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
Hanataka Gokufuten
Enjoy workshops on pressed flower crafts and porcelain art, which involves painting on white porcelain with transfer paper. (Reservations required)
Sayo-cho Insectarium
This small insect museum is tucked away near the entrance of Ruri Temple at the base of Mount Funakoshi. The museum exhibits specimens of aquatic organisms, introduces the flora and fauna of the scenic Chikusa River, and offers hands-on programs for children.
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.
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.
Synchrotron Radiation Facility (Spring-8)
At the heart of Harima Science Garden City, the Spring-8 Synchrotron Radiation Facility is a large-scale experimental facility that uses the world's highest-performance synchrotron radiation, producing excellent research results in a variety of scientific fields.
Nanko Sunflower Field
Hundreds of thousands of sunflowers bloom throughout the Nanko district, making it a popular spot for photography. Visitors can also enjoy the Nanko Sunflower Festival, which is held annually from mid to late July.
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.