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Tourist guide

A city situated in the north of Hyogo prefecture, Asago is well-known for the “ in the Sky”. There is also a silver mine that represents an important part of industrial heritage. Spot Takeda Castle 1 Ruins

The Takeda Castle was constructed on the mountain at 353 meters of altitude. It is one of the hundred most What are the conditions to famous in . In clear autumn mornings, be able to see the Unkai? thick fog can be seen surrounding the castle. This view

1) Substantial difference of temperature creates an illusion of a floating castle. Hence the name, between evening and mid-day, “Castle in the sky”. 2) Rise of humidity, At the moment, a great number of people have 3) Clear sky, already experienced the magical scenery of the ruins. 4) Very low wind. It is definitely one of the must-see sites in the Hyogo The sea of clouds can be seen until 8am. Prefecture! (This may change depending on the weather condition.)

2 From Wadayama Station (to go to Wadayama, please refer to the page 12), take the train in the direction of Access to Teramae and get off at Takeda, the next station. Takeda Castle Ruins

From , there are two options : ① For the brave ones, you can hike to the top (about 1 hour). There are three trails: the trail behind the station, the one behind the shrine In the train In front of Takeda Station and the south path (see map page 4).

② For those in a hurry, you can take a bus from Takeda Station that will bring you halfway. The rest can just be done by foot (about 20mins).

Opening hours From the end of March to mid-September – 8am to 6pm From mid-September to the beginning of December – 4am to 5pm Closed from mid-December to the end of March. Hiking to the Castle Fees : 500 yen Taking the bus for Takeda Castle

The stone situated on the Minami Sen Jo is called “mirror stone”. Arrived!!

The view is so gorgeous!

There is a stone with holes from the fabrication of the Ishigaki Wall. Let’s find it. 3 4 Spot Visiting the town 1 of Takeda Ritsuun-Kyo Valley Let’s climb up to see The Ritsuun-Kyo Valley is situated in front this wonderful view. of the Takeda Castle Ruins. It gives you an excellent spot to see the sea of clouds in autumn. The valley is also famous for its 300 years old cheery blossom trees, during spring, the valley becomes beautifully pink.

Lot of souvenirs at Yamajiro no Sato!

Takeda Machi

You can also buy local products and Takeji souvenirs, the mascot of Takeda Castle.

Don’t miss the chance to eat the delicious “Genki-Don”, a rice bowl with the famous Tajima beef on top.

The information center is situated in the old distillery EN.

Information Center Tenku no Shiro History, scale models, reproduction of the stone wall, you will learn everything there is to know about Takeda from this information center. Free entrance.

It is very pleasant to take a walk in the old district of Takeda. You can visit temples, an old sake distillery, souvenir shops, the tourist office (inside Takeda Station) and the information center “Castle in the Sky” (Tenku no Shiro). All the information about the history of Takeda Castle and the history of Japanese castle are available in English. Don’t hesitate to taste the “Genki-Don” that you can find in some restaurants of Takeda district. 5 Spot Ikuno Silver Mine 2

The exploitation of Ikuno silver mine started in 1542. The mine has been controlled by feudal lords such as Nobunaga Oda, Hideyoshi Toyotomi and Ieyasu Tokugawa during the Muromachi and periods. After the unification of Japan, the Ikuno mine came under the direct control of the government, then under the jurisdiction of the imperial estate after the restoration of the Emperor. The mine went through various modernizations with the presence of the French engineer Jean-François Coignet. A great quantity of silver and mineral has been extracted while the mine was in activity. The Ikuno silver mine is one of the greatest industrial heritage of Japan that it is possible to visit! Come to learn more about the story and the industrial heritage of the Ikuno Silver Mine. 6 From Wadayama Station (to go to Wadayama, please refer to the page 12), take the train in the direction of Access to Teramae and get off at Ikuno (about 35mins). From here two options: Ikuno Silver ①Take a bus in front of Ikuno station that goes towards Kirakuen and then get off 8 stops later at “Ikuno Ginzan Guchi” (about 8 Mine mins). From there it will take 10mins to reach the silver mine. Bus schedule from Ikuno Station to the Ikuno 生野銀山口経由 喜楽苑 silver mine: Week days: 9 :20, 11 :55, 12 :31, 14 :27, 15 :10 Week-end and holidays: 10 :15, 13 :29, 13 :44 Bus schedule from the Ikuno silver mine to Ikuno Station: Week days: 12 :13, 12 :48, 14 :42, 15 :25, 16 :12 Week-end and holidays: 11 :34, 13 :58, 14 :46 ② Take a taxi. You can find one easily in front of Ikuno Station. In front of Take the bus directing to the JR Ikuno station Kirakuen and get off at “Ikuno Ginzan Guchi”

Sake with gold leaves inside. Some of the tunnel was so tiny that miners could only move on hands and knees.

