[2025 Toyooka Attraction] Travel Guide for Castle Town Izushi (Updated Jul)

Izushi Castle Town, Hyogo Prefecture, is famous for soba noodles. I heard there is a great place in Izushi where you can eat soft and chewy donuts dipped in soft serve ice cream! That place is #Kano Farm I bought three flavors of donuts, milk, kinako, and cinnamon, as well as rich milk soft serve and soba soft serve. When I dipped the donuts in the rich milk soft serve, it was so delicious that my cheeks almost fell off! ♡ This is a way of eating that you should definitely try (＾_＾) Izushi is also a castle town, and the townscape is full of charm, so please come and visit for sightseeing♪ #HyogoPrefecture #Izushi #Izushi #trip #trip2022 #wintertrip #hotsprings #gourmet #softserveicecream #tripmemory2022

🌿 A forgotten paradise, Toyooka is a must-visit! Toyooka is located in northern Hyogo Prefecture. It is a quiet city full of Edo-style charm, with Japan's oldest hot springs, beautiful coastlines, lovely oriental white storks, authentic food, and cozy Japanese inns. Let's see what Toyooka has to offer! 📍 Must-see attractions 🏯 Kinosaki Onsen A thousand-year-old hot spring town with seven public baths (soto-yu), each with its own unique features. We recommend Goshono-yu, where you can soak in the hot springs and enjoy the poetic Edo-style charm. 🏖 Takenohama Beach Known as the "Maldives of Japan," this beach has clear water and fine sand. It's perfect for swimming and surfing in summer, and for enjoying the spectacular sea views and sunsets in fall and winter. 🕊️ Hyogo Park of the Oriental White Stork The only habitat for wild oriental white storks in Japan, where you can observe these elegant birds up close. They symbolize good fortune and happiness. 🚂 Izushi Castle Town A "Little Kyoto" town where you can wear a kimono, walk on cobblestone streets, visit the Izushi Castle ruins, and try the famous Izushi soba noodles. ⛰️ Genbudo Park A national natural monument with volcanic basalt wonders. The colorful rock walls are like natural artworks, perfect for taking photos! 🍜 Must-try food in Toyooka 🍣 Kasumi-gani - Fresh Matsuba crab only available in winter, with a sweet and fresh taste. 🥢 Izushi soba - Unique small plate serving style, delicious with dipping sauce! 🐡 Fugu - A winter specialty in Toyooka. We recommend trying the sashimi or hot pot. 🏠 Accommodation recommendations 🏨 Nishimuraya Honkan | Address: 469 Yushima, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka-shi, Hyogo A century-old hot spring inn with a strong Edo-style charm. Enjoy hot springs and kaiseki cuisine for the ultimate experience! 🏨 Kinosaki Onsen Kinosaki Kouraku | Address: 781 Yushima, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka-shi, Hyogo Close to the hot spring street, with rooms featuring open-air baths. Great value for money! 💡 Tips 🔹 Transportation: Take the JR limited express train from Osaka to Toyooka in about 2.5 hours. 🔹 Clothing: It's cold in fall and winter, so we recommend bringing a thick coat. You can rent a kimono on the hot spring street. 🔹 Japanese etiquette: Wash yourself before entering the hot springs, and take off your shoes when entering a traditional inn. Toyooka is a hidden gem in Japan that you can take your time to explore. Come and check it out!

