Travel / Tourism Spots in Hiruzen Highland / Tsuyama / Mimasaka Three Hot Springs Area

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Hiruzen Highland / Tsuyama / Mimasaka Three Hot Springs

Category

Travel / Tourism

Onsen Yakushido

Travel / Tourism

Okayama Pref. Maniwashi Yubaraonsen 24

Onsen Yakushido is a temple devoted to Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of healing, located in the hot spring resort area of Yubara Onsen in the city of Maniwa. The votive image is an image of Yakushi Nyorai traditionally described as “about as big as one’s little finger.” It is revealed for public viewing on May 8 of each year during the temple’s Flower Festival.
Shiogama no Reisen

Travel / Tourism

Okayama prefecture Maniwa shimotsuta

This water springs from the valley of Mt. Nakahiruzen from among the three peaks of Hiruzen (Mt. Kamihiruzen, Mt. Nakahiruzen, Mt. Shimohiruzen) in Hiruzen Shimofukuda, Maniwa City. The cool 11 degree Celsius water that flows year-round formed a gourd-shaped pond that is 12 meters east to west, and it is used as water for daily living. It is also one of the 100 Best Waters of Japan.
Musashi no Sato

Travel / Tourism

Okayama Pref. Mimasakashi Miyamoto

The area around Miyamoto, Mimasaka City is known as the hometown of the great swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, besides the home where he was born and his grave, there are many spots related to him such as a statue, Musashi-jinja Shrine, a museum displaying related documents, and also the Miyamoto Musashi Station on the local Chizu Express Chizu Line.
GREENable HIRUZEN

Travel / Tourism

Okayama Maniwa-shi Hiruzenkamifukuda 1205-220
Takigawa Fireflies

Travel / Tourism

Okayama Katsuta-gun Shoocho

The Takikawa River flows near JR Katsumada Station, and is a popular spot to see fireflies. The river flows from the border between Okayama and Tottori prefectures, south through the towns of Nagi and Sho-o, and the clean water offers a habitat for many living things. That includes various firefly (hotaru in Japanese) species like Genji-botaru, Heike-botaru, Hosobeni-botaru, and others, which are collectively known as Takikawa Hotaru. There are many spots along the river to watch the fireflies dance, earning this a spot among Okayama prefecture's Top 100 Natural Sightseeing Spots.
Maniwa City Hokubo District Fireflies

Travel / Tourism

Okayama Maniwa-shi Shimoazae

The Bitchu river flows through the Hokubo area in the south of Maniwa City, and the town seems to wind around the river, which is a habitat for fireflies like genji-botaru, heike-botaru, and hime-botaru. The Ministry of the Environment has named this, Japan's foremost firefly town, one of the Top 100 Village of Natural life in Japan. There is a Maniwa City Firefly Watching Map as well, telling visitors the best places and times to enjoy firefly watching. In season, there are firefly watching bus tours and lodging plans for people looking to enjoy the dance of the glowing insects.
Katsuyama Historical Preservation District

Travel / Tourism

Okayama Maniwa-shi Katsuyama

This city preservation district is about a five-minute walk from JR Chugoku-Katsuyama Station. The white walls, latticed walls, and
Hiruzen Farm

Travel / Tourism

Okayama Maniwa-shi Hiruzenshimofukuda 462

A corn field and farm about a 25-minute drive from the Hiruzen Interchange on the Yonago Expressway. The farm was founded in the Hiruzen Highlands by a group of women interested in agriculture and is now the top producer of corn in western Japan growing nearly 600 thousand ears of corn per year. It's also known for its direct sales shop which often has a line out the door and during the summer is always bustling with customers who've come in search of fresh corn. They grow both the Hiruzen Milky Yellow Corn, which has a strong sweet flavor, and the Hiruzen Milky White Corn, which offers a pleasing crunch and sheen like pearl.
Joto Historical Preservation District

Travel / Tourism

Okayama Tsuyama-shi

A 15-minute drive from the Tsuyama Interchange on the Chugoku Expressway. This townscape, located on the eastern side of Tsuyama City which first flourished as a castle town, runs along for nearly 1.2km along the former Izumo Highway and has been chosen as a nationally recognized Group of Traditional Buildings. The area is lined with buildings and houses of tradesmen and craftsmen and the buildings show the traces of those classic days including Namako patterned walls, Sodekabe wing walls, and ultra-fine latticed windows. We recommend stopping by the Joto Old Townhouses, classic houses from the Edo period that are open to the public, and the Tsuyama Archives of Western Learning, Japan's only museum dedicated to western learning.
Shoboku Pottery Village Workshop

Travel / Tourism

Okayama Tsuyama-shi Suginomiya 708

A 10-minute drive from the Tsuyama Interchange on the Chugoku Expressway. This workshop features the largest ascending kiln in the northern region of the prefecture. The workshop is located in the hills in northern Tsuyama City, an area rich is earth perfect for pottery in what was known as the Koudaike Kiln during the middle ages. With the guidance of skilled Bizen-ware potter and instructor Hanaoka and using the ascending kiln and electric kilns you'll be able to enjoy a full-fledged pottery experience. The ascending kiln performs a traditional burning of Japanese red pine twice per year and is also used to fire works made during the pottery courses. After your works are fired you can either pick them up or have them delivered for a fee.
Josai Romance Hall

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Travel / Tourism

Okayama Tsuyama-shi Tamachi 122

A 10-minute drive from the Innosho Interchange on the Chugoku Expressway. This registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan was built in 1917. This two-story wood construction European style building features a dome on the top of the front of the building as well as intricately detailed windows and roof and was the former main building of the Nakajima Hospital. Each room features a fireplace made with different styles of marble. On the first floor you'll find the Youan Coffee cafe where you can enjoy a cup of coffee surrounded by the nostalgic romantic atmosphere of the Taisho period. There's a rental gallery available on the second floor.

We visited the Jousai Rouman-kan on the western side of the castle. According to its website, the Rouman-kan is the former main building of Nakajima Hospital next to it. The western style two story...
Kagaminoma-cho Town Area Genji Fireflies

Travel / Tourism

Okayama Tomata-gun Kagaminocho Go Chiku-ku

A 15-minute drive from the Innosho Interchange on the Chugoku Expressway. This 10-kilometers stretch of the Gougawa River aqueduct, a branch of the Yoshii River, is the native habitat of the Genji firefly. They normally start appearing mid-May and reach their peak from early to mid-June. The Kagamino township acts to protect this habitat with activities including cleaning up the river and this countryside Genji firefly habitat has been designated as a Natural Memorial of the Prefecture. In the Takigimoribara district you'll find the Firefly Hall, a facility dedicated to promoting activities to protect and propagate the firefly population and they have photographs and panels on display as well as a larva breeding room and training facilities.
Okutsu Farm Village Koshin-mura

Travel / Tourism

Okayama Tomata-gun Kagaminocho Nagato 141-1

A 30-minute drive from the Innosho Interchange on the Chugoku Expressway. At this rural accommodation, hands-on experience, and training facility you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons as you pass the time away in a classic style house. There are three separate houses, each equipped with Washlet toilets, as well as facilities such as the workshop equipped Koshinkan hall that can be used for a multitude of purposes including lodging, dining, hands-on manufacturing, learning, and training. Also, you can learn how to make soba noodles, yam cake, sasa-mochi, and tofu under the careful lead of veteran chefs from the local women's club. Enjoy hand-made cuisine made with local season ingredients.
Musashi Shrine

Travel / Tourism

Okayama Mimasaka-shi Miyamoto 968

A 15-minute walk from the Miyamoto-Musashi Station on the Chizu Express or a 20-minute drive from the Sayo Interchange. This shrine is located just south of the Musashi Museum and Miyamoto Musashi's Childhood Home. As the name suggests enshrined is the spirit of Miyamoto Musashi, the famous sword-saint from the early Edo period. Ever since it was built in 1971 great numbers of visitors have come to pray for success or victory. Located nearby the shrine is the family tomb and the stone wall of the main building contains a heart shaped stone that was excavated nearby that has become known as a power spot for romance fulfillment. The shrine's victory amulets are very popular.
Miyamoto Musashi Childhood Home

Travel / Tourism

Okayama Mimasaka-shi Miyamoto 946

A five-minute drive from the Ohara Interchange or a 10-minute walk from the Miyamoto-Musashi Station on the Chizu Express. This historical site is located just across the road from the Miyamoto Musashi Rest Area, close to the Musashi Museum, and it is the birthplace of the Miyamoto Musashi, the famous sword-saint from the early Edo period. To the side is a monument marking the location of Miyamoto Musashi's birth. The original building that Musashi was born in 1584 has since disappeared and the current building was rebuilt with tiled roof in 1942. The original house sported a thatched roof and it's located the near the shrine, so they believed that it had been Miyamoto's residence. The residence can only be viewed from the exterior.
Streets of Furumachi (Ohara-shuku on Old Inaba-kaido Road)

Travel / Tourism

Okayama Mimasaka-shi Furumachi

A three-minute drive from the Ohara Interchange or a five-minute walk from Ohara Station on the Chizu Express. This post town was located along the Inaba Highway that was used for the Sankin-Kotai policy during the Edo period in what is now the northeast area of Mimasaka. Many buildings built from the Edo period to the Taisho period still remain including the former governmental inn and subsidiary inn as well as the Tanaka Brewery. In addition to its designation as a Townscape Preservation Area it's also been chosen as one of the Top 100 Okayama History Journeys and as one of the New Japan's top 100 paths. Various events make use of the houses and shops including the Hina Girls' Day Festival in April and the Summer Festival in August.
Mimasaka Sakuto Museum of Art

Leisure / Hobbies

Okayama Mimasaka-shi Emi 945 Mimasaka-shi Sakuto Bunka Art Center

A five-minute drive from either the Sakuto Interchange or JR Mimasaka-Emi Station. This art museum is located within Valentine Park Sakuto and when not holding special exhibitions displays works by French artist Raymond Peynet of world renown. The collection includes nearly 140 pieces covering a variety of disciplines including watercolors, oil paintings, and art prints. The works on display are changed four times a year and are appealing for their simple, cute designs of lovers and couples. The museum is also the host for the Mimasaka Valentine Love art exhibition.
Yunogo Onsen Otani River Fireflies

Travel / Tourism

Okayama Mimasaka-shi Yunogo (Oyagawa)

A five-minute walk from the Yunogo-Onsen-Shimo bus stop or a 10-minute drive from the Mimasaka Interchange. You can come watch the fireflies here along the Otani River which flows through the western side of the Yunogo Hot Spring Town. The fireflies can be seen from early to late June. Being located close to the hot spring town a lot of tourists visit Otani Riverside Park after bathing and stroll along the paths, lanterns in hand, gazing at the fireflies. The hotels run special firefly viewing busses that will lead guests out to unique locations to see the fireflies including to a suspension bridge and into the mountains. The town also holds the Yunogo Onsen Firefly Festival.
Glass Studio TooS

Travel / Tourism

Okayama Mimasaka-shi Yunogo 813-2

A 10-minute drive from Mimasaka Interchange. This glass studio is just north of the Mimasaka Culture Center on the left side of the street. The glass pieces by artist Okamoto Tsunehide are characterized by the unique techniques used in their creation and their refusal to conform to established ideas. They also have tableware that resembles the feel of classic porcelain. There are charming blown glass pens made with the same style of techniques used to make wine glasses and perfume bottles. In addition to producing and selling glass works they also offer blown glass experiences and blown glass classes and should you wish to participate we recommend you make prior reservations.
Kawai River Area Fireflies

Travel / Tourism

Okayama Mimasaka-shi Kita 243

A 10-minute drive from the Mimasaka Interchange. Come watch fireflies here in the upstream of the Kawai River near the Kawai Community House. The fireflies can be seen from early to mid-June. There are two types of fireflies, Genji fireflies and Heike fireflies, and as the prefecture's prominent habitat for Genji fireflies the location has been designated as a Natural Monument of the City. You're most likely to see the most fireflies from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. On a Saturday in early June they hold the annual Kawai Firefly Festival filled with night stalls and a stage that plays host to local performs and demonstrations.

Okayama Hiruzen Highland / Tsuyama / Mimasaka Three Hot Springs

Travel / Tourism

History / Culture / Tour Factory / Workshop Sightseeing Spot Experience / Training / Vehicle Nature Travel / Tourism Information Rental Car / Bicycle / Motorcycle Souvenirs Rest Spot Other Sightseeing

Okayama Areas

Overshadowed by Hiroshima to the west and the Kansai region to the east, Okayama is an easy spot to miss but a nature-rich gem where the Seto Inland Sea laps at its toes and peach and grape farms complete its interior. One of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, Koraku-en in Okayama city is well worth a visit before progressing to Kurashiki, where preserved wooden Edo buildings line the picturesque canal.