Chikusa River
The Chikusa River has been selected as one of the 100 most beautiful waters in Japan. Every year during peak season, the river is often seen crowded with fishermen.
RecommendRelated Recommended Spots
O-Shokuji Dokoro Ippei
This long-established restaurant specializes in Japanese hot pot dishes, including duck and wild-boar hot pot (available year-round), Japanese set meals, rice bowls, and more. Among these, the "Deer Curry" (¥850) is a local favorite and a highly recommended item with its mix of various spices and tender meat. This original recipe was created by the restaurant owner Chiyako and the town's Chamber of Commerce and Industry and is a must-try if you're visiting the region!
Sobaya Toki
After gaining popularity in Kobe, this soba restaurant relocated to the town of Sayo, where it serves a special two-color chilled soba dish featuring both refined and rustic varieties of buckwheat noodles. The signature dish, "Ohiru Gohan," is a set meal that includes seasonal sides and homemade dishes such as glutinous soybean rice. Be sure to enjoy your meal with a generous serving of sake.
Sayo Star Resort Golf Club
Spread out over nearly 123 acres of land, the resort features a golf course and tennis courts, accommodations designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando, a natural hot spring, a covered, all-weather barbecue terrace, an outdoor swimming pool, and other facilities, making it ideal for golfers as well as for families and friends. The convenient location, just 10 minutes from the Sayo IC, is also a plus.
Harima Ippondo’s Weeping Cherry Tree
It is said that Harima Ippondo was built from a single large Zelkova tree. Many people visit the temple in spring to see the beautiful 300-year-old weeping cherry tree in full bloom.
Restaurant Kumotsuki
This restaurant provides specially prepared meals featuring Kobe beef and hand-picked vegetables from local farmers.
The Sayo Ginko Tree
During the heyday of the Akamatsu Clan, this ginko tree was located on the grounds of what was once Nyoirinzan Manganji Temple. The tree has watched over Sayo for over a thousand years, withstanding powerful typhoons and lightning strikes. The tree continues to watch over the people of Sayo and was designated a natural monument by the prefecture.