Banshu Hirafuku Shakunage-no-Sato
During the blooming season between early April and mid-May, visitors are met by more than 15,000 blooming rhododendron flowers of about 150 species, painting the mountainside in shades of bright red, white, purple and pink.
DetailDetailed information
- Address
- 1203-5 Nobuyoshi,Sayo Town
- Telephone Number
- 0790－83－2833
- Related web sites
- http://syakunagenosato.jp/
MAPNeighborhood Information
RecommendRelated Recommended Spots
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.
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.
Mikazuki Han-no-Inojinya Front Gate
During the Edo Period (1603-1867), this "Omote-mon" was the largest gate in the residential area of the Mikazuki Domain. It is said that 300 homes once stood here. Within the enclosure, which was divided by various gates, walls, and moats, the Omote-mon gate had an important role in dividing the central street. The gate was dismantled with the abolition of feudal domains in the Meiji Period (1868-1912) and used as the gate of a temple in Tatsuno City, before it was restored to its original location in 2017. It is a valuable architectural structure of the Mikazuki clan and is designated as a cultural asset by the town.
Kozuki Castle Ruins
Kozuki Castle was the site of a great battle between the Oda and Mori clans during the Warring States Period and is the final resting place of the famous Amago clan samurai Shikanosuke Yamanaka. The origin of the structure dates back to 1336, starting as a fort built by the Akamatsu Clan.
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.
Nanko Sunflower Museum
The sunflower fields of Nanko spread out like a sea of yellow in the summer sun. At the Nanko Sunflower Museum, you can find everything from organic sunflower seeds and sunflower oil to sunflower dressing and sunflower curry. These popular, all-natural sunflower products are additive-free and can also be found at farm-to-table stands along roadsides and near train stations in the area.
GourmetNearby Gourmet Spots
Restaurant Kumotsuki
This restaurant provides specially prepared meals featuring Kobe beef and hand-picked vegetables from local farmers.
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.
"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."
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.
Juju
Authentic Chinese restaurant offering homemade chili shrimp, egg rolls, and more. The popular hors d'oeuvres and vinegar miso dressing made with local glutinous soybean miso are not to be missed.
Sayo Shokudo
Enjoy a bowl of ramen or a Japanese set meal using only the finest local Sayo vegetables, rice, and seasonings. This restaurant strictly uses no additives or preservatives, ensuring the freshest and most natural local dining experience.
HOTELNearby Accommodations
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.
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."
Guest House Asagiri
You can rent out a traditional Japanese private house in the mountains surrounded by nature. Please spend a relaxing time as if it's your "home away from home". We have amenities prepared so that you can come empty-handed. You can enjoy barbecues, playing in the river, a bonfire, etc. with your friends and family. It is also ideal for a training camp for a group of colleagues.
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.
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.
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.