Izushi is an old, historic town whose name has been heard since since the age of ancient mythology. The foundation of the present town came into being as a castle town developed around Izushi Castle, built in 1604. Izushi is known as the “Little Kyoto of Tajima” because its streets were arranged in a grid pattern. Before Izushi Castle was built, Arikonoyama Castle,located to the south of the town on top of Mount Ariko, was used. It was a large castle,spanning 740 meters east to west and 780 meters north to south. While this spectacle is no longer visible, the view of the town of Izushi is beautiful from the summit, so we recommend hiking all the way up to the top of the mountain.

Festivals

The main spring festival in Izushi is the Cherry Blossom Festival, with the Izushi Soba Eating Contest and the Arikoyama Inari Shrine's Hatsuuma Festival also being held in this season. Summer is the time for the Firefly Festival, the Bon Dance Festival, and the Atago Fire Festival. In fall, there is the Fall Festival, which is also known as the Fighting Danjiri Festival; the Castle Festival, in which a lord’s procession parades through town; and the New Soba Festival. All of these are great opportunities to experience Japanese culture.

Sight

Izushi Castle ruins

All of Izushi Castle's buildings were demolished in 1868, but in 1871, Shinkoro clock tower was built beside the remains of the main gate. Originally a drum tower, a large clock face was added in 1881. A 20-meter-tall relic of the castle gate, it is now the symbol of Izushi. Other structures that provide a feel of the atmosphere of olden times are the inner citadel's east and west corner turrets, reconstructed in 1968, and the main bridge and main gate, rebuilt in 1994.

Eirakukan:The oldest playhouse in the
Kansai region

Built in 1901, the Eirakukan is the oldest playhouse in the Kinki region. Back in the day, flourished as a highly successful center for popular culture, with performances including kabuki, popular theater, and vaudeville. With the spread of movies and television and the diversification of entertainment styles, the Eirakukan eventually closed in 1964. In 2008, however, it underwent a major refurbishment and made a comeback after 44 years. These days, just like in the past, the playhouse is a venue for a range of events that include not only kabuki, kyogen, plays, and rakugo, but also manzai stand-up comedy, concerts, and lectures. At times when no performances are being held, the backstage area is also open to the public.

The leading area for soba in western Japan

In 1706, the Izushi Domain was transferred to the Sengoku clan, who were the lords of present-day Ueda in Nagano Prefecture. With this, the techniques employed by soba noodle artisans who arrived with the clan were added to soba-making techniques originally handed down in the area, and Izushi soba was born. As time passed, the soba noodles came to be served on small, white, Izushi ware plates, and a style of eating several plates of noodles was established. With a set of five plates as one serving, the soba comes with condiments such as egg, grated yam, green onions, grated daikon, and wasabi, and dashi soup served in a sake flask. These days, Izushi has about 50 different soba restaurants and is known as the leading area for soba in western Japan. So that visitors may enjoy eating and comparing the soba served in different restaurants, we recommend purchasing a set of reasonably-priced Sara Soba Tour coupons, which allow you to eat at three restaurants of your choice.
Some shops also offer soba-making experiences, allowing you to enjoy the deeper aspects of soba.

Izushi ware:said to be the ultimate white
porcelain

Izushi-yaki, or Izushi ware, is a local ceramic style said to have started at the time of the 11th emperor, Suinin, with the firing of plates and dishes required for daily living. Izushi ware's present-day style is said to have emerged when a kiln for firing unglazed earthenware was set up in 1784. The white of the porcelain is so pure that Izushi ware came to be called the “ultimate white.” The painting on these wares is delicate and characterized by somber colors, and Izushi ware is said to be the porcelain of porcelains. Currently, there are four kilns that have shops. Some kilns offer porcelain painting experiences, which we recommend as something that will create wonderful memories of your trip.

Izushi Shuzo:A historical sake
brewery with mud walls

Built during the 1700s with mud walls, Izushi Shuzo has become a tourist attraction.
The brewery sells directly, and it is possible to taste products such as its famous brand Sasazuru. Recommended for souvenirs.

The many temples of the castle town

The castle towns of old Japan offered advantages such as defense, so many temples came to be built in them. The formation of temple areas was also a frequent phenomenon. Izushi was no exception, and still has an area known as “Teramachi”, meaning “Temple Town”. These days, the temples are not all together in the one area, but there are many that are very atmospheric, including Sukyo-ji Temple, which has historical connections with Takuan Soho.
We invite you to combine your soba tour with tour of Izushi’s temples.

ZEN EXPERIENCE
at famous Japanese pickles temple: Sukyoji < Book a Tour and Experience >

Location

About 40 minutes by car from Kinosaki Onsen, about 50 minutes by car from
Takeda Castle ruins, and about 1 hour by car from Amanohashidate. About 3 hours from Osaka, Kobe, and Kyoto. About 2 hours from Himeji.
In addition to the Nishinomaru parking lot, (a large parking lot with convenient access to the city), four other parking lots are also available.