🚉Transportation Guide: • How to get there: Take a train from Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe to Toyooka City, which only takes 2.5 to 3 hours. • Transportation within the city: Toyooka City has convenient public transportation, and you can take buses or trains to various attractions. ✨Recommended attractions (I) Day 1: Nature and hot springs tour 1. Genbudo Park: This is one of the most famous attractions in Toyooka. It has hexagonal basalt columns formed by volcanic activity 1.6 million years ago and is one of the most striking geological structures in Japan. Visitors can feel the wonders of nature and experience the magnetism of stone here. • Recommended playing time: 2-3 hours. 2. Kinosaki Onsen: With a history of over 1,300 years, Kinosaki Onsen is one of the most popular hot springs in Japan. It is very friendly to foreign tourists and has no restrictions on tattoos. There are seven public baths with different characteristics, and visitors can purchase a one-day bath ticket (1,500 yen) for unlimited use. • Recommended play time: 4-6 hours. • After the hot spring experience, you can take the Kinosaki Ropeway up the mountain to Miharashi Terrace and enjoy the panoramic views of the city and the Sea of ​​Japan at the terrace cafe. 3. Kawarake Nage Ceremony: Buying small clay discs at the mountaintop cafe and throwing them down the mountain to bring good luck is a fun traditional experience. (II) Day 2: Historical and Cultural Tour 1. Izushi Castle Town: This place is called "Little Kyoto", and the well-preserved townscape of the Edo period makes people feel like they have returned to the past. Samurai residences, white-walled warehouses and traditional gates are iconic buildings here. • Recommended playing time: 3-4 hours. 2. Yukoyama Inari Shrine: Similar in style to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in Kyoto, but more peaceful. The shrine is located on a hillside, with bright red torii gates winding up, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. • Recommended playing time: 1-2 hours. 3. Eirakukan: This is the oldest existing Kabuki theater in Kansai. It was built in 1901 and features flower paths and a revolving stage where visitors can watch traditional Kabuki performances. • Recommended playing time: 2 hours. [Tableware] Food Recommendations • Izushi Soba: Izushi is famous for its soba noodles. The noodles are smooth and paired with green onions, shredded radish and other ingredients, and the taste is excellent. Visitors can also participate in a soba-making workshop and experience the production process. • Buckwheat-flavored macarons and buckwheat ice cream: This is a modern take on a local tradition, perfect for tourists who love to try new and unusual foods. • White Stork Bento: At White Stork near Tajima Airport, you can enjoy a special bento with a white stork theme. [House] Accommodation recommendation • Hot spring hotels in Kinosaki Onsen Street: There are many traditional hot spring hotels in Kinosaki Onsen Street, providing comfortable accommodation and rich hot spring experiences. • B&Bs near Izuishi Castle Town: If you want to experience the local history and culture in depth, you can choose to stay in a B&B near Izuishi Castle Town. ⚠️Notes • Hot spring etiquette: In Kinosaki Onsen, visitors need to follow some basic etiquette, such as washing their bodies before entering the public bath. • Language: Although Toyooka City has fewer tourists, knowing some simple Japanese words will make it easier to communicate with locals. • Weather: Toyooka City has four distinct seasons, so it is recommended that you prepare appropriate clothing depending on the time of your trip. Toyooka City is a place full of natural beauty, history, culture, and traditional charm. I hope this guide will make your trip more perfect!

