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.
DetailDetailed information
- Address
- Sayo,Sayo Town
- Usage Fees
- free
- Related web sites
- http://34cho.com/kankou/ooichou/
MAPNeighborhood Information
RecommendRelated Recommended Spots

Tsurudani Asian Fawnlily Flowerfield
From late March to early April, the nationally treasured Asian Fawnlily can be seen in full bloom along the mountainsides of Tsurudani Village at the base of the Harima Science Garden City.

Asago
Enjoy upscale cuisine made with seasonal ingredients at this Japanese restaurant. We especially recommend the kaiseki meals (reservations required) that the owner prepares from seasonal fish, such as pike conger eel in summer and yellowtail with sake lees in winter. For lunch, the "Kaisen-don" (¥1,500) and "Shokado bento" (¥1,500) are great ways to enjoy top-notch cuisine at a reasonable price.

Koumi
Here at this shop you can purchase delicious, all-natural, additive-free Japanese seaweed.

Shibumi River Cherry Blossom Pathway
Visitors can enjoy this beautiful 150-meter stretch of cherry blossoms in the spring. Other flowers, including forsythia and thunberg’s meadowsweets, are also in full bloom during this season, making it the perfect place to enjoy the Japanese spring scenery.

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.

Hiryu no Taki Falls
The sound and spray of water falling from a height of 16 meters is spectacular. It is said that the name of the waterfall comes from the rock wall protruding from the center of the waterfall, which changes the flow of water, resembling the shape of a flying dragon.
GourmetNearby Gourmet Spots

Le Proust
Located next to the city's famous 1,000-year-old ginkgo tree, this bakery offers an abundance of nearly 50 kinds of bread, including Danish bread made with seasonal fruits from Sayo, roasted soybean flour bread made with glutinous soybeans, and hard baguettes. The crispy, fluffy mini croissants (¥50 each) have also been highly popular with customers since the bakery's opening.

Fuji
Enjoy specialty offal yakiudon stir-fried noodles with soy or miso dipping sauces flavored to taste with yuzu citrus or garlic. The large menu at this popular restaurant also includes okonomiyaki, savory pancakes, and other side dishes. Calling ahead to secure a seat is recommended.

Horumon Yaki Udon Otafuku
"The basic style of Sayo Hormon Yaki Udon is to grill various meat, udon noodles and vegetables ina special sauce on a griddle all at once and eat them with soy sauce-based dipping sauces. The combination of the traditional sauce, which has been handed down for three generations, and the hormon is a taste that once you try it, you'll be addicted to it. The spacious restaurant has both table seating and tatami rooms."

Usagiya
Restaurant with a wide range of comfort foods.

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!

Hiratani Noodle Factory
This noodle shop sells flat udon and soba noodles (¥80 per serving) that are perfect for stir-frying, as well as special dipping sauces. There is an eat-in space inside the store, and the freshly boiled udon noodles (¥250 per serving) topped with dashi soy sauce and a raw egg (extra charge) are exquisite. Food served with a smile is twice as delicious.
HOTELNearby Accommodations

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.

Minshuku Wakaayusou Inn
Located next to Tokuhisae Station along the JR Kishi-Line, this quaint and reasonable inn provides one night with two meals for as little as ¥6,000. The inn is known for its homemade cuisine, including dishes made with fresh sweetfish from the Chikusa River (June to September) and seasonal vegetables. Long-term stays are also available (upon request), making it the perfect place for an extended trip.

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.

Business Ryokan Ichihonmatsu
Affordable accommodation for work or sightseeing, starting from ¥3,500 a night or ¥5,000 a night with two meals included. Rooms have an ensuite bath and toilet. Guests are welcome to bring drinks.

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."

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.