Hyogo Environmental Experience Center

Learn about environmental issues such as global warming through exhibits and interactive educational programs.

Statue of Hōjō Tokiyori

Hōjō Tokiyori was a shogun during the Kamakura Period (1185-1333) and ruled from 1246 to 1256. Tokiyori was often praised for his character, traveling the country and helping those in need. It is said that he visited this area, staying for three months due to a severe illness. Because of his extended stay, the region became known as "Mikazuki", meaning "three-day moon". Tokiyori, who received generous nursing care from the villagers, left a wooden statue he had carved and a waka poem as a token of his gratitude. After this, the village was named "Haruya," after a verse in the poem.

Tatsunoya (Main Shop)

Established in 1697, you can experience a slice of Japan during the Edo Period (1603-1867) at this historical soy sauce shop. Strictly using traditional methods, soy sauces such as the "Sannnen Soy Sauce" are made by slowly aging domestic whole soybeans for a period of three years. Others, such as the "Sashimi Soy Sauce," are made by adding koji (rice malt) back into raw soy sauce to bring out its rich aroma. Soy sauces sold here are all-natural and do not contain any additives.

Nishishinjuku Grandpa and Grandma’s Iris Garden

In a converted terraced rice paddie grow 13,000 iris flowers of 170 varieties. Visitors can also enjoy strolling through the wildflowers in the surrounding fields. Flowering season lasts for about three weeks starting in early June.

Jyujiro Hirafuku Tea Room

Jyujiro, a popular Japanese confectionery in Himeji, has finally opened a shop in Sayo where it originated. Specialties such as "Ohagi" (sweet bean cakes) and komochi (small rice cakes) are made with all additive and pesticide-free local ingredients including glutinous rice, azuki beans, and glutinous soybeans. Visitors can relax and enjoy these traditional Japanese sweets in the cafe space and also purchase local agricultural products.

"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."