| A Lesser-Known but Healing Hot Spring and Sea Town. 🌟 Toyooka City Travel Guide | A Lesser-Known but Healing Hot Spring and Sea Town🌿 🏯 Must-Visit Attractions 1. Kinosaki Onsen Town Keywords: Ancient hot spring, seven public baths, wooden clogs Put on a yukata and wooden clogs, walk on the stone-paved streets, and visit the seven public baths. Each bath has its own unique legend! We recommend visiting in the evening, when you can enjoy a hot spring bath, eat onsen eggs, and watch the lanterns light up the streets. 2. Genbudo Park Keywords: Volcanic rock wonder, a must-visit for geology lovers Here, you can see rare hexagonal basalt columns that look like giant natural building blocks! The park is small but perfect for taking photos. The contrast between the rocks and the blue sky on a sunny day is stunning. Remember to wear non-slip shoes. 3. Kinosaki Marine World Keywords: Family-friendly, dolphin show, close interaction A small but exquisite aquarium by the sea, with daily sea lion and dolphin shows, and you can even touch stingrays! The rooftop terrace offers a view of the Sea of Japan. After visiting, you can go to the nearby seafood market for sashimi. 4. Izushi Castle Town Keywords: Edo-style, soba challenge, history lovers' paradise The quaint streets are lined with samurai residences and warehouses. Be sure to try the local specialty, "Izushi Sara Soba"—soba noodles served on five small plates, eaten with dipping sauce. It's a fun experience! Don't forget to collect the town's unique stamps. 5. Takeno Coast Keywords: Clear water, summer fireworks, TV drama setting The water is so clear it looks like jelly! In summer, you can swim and snorkel, while in winter, you can walk along the coast and listen to the waves. There's also a nearby café where you can enjoy hand-brewed coffee with a sea view. 🍱 Food Recommendations Matsuba crab dishes on the hot spring street: Winter exclusive! The Matsuba crab in Kinosaki Onsen is sweet and fresh. We recommend the "Crab Gozen" set meal, where you can even suck the crab shells clean. Tajima beef barbecue: Toyooka is located in Hyogo Prefecture, the home of the top-grade Tajima beef. Any small restaurant you find will serve beef so delicious it will bring tears to your eyes. Hanabayashi Restaurant: A local favorite for Japanese home-cooked meals. We recommend the set meals. It's located in Hidaka Town, so remember to make a reservation in advance. 🛏️ Accommodation Suggestions Top hot spring inns: 1. Nishimuraya Honkan: A century-old inn with a beautiful private bath garden and kaiseki dinner. 2. Sennen no Yu Gonzaemon: Great value for money, with an open-air bath facing the mountains. Enjoy a morning bath with misty views. If you're on a budget, choose an affordable inn on the hot spring street. Most include breakfast and dinner, with attentive service! 🚃 Transportation Tips How to get there: Take the JR Limited Express "Kinosaki" from Osaka for about 2.5 hours to Kinosaki Onsen Station. The sea views along the way are stunning! City transportation: Attractions are scattered, so we recommend renting a car or using the sightseeing bus (routes cover major attractions, but the schedule is sparse, so check the timetable). 🎨 Hidden Activities Cycling adventure: Rent a bike and ride along the coast, discovering deserted beaches and small fishing villages. Stamp collecting: The hot spring street and Izushi Town have unique stamps. Collect them all to exchange for a small gift! Night shrine visit: Visit Izushi Shrine or Onsenji Temple at night. The lantern-lit shrines are mysterious and tranquil. 💡 Tips Shower before entering the hot spring, tie up long hair, and those with tattoos can choose a private bath or use a cover sticker. Some small shops only accept cash, so bring enough yen. The winter snow scenery is beautiful, but wear non-slip shoes and a thick coat! Toyooka City is like a gem embraced by mountains and the sea, perfect for a slow-paced healing journey. Take this guide and experience the blend of hot springs, waves, and history!✨

After ending our trip to Xuanwu Cave Park, we drove to the nearby "Exit Stone City Trail". Deishi is a small town full of ancient atmosphere, once the prosperous center of the Danma region (now northern Hyogo Prefecture), here has a rich historical story and has several famous attractions, such as the ruins of Deishi Castle, famous for its magnificent stone walls, and Japan's oldest bell tower, Tatsuko Tower. In addition, it is also known for its "San Soba Noodles" using white porcelain dishes, and you can't miss this local specialty here. Located at the entrance to Deishi Castle, the Chengu Tower is said to be the oldest bell tower in Japan. The Chen Drum Tower was built in 1871, when the sound of a taiko drum was used to tell the time, and the sound of the drum was used to announce the arrival of the city lord. The current clock tower is a giant mechanical clock made in the Netherlands after being donated by a doctor in 1881, which has been used as a clock tower to this day. The current third generation bell tower has become a symbolic landmark of Deshi. Soba Noodle Restaurant Recommendation ~~ Katsura Izushi Soba Address: 668-0214 Uchi-cho, Deishi-cho, Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture Tel: +817 9652 3111 Business Hours: 10:00 - 17:30