Nishi HarimaList of autumn outing spots
Autumn is here, the season of hearty appetites! Enjoy plenty of autumn flavors like fruit picking and mackerel. Also, enjoy the autumn foliage, ginkgo trees, and cosmos fields.
Autumn's charm lies in its beautiful natural scenery that somehow soothes the soul. Why not take a trip to western Harima and enjoy the pleasant autumn breeze?
Autumn local cuisine
Outings, experiences, and scenic spots
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The Great Ginkgo Tree of Sayo
Sayo Town
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Baba Cosmos Field
Tatsuno City
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Mount Onabe and Asagiri
Sayo Town
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Difeng Plateau
Kamikawa Town
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Hara Tourist Apple Orchard
Shiso City
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Tatsuno Castle Town
Tatsuno City
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Camp Village Tarolin Village
Himeji City
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Seseragi no Yu
Ichikawa Town
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Mount Shosha
Himeji City
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Good Old Garden
Himeji City
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Mogamiyama Park
Shiso City
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Myokenzan Oshoji Temple
Fukusaki Town
We're showcasing the charms of West Harima!
Yuzu YasutomiHimeji City
In Yasutomi-cho, Himeji City, they cultivate their specialty product, "Yasutomi Yuzu," on a site roughly the size of two Tokyo Domes. They also ship the yuzu as "yuzu balls" (fresh fruit) used in yuzu baths, so they are meticulous about managing the branches to prevent damage and carefully harvesting the fruit. The yuzu are in season around November, and the sight of them hanging in clusters of vibrant yellow is a beautiful autumn scene.
"Yasutomi Yuzu" is characterized by its fragrant aroma and refreshing taste. In addition to being shipped fresh, "Yasutomi Yuzu Workshop" processes it into more than 30 kinds of food products. Among them, "Yuzu no Shizuku" (from 334 yen), made from 100% natural yuzu juