You will receive a free quarterly E-mail Newsletter! Ryokan & Restaurants in Hyogo which are English-friendly. Guided Tours Available by volunteers in Hyogo Translation Service is also available. ~Castles & Castle Towns~ Castles & Castle Towns [ Sample Itinerary ] Himeji Castle(Harima) / Akashi Castle(Harima) / Ako Castle(Harima) Tatsuno Castle(Harima) / Takeda Castle Ruins(Tajima) / Izushi Castle(Tajima) Sasayama Castle(Tanba) / Sumoto Castle(Awaji) AKO CASTLE, a flatland castle (a castle built on a plain) situated on the seashore, AKO-MISAKI PROMONTORY with superb views and others. Ako is full of historic sites relating to Ako-gishi, the legendary 47 samurai who avenged their lord. A lot of ryokan inn stand side by side on Ako misaki promontory, a famous hot spring resort. Although the coastline is beautiful throughout the year, the view in spring is breathtaking because of the 3000 blossoming trees. Here, you can enjoy fresh seafood, such as seabream, conger, oyster and so on. From Kobe to Ako Sannomiya Station – 80 minutes by JR Sanyo line– Banshuako Station Banshuako Station 10 minutes on foot KAGAKUJI TEMPLE TEL:0791-42-2068 Kagakuji temple was constructed as a family temple of the Asano clan, by the lord of Ako Castle, in 17th century. There are tombstones of the 47 loyal samurai and the successive lords of Ako. There is also a hall housing wooden images and a treasure house. Open: 9:00-17:00 Admission: ¥300 **For more information http://www.hyogo-tourism.jp/english/w_harima/index.html 10 minutes on foot AKO CASTLE TEL:0791-43-6839 Ako Castle is a flatland castle, a castle built on a plain. The castle is located on the seashore and it used to be possible to set sail directly from the castle. The castle is designated as a national historic site. **For more information http://www.hyogo-tourism.jp/english/castle_town/ 1 minute on foot OISHI SHRINE TEL:0791-42-2054 Oishi Shrine is constructed in dedication to the 47 loyal samurai of Ako, including Yoshio Kuranosuke Oishi. In the precincts, there is a hall in which wooden statues of the faithful warriors rest peacefully. Also, there is the Ako Loyal Samurai Museum, which exhibits the samurais’ command batons, bird call whistles and so on. Open: 8:00-17:00 Admission: ¥400 (Ako loyal Samurai Museum) 3 minutes on foot AKO CITY MUSEUM OF HISTORY TEL:0791-43-4600 Ako City Museum of History has a beautiful appearance with walls like those of a castle. There is a theater in the museum and you can learn the history of Ako castle and town through various films. Open: 9:30-17:00 Closed: Tuesday (If national holidays fall on Tuesday, the following day is closed) 15 minutes by bus AKO MISAKI PROMONTORY AND HOT SPRING TEL:0791-43-6839 Ako-city Kanko-shokoka (Tourist information) Ako Misaki Promontory is a scenic spot located in the Seto Inland Sea National Park. In spring you can command a view of 5000 cherry trees blooming, and in summer the promontory is alive with people who enjoy bathing, camping and fishing. Also there are ryokan, Japanese style inns, where you can enjoy the view of the sea while taking a hot spring bath, and the taste of fresh sea food. **For more information http://www.hyogo-tourism.jp/english/springs/harima.html 15 minutes by bus Banshuako Station  ***Other places to visit*** AKO SEASIDE PARK TEL:0791-45-0800 Ako Seaside Park is located in the Seto Inland Sea National Park. In this amusement park, there are about 20 kinds of fairground ride such as a Ferris wheel, karts, and so on. There is also a pond where you can enjoy rowing a boat. THE MARITIME MUSEUM TEL:0791-43-4192 Ako city is famous for salt making. The Maritime Museum displays the culture of salt making and the relationship between salt making and the sea. Here, you can try your hand at making salt. **For more information http://www.hyogo-tourism.jp/english/w_harima/index.html The Top of This Page Hyogo Tourism Association Hyogo Prefectural Government Bldg. No.1,5-10-1 Shimoyamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan Postal Code:650-8567 Tel:078-361-7661 Fax:078-361-7662 e-mail: