Introducing "10 things to do in Hyogo (Himeji and Harima)".

Himeji Castle

Legend has it that the castle was built by Akamatsu Sadanori in 1346. It has undergone four major repairs during the Edo, Meiji, Showa, and Heisei periods, and the walls and roof tiles have been reinforced. It has been designated a national treasure and a World Heritage Site, and is one of five castles in Japan that have been designated as World Heritage Sites. There are very few cases of wooden castles being registered as World Heritage Sites, making it a valuable cultural heritage. Approximately 70% of the 21 remaining "gates" at Himeji Castle have been designated Important Cultural Properties, and they are characterized by their wide variety.

Kokoen Garden

Located right next to Himeji Castle, you can see the castle tower and lush greenery beyond the garden. Kokoen has nine gardens of various sizes, with the "Oyashiki Garden" being the largest garden and located where the Nishi Oyashiki used to be. The large pond, which is modeled after the Seto Inland Sea, is filled with colorful and beautiful Nishikigoi carp. The "Bamboo Garden" has about 15 varieties of bamboo planted, giving it a very atmospheric feel. The garden has also been used as a filming location for famous dramas and movies, such as Mito Komon.

The scenery that evokes the atmosphere of Edo and the flowers that bloom in each season are magnificent. It is beautiful in every season, but the highlight is the autumn foliage, which can also be seen lit up at night.

Shoshasan Engyo-ji Temple

It was founded in 966 by the Heian period monk Seiku. The legend goes that Susanoo-no-Mikoto descended to the summit and stayed there for a night. It is highly revered by the imperial family and aristocrats, and Emperor Kazan, who visited the mountain in 986, gave it the name Engyo-ji and built a large lecture hall. It is located at the top of the mountain, so it is recommended to take the Shoshazan Ropeway to get there. The Last Samurai was used as a filming location, and one of the three halls where filming took place, Jyogyodo, is a training hall for Jyogyozammai (a practice of circling the principal image while chanting the name of Amida Buddha) and is a cultural heritage site.

Etatehyoshi Shrine

It is said that the shrine first began in 564 when the deity Heizu-no-Okami (Okuninushi-no-Mikoto) was enshrined on Mt. Mizuo in Iwari, Shikama County. In 1181, the 174 great and small deities of Harima Province were enshrined together and the shrine became the main shrine of Harima Province, and became widely known as the shrine that guards the entire Harima Province. The highlight is the large, imposing vermilion-painted main gate. It is said that stroking the "pet-eared owl" will bring you happiness.

Himeji Domain Japanese Boat

The boat is a replica of a traditional Japanese boat (Takase-bune) that was once used by the Himeji Domain, giving it a very nostalgic feel. The boat ride around the inner moat takes about 30 minutes, covering 1.4km from the boarding point, and you can look up at the 11m-high stone walls of Himeji Castle and see the white walls of Koko-en Garden. In spring, you can also see cherry blossoms. The boat only operates in spring and autumn, and may be canceled even if it's light rain, so be sure to check before visiting.

Himeji Gokoku Shrine

Since 1893, a memorial service has been held every year in a garden near the current site, and the shrine was later rebuilt in 1938. In 1939, the shrine was renamed "Himeji Gokoku Shrine" due to a system reform, and was designated as a Gokoku Shrine by the Minister of the Interior. It is located near Himeji Castle, so it is easy to access. At the "New Year Lantern Festival" that is lit at midnight on January 1st, about 2,000 donated lanterns are lined up, creating a fantastic light that is a spectacular sight.

Japan Toy Museum

There are 90,000 items on display, including Japanese local toys, modern toys, crepe crafts, Kobe dolls, and ethnic toys and dolls from 160 countries around the world. This toy museum has been awarded two stars in the Michelin Green Guide. The Japanese toy "kites" are particularly popular, with a variety of shapes and sizes to tickle the child in both adults and adults. There is also a corner where you can choose between Japanese and international toys, which is popular with both children and adults.

Ako Castle Ruins

It is a castle with a deformed outline that was built over a period of 13 years starting in 1648. After the abolition of the feudal domains and the establishment of prefectures, the buildings were demolished and privatized, and in 1971 it was designated a national historic site and returned to public ownership. Gardens with ponds were excavated in the Honmaru and Ninomaru, and were designated a Place of Scenic Beauty in 2002 as daimyo gardens from the early Edo period. It is said that it is rare that two gardens remain, with the Honmaru and Ninomaru gardens both remaining.

Ako Oishi Shrine

It was built in 1912 to enshrine Oishi Kuranosuke Yoshio, the 47 Ronin, and Kayano Sanpei. There is a statue of the Ako Roshi, and the 47 warriors lined up in a row is overwhelming. Within the grounds are the Oishi Residence Nagayamon Gate, a nationally designated historic site that once housed three generations of the Oishi family, and the Gishi History Museum. At the Gishi History Museum, you can see a variety of exhibits, including valuable historical documents. You can also see the baton that Kuranosuke used in the attack, the Bizen Osafune sword, and the Gishi Treasure Hall, which displays valuable historical documents.

Tatsuno Castle

It is said that in 1499, Akamatsu Murahide, the Tatsuno clan of Shioya Castle , built Tatsuno Castle on Mount Keigo on the west bank of the Ibo River. Also known as White Heron Castle, the main buildings such as the castle tower and turrets built in the early Edo period still remain, and the castle is registered as a national treasure, an important cultural property, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Honmaru Palace was restored in 1979 and served as the government office of the Tatsuno domain and the residence of the domain's lord. The restoration of the palace is rare even on a national scale.

summary

We introduced "10 things to do in Hyogo (Himeji and Harima)".

Starting with the world heritage site "Himeji Castle", there are many shrines such as "Idatehyoshu Shrine", "Himeji Gokoku Shrine", "Ako Oishi Shrine" and so on. Each one has its own characteristics, so please visit them. At the "Japan Toy Museum", you can see a lot of toys, which is exciting.