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) TAKEDA CASTLE, a famous mountain castle designated as a national historic site, RITSUUNKYO, the most beautiful cherry blossom viewing spot in Tajima and others. Ritsuunkyo, or Ritsuun gorge, is called Yoshino (the most beautiful cherry blossom spot in Japan) of Tajima. The view of the blossoms of about 4000 cherry trees is marvelous. From Kobe to Takeda (by public transport) Sannomiya Station – about 2.5 hours by JR – Takeda Station (by car) Kobe – 2 hours by car – Takeda Takeda Station 5 minutes by car Yamajiro no Sato TEL:079-670-6518 You can watch the making process of local specialties such as rice cakes, tofu, miso (soy bean paste), konnyaku (devil’s tongue), bread and confectioneries. You can also try to make buckwheat noodles and bake bread. At the restaurant, you can enjoy traditional dishes using local foods. Open:9:00-17:00 Closed on Wednesday 5 minutes by car Takeda Castle Ruins TEL:079-672-3301 Wadayama-cho Kanko-kyokai (Information center) This is one of the most famous mountain castles in Japan and is designated as a national historic site. The stone walls were constructed with a special technique and even now remain almost perfect in appearance. From here you can command a panoramic view of the castle town, beautiful mountains and a river. **For more information http://www.hyogo-tourism.jp/english/castle_town/ 10 minutes by car TERAMACHI, temple town, PICTURESQUE STREET TEL:079-672-3301 Wadayama-cho Kanko-kyokai (Informaiton center) Four temples and one shrine stand along this street on the foot of Takeda Castle Ruins. Carps can be found in Takeda river which flows along the street, and helps to create a special atmosphere of a castle town. 10 minutes by car RITSUUNKYO, Ritsuun Gorge TEL:079-672-3301 Wadayama-cho Kanko-kyokai (Information center) Ritsuunkyo, or Ritsuun gorge, is located on the side of Mt.Asago and commands a view of Takeda Castle Ruins. About 4000 cherry trees bloom in spring. In addition to the cherry blossom, you can enjoy various flowers in spring, the red and yellow changing leaves in autumn, and there is a wonderful snow-scape in winter. 10 minutes by car Takeda Station ***Other places to visit*** THE WADAYAMA MUSEUM OF LOCAL HISTORY TEL:0796-75-2928 The Wadayama Museum of Local History displays many excavated artifacts. You can also see a miniature of a Tumulus, a botanical garden, and so on. Open: 9:00-17:00 Closed on Mondays, if a holiday falls on Monday, the next day is closed Admission:¥200 Access: 10 minutes by car from Wadayama station ICHIRYU (restaurant) TEL:079-672-1717 Ichiryu is a konnyaku, devil’s tongue, restaurant. You can try sushi, zosui or rice porridge and pot dishes including konnyaku. If you make a reservation two weeks in advance, you can try making konnyaku yourself. Open: 11:00-14:00, 17:00-21:00 Access: 5 minutes by car from Wadayama station 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: