brews to locals and visitors alike.
DISCOVER EVEN MORE
About1min.
by foot
Izushi History Museum
The Izushi History Museum is housed in the former residence of the Fukutomi family, a wealthy merchant family who traded raw silk and cast metal products.
With a Japanese garden in the center, visitors can also view historical documents and items related to Izushi during a walk through the main building, annex, and storehouse.
With a Japanese garden in the center, visitors can also view historical documents and items related to Izushi during a walk through the main building, annex, and storehouse.
DISCOVER EVEN MORE
About10min.
by foot
Eirakukan Kabuki Theater
Built in 1901, Eirakukan welcomes modern-day visitors to follow the footsteps of famous kabuki actors with all all-access-pass to wander above and even underneath the century-old stage!
Talk about a VIP experience!
Talk about a VIP experience!
DISCOVER EVEN MORE
About5min.
by foot
Willow Craft Bag Weaving
What is willow craft, you ask?
Also known as yanagi-gori, willow craft is wickerwork that is made by hand using only a species of willow that thrives in this area.
You can create your own wicker bag under the guidance of one of the apprentices of Takumi Terauchi, Japan's only certified willow craft artisan.
Afterwards, head back to Izushi Bus Stop.
Also known as yanagi-gori, willow craft is wickerwork that is made by hand using only a species of willow that thrives in this area.
You can create your own wicker bag under the guidance of one of the apprentices of Takumi Terauchi, Japan's only certified willow craft artisan.
Afterwards, head back to Izushi Bus Stop.
DISCOVER EVEN MORE
About10min.
by foot
Izushi Bus Stop
About30min.
by bus
Kinosaki Onsen
