Mikazuki Large Elm
Designated as a natural monument by Hyogo Prefecture, this elm tree is said to be the largest in Japan. Estimated to be 800 years old, it has a trunk circumference of 9.9 meters (32 feet) and a height of 19 meters (62 feet).
DetailDetailed information
- Address
- Shimohongo,Sayo Town
- Related web sites
- http://34cho.com/kankou/mikazuki-oomuku/
MAPNeighborhood Information
RecommendRelated Recommended Spots
Okashiya Sora
In addition to locally-made sunflower products and cake, this pastry shop also offers light snacks such as tapioca drinks and french fries.
Mikazuki Han-no-Inojiyakan Watchtower
In 1697, the Mori clan relocated to the Mikazuki region and ruled over the Sayo, Shiso, and Ibo regions for 174 years until the Meiji Period (1868-1912). The Noino area flourished as the center of the region as the castle town. The well-maintained watchtower is the only surviving architectural structure from the Edo Period (1603-1867) in the Noino Area of Mikazuki, and is regarded as one of the most valuable existing watchtowers in Japan.
Musashi Miyamoto Victory Monument
Musashi Miyamoto is said to be the greatest swordsman of the early Edo Period (1603-1867), who remained undefeated throughout his life. He confidently stated at only 13 years old, "I can defeat anyone, no matter the opponent." It is said that Musashi defeated famous samurai Kihei Arima here at Kanakura Bridge with just a single swing of his sword. This monument commemorates Musashi Miyamoto and is engraved with a passage of "Gorinsho Jobun" (The Book of Five Rings), an ancient text he wrote on Japanese kenjutsu and other martial arts.
Restaurant 「Canopus」Inside the Nishi-Harima Observatory
Observatory restaurant with coffee, lunch and wild game meat. The name "Canopus" comes from Alpha Carinae, the brightest star in the constellation Carinae. Breakfast and dinner for meals, rest use and overnight guest are accommmodated. We also recommend the "Deer croquette Set meal" using venison, a speciality of Sayo Town.
Kozoji Temple
"In 725 (Jinki 2) ,Emperor Shomu was informed that there was a mountain in Sayo County, Banshu, that shone with rainbow light and had a pleasant fragrance, and he order the Shonin Gyoki to investigate. The guru prayed earnestly around the mountain, and on the seventh day, a white-haired old man appeared and told him, ""I have been waiting for you to come. If you carve my image and enshrine it, it will benefit people,"" and the being transformed himself into a thousand-armed Kannon. It is said that the main image of the statue, the Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara, was carved over the next 1,000 days. Emperor Godaigo stopped by the temple when he was exiled to Oki during the Motohiro Rebellion, and prayed for victory in the battle to revive his country. During the Edo period (1603-1867), it became a family temple of the Mori family, lords of the Mikazuki domain, and prospered as a mausoleum and three-story pagoda were built. It is the 10th temple of the 33 temples in the western part of Harima. It is one of the seven gods of good fortune in western Japan."
Tawa Rice Terraces
The Tawa area, a farming village with stonewalled rice terraces and white storehouses, offers a rich landscape that has been carefully passed down since ancient times. The region was also awarded the "Beautiful Village Creation" prize by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
GourmetNearby Gourmet Spots
Hana Musubi
Unwind at this cozy cafe offering lunch made with local ingredients and handmade Japanese crafts.
Aji-no-Sato Mikazuki
Visitors can enjoy the taste of the countryside with traditional homemade soba at Aji-no-Sato Mikazuki. Among the fresh local vegetables, you will also find popular items such as homemade "Mikazuki Miso" made from 100% locally produced Sayo soybeans, as well as "Konnyaku", a type of Japanese jelly made from potato. The restaurant provides homemade soba noodles and a buffet full of local vegetables. The facility also has a Japanese-style room that can hold up to 120 people for parties, banquets, and work retreats.
Tororo Restaurant omoteya
A tucked-away yam rice restaurant that services rice as well as barley. Even though
Wada Shoten
Located along Route 179, this shop offers warm, savory takoyaki and Japanese sweets such as taiyaki.
Totoro
The restaurant specializes in offal yakiudon, stir-fried noodles, and okonomiyaki, savory pancakes, made with 100% wagyu beef. They also offer four varieties of original sauce and karaoke.
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.
HOTELNearby Accommodations
Tsuboyaki Potato Specialty Store Wako
"A sweet shop where you can enjoy tsuboyaki sweet potatoes, which are slowly baked in a pot by hanging them in a pot over charcoal. In addition to baked potatoes, which is sold by weight and can be served ""hot, cold or chilled"", there is also a coffee shop menu that includes sweets such as warm baked sweet potato topped with ice cream and a fluffy pile of shaved ice. the baked sweet potatoes will end as soon as the matured ""Beniharuka"" runs out (Approx. August) and will be sold from January of the following year, so please contact us before visiting."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."