A lot of souvenirs can be found at the mine shop.

Arrivée!!

Fees: Adults – 900 Yen ~ Junior high school students – 600 yen ~ Elementary school students – 400 yen ~ Under 6 years old – Free Opening hours: From April to October : 9am to 5.30pm ~ November : 9am to 5pm ~ December to February : 9am to 4.30pm ~ March 9.30am to 5pm Closed on Tuesdays from December to February.

7 Lot of craft products, it is so great! 8 Spot Ikuno Village 2

In the Izutsu-ya, as well as in the station, you can buy craft and local products. Izutsu-ya A walk in Ikuno will unveil the beauty of the town. Itzutsu-ya was built in 1832. During the Edo era, it was forbidden for travelers to stay in the mine town. There were six inns exclusively for government officials visiting the mine town to stay in, Itzutsu-ya is one of them. Today, it is possible for tourists to visit Itzutsu-ya, which has been converted into a craft shop where many souvenirs in the shape of a salamander can be found. Indeed, the giant Japanese salamander research center is situated in Ikuno. Free entrance and closed on Mondays.

Old house of Asada Family Generations of government officials from Asada family played an important part in the modernization of Ikuno during the Meiji area. It is possible to visit the old house. Free entrance and closed on Mondays.

Don’t miss the chance to taste the “Hayashi Rice”, the traditional miner’s food. The Temple Street (Teramachi) name derived from the 8 temples it possesses. At the beginning of the mine exploitation, numerous young people from all over the country came to work in the mine. The working conditions in the mine were difficult that resulted in Café Argent many deaths. 9 Asago, in all seasons...

Autumn -秋-

Aside from the beautiful sea of clouds that we can witness in the mornings of autumn, you can also attend the Autumn Festival in the Takeda district. This festival cannot be missed! It is a famous autumn event where chariots are carried by the sheer strength of a few men to the beat of Japanese drum music (the weekend before the “sport day” National Holidays, the second Monday of October).

Spring -春-

The beauty of the cheery blossoms on Takeda Castle and Ritsuun-Kyo Valley makes the scenery magical! It is a must-see during the first two weeks of April.

Winter -冬- Asago is situated in Tajima region where there are many mountains and abundant snow. So, the access to the Castle is closed from mid- December to mid-March.

Summer -夏- Asago cannot escape from the summer heat and from its summer festival on the 23rd of August.

10 What about visiting Onsen Kinosaki Onsen too?

Kinosaki Onsen is situated on the North of Asago and it is a must-see hot spring town. For a traditional experience, you can wear a Yukata (traditional summer cloth) and walk around visiting 7 different hot springs (Onsen). Each Onsen has a different architecture. Baths are open until 11pm and some baths are open from 7am which means you have more time to enjoy them. Each travelers who stay the night will receive an Onsen pass which is valid until 10am the next morning. However, you can also buy a pass for a day trip. It is possible to rent a Yukata and enjoy the Kinosaki Beer.

Access and further information on the bath hours and holidays: http://www.kinosaki-spa.gr.jp/global/index.html

11 Access By Train We are waiting From [4 hours 20 min.] for you at -> Shinkansen -> Station -> Limited Expressway (via San-in line) Asago! -> Wadayama Station From Kyoto [about 1 hour 50 min.] Kyoto Station -> Limited Expressway (via San-in line) -> Wadayama Station From [about 2 hours and 10 min.] Osaka Station -> Limited Express (via Fukuchiyama Line) -> Wadayama Station From Kobe [about 2 hours] Kobe Station -> Limited Express (via Bantan Line) -> Wadayama Station From Himeji [about 1 hour 10 min.] Himeji Station -> Limited Express (via Bantan Line) -> Wadayama Station

“Chasurin”, mascot of the city

● Possibility of buying The which allows unlimited travel on Japan Rail trains, buses and ferries. For more Information : http://www.jrpass.com/

● Possibility of a Japan Rail Pass only for the Kansai area (including Asago City) at 8 500 Yen for 5 days. For more information : http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel-information/pass/kansai_wide/

For information about Japanese train timetable and direction, please check-out this website: http://www.hyperdia.com/

Don’t forget to check the website about Asago in English: http://www.city.asago.hyogo.jp/kankou/eng/index-en.html 12