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) SUMOTO CASTLE with its wonderful views, the foot bath at SUMOTO HOT SPRING and others. Awaji Island is called flower island because beautiful flowers can be seen whenever you visit. Above all, spring is the best season for flowers. From Kobe to Sumoto Sannomiya Station – 80 minutes by Awaji Kotsu express bus – Sumoto Bus Center (Awaji Kotsu; TEL:0799-22-3121, URL: http://www.awaji-kotsu.co.jp/) Sumoto Bus Center 15 minutes by car SENZAN SENKOJI TEMPLE TEL:0799-22-0281 Senzan is called Awaji Fuji because of its beautiful shape, similar to that of Mt.Fuji, the highest and most beautiful mountain in Japan. When it is fine, you can command a view of the sea and mountains of Shikoku island. In autumn, many people visit here to enjoy the changing leaves. At Senkoji Temple, there is a temple bell designated as an important cultural asset. 15 minutes by car Awaji Gourmet Place, ‘MIKETSUKUNI’ TEL:0799-26-1133 The building that houses Miketsukuni was used as a warehouse in 19th century. It is made of red bricks and has a retro feel to it. Here, you can try Awaji Beef and fresh seafood dishes. Open:11:30-14:30, 17:00-22:00 **For more information http://www.hyogo-tourism.jp/english/c_awaji/index.html 10 minutes on foot OHAMA BEACH PARK TEL:0799-22-0742 Sumoto Kanko-kyokai (Information center) Ohama Beach Park has beautiful white sands and green pine trees. Blessed by nature, this place is known as a popular walking course. 5 minutes on foot SUMOTO CASTLE RUINS TEL:0799-22-0742 Sumoto Kanko-kyokai (Information center) Sumoto Castle stands on the top of Mt. Mikuma. Its stone walls and keep are designated as a national historic site. The castle tower commands a view of Sumoto City and Osaka Bay. There is a Japanese tearoom in the keep. **For more information http://www.hyogo-tourism.jp/english/c_awaji/index.html 5 minutes on foot SUMOTO MUNICIPAL CULTURAL HISTORY MUSEUM TEL:0799-24-3331 Sumoto Municipal Cultural History Museum features the history and culture of Awaji Island. It displays excavated artifacts, puppet heads used for Awaji puppet dramas, farming implements and so on. Open: 9:00-17:00 Closed on Mondays and the day after national holidays, from Dec.28 to Jan.4 Admission:¥400 2 minutes on foot SHIOSAI no YU-ASHIYU, the foot bath at Sumoto Hot Spring TEL:0799-22-3158 Sumoto Onsen Kanko Ryokan Renmei (Information Center) As you soak only your feet in the hot spring water, there is no need to take off your clothes. It is said to be good for nerve pain and an upset stomach. Open: 7:00-18:00 Admission: Free 10 minutes on foot Sumoto Bus Center 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: