The Seimei & Dōman Mounds
This spot is said to be where legendary warriors Abe no Seimei and Ashiya Dōman fought to the death. Alive during the Heian Period (794-1185), these two figures are still regularly referenced in modern pop-culture and were often historically associated with magical powers. Vistors to the area can also see "Yaritobi Bridge" where the two were said to shoot many arrows at one another during their battle, as well as "Otsuke-ba", where it is said that Seimei washed Dōman's severed head after defeating him. The Seimei Mound has existed here since the Muromachi Period (1336-1573) and the Dōman Mound since 1797.
DetailDetailed information
- Address
- Oukitani,Sayo Town
- Related web sites
- http://34cho.com/kankou/abenoseimeitsuka-ashiyadoumantsuka/
MAPNeighborhood Information
RecommendRelated Recommended Spots
Seirinji Temple
"This temple of the Omuro school of the Shingon sect is said to have been founded in 740 by Gyoki Bosatsu, the founder of the Shingon sect. The fresh greenery in early summer and the autumn leaves in fall are well-worth seeing."
Otsuōkidani Rice Terraces
It is said that thousands of terraced rice paddies line the Sayo mountainside, glistening green in the summer and golden in the fall. One of the most scenic rice terraces in Japan, the beautiful forms of the paddies are a gift from our ancestors.
Mikazuki Han-no-Inojiyakan Watchtower
In 1697, the Mori clan relocated to the Mikazuki region and ruled over the Sayo, Shiso, and Ibo regions for 174 years until the Meiji Period (1868-1912). The Noino area flourished as the center of the region as the castle town. The well-maintained watchtower is the only surviving architectural structure from the Edo Period (1603-1867) in the Noino Area of Mikazuki, and is regarded as one of the most valuable existing watchtowers in Japan.
Misaki Otoriten Umara Rest Area
"An open-air restaurant like an oasis for anglers located on the banks of the Chikusa River. The salt-baked sweetfish is grilled slowly over binchotan, high-grade charcoal, so the entire fish is edible from head to tail. If you are lucky, natural extra-large eels may be on the menu. The restaurant is open during the sweetfish fishing season, so please call in advance to confirm."
Sugisaka Monument
This monument was erected to commemorate one of Emperor Go-Daigo's loyal samurai, Kojima Takanori's most tragic failures. Emperor Go-Daigo (1288-1339) was exiled to the remote Oki Islands after the failed coup d'etat attempt to overthrow the Kamakura Shogunate. While being transported, Kojima Takanori waited at Funasaka Pass to ambush the transportation unit and save Emperor Go-Daigo from being exiled. However, the Emperor did not pass through the Funasaka Pass but through the Sugisaka Pass at this very spot. When Takanori learned of this, he rushed to Sugisaka Pass, but he was too late and unable to save the Emperor.
Misaka Meat Shop
Venison from the Sayo area is available. (Call for confirmation)
GourmetNearby Gourmet Spots
Restaurant 「Canopus」Inside the Nishi-Harima Observatory
Observatory restaurant with coffee, lunch and wild game meat. The name "Canopus" comes from Alpha Carinae, the brightest star in the constellation Carinae. Breakfast and dinner for meals, rest use and overnight guest are accommmodated. We also recommend the "Deer croquette Set meal" using venison, a speciality of Sayo Town.
Traditional Folk-House Dining Douman
This popular cafe mixes the traditional atmosphere of its architecture and antiques with modern furnishing. Spicy curry served at Douman is made with fruits, Japanese vegetables, and beef tendon, amongsts other ingredients, giving it hints of natural sweetness and making for an exquisite dining experience. The cafe also allows dogs and has a spacious dog running course in the back for owners to use.
Roadside Shop Shukuba-machi Hirafuku
Hirafuku was a bustling post town along the historical Inaba Kaidō Highway during Japan's Edo Period (1603-1867). This roadside shop is the gateway for sightseeing in the Hirafuku area, where the old castle town remains. The shop offers a sales corner selling fresh local vegetables and local specialities, a restaurant serving dishes made from local ingredients, an observatory overlooking the "Ruins of Toshigami Castle", a tourist information space, and a cycle station for passing cyclists.
Oyasumi-dokoro Uryubara
This community center was renovated from the original residence of the Uryubara family. The Uryubara's ran a foundry business in the region from the Edo Period (1603-1867) until the beginning of the Showa Period (1926-1989). The current building, erected in 1810, has a large smoke vent built into the roof, a unique architectural aspect of buildings in the former inn town of Hirafuku. The facility offers homemade soba, allowing visitors to sit-back, relax, and enjoy a delicious meal while they tour the building.
"A nostalgic old folk house café in the historic Hirafuku townscape. A modern ""Tea Ceremony Space"" with a sense of hybridity that transcends the boundary between Japanese and Western styles. Enjoy handmade lunches and sweets while seasonal flowers bloom. In addition, when you order coffee, we will deliver the aroma of freshly roasted beans to your seat."
Restaurant Kumotsuki
This restaurant provides specially prepared meals featuring Kobe beef and hand-picked vegetables from local farmers.
HOTELNearby Accommodations
University of Hyogo Nishi-Harima Astronomical Observatory
Located at the summit of Mount Onade, the Nishi-Harima Observatory is equipped with a two-meter aperture Nayuta telescope, one of the world's largest available for public use. Centered around the observatory, there are nature trails, lodging facilities for groups and families, restaurants, and other facilities that allow visitors to stay overnight and enjoy stargazing to the fullest. Viewing parties are held every evening for overnight guests, while a general viewing party is held on Sundays for day-trippers. Please note that reservations are required on Saturdays and holidays. Many astronomical events are held throughout the year, allowing visitors to feel closer to the stars and the universe.
Farm Inn Mitsuyama no Sato
"This 110-year-old house was restored using traditional construction methods, and is a farmer's inn that is limited to one couple per day. Visitors are warmly welcomed with a smile and the words, ""Come and have dinner with us around the chabudai (tea table),"" so you can enjoy a taste of life in the countryside from season to season , centering on farming activities such as planting and harvesting vegetables, One of the best parts is that you can also enjoy creative cuisine using seasonal vegetables and rice with the full of the power of the earth, grown without pesticides and chemical fertilizers from the farm. We invite you to experience the power of diverse living creatures and the energy of the earth, and to be surrounded by rich nature for a healing experience that will reset your spirit. "
Outdoor vacation rental Ahirunomori
"The owner, who used to run an outdoor shop in Osaka, started this hands-on home-stay experience when he moved to the area. The appealing menu includes bushcraft workshops based on the experience of former Self-Defense Forces personnel, and cycling tours using electric cross bikes. Guests are also free to use the self-built huts on the premises, so they can use the Ahiro Forest for BBQ's, ent stays and other fun activities."
Nipponia Hirafuku Post Town
This private accommodation is set in the renovated former Kimura Residence, said to have been built in the Taisho Period (1912-1926). While preserving the thick beams and traditional exterior, the house is furnished in a way that combines the atmosphere of ages past and modern comforts, with locally produced Minada washi paper used for the shoji screens and sake barrels used as tables. Visitors can enjoy relaxing on the veranda surrounding the spacious courtyard or taking a soak in the spacious bath made of Hyogo cypress.
Cobaco Work&Camp
Located in front of Sayo Station, Cobaco is a coworking space open for anyone to use. The space offers an enriching lifestyle experience where people with various skills, backgrounds, and knowledge can collaborate.
G-style Country Club
This golf resort, surrounded by lush greenery, is the perfect getaway to relax your body and soul. The fairways are flat and wide, and the greens, covered with bentgrass, average 800m2 in size. With each of the 18 holes separate from one another, each hole brings you a new challenge, inspiring rich and strategic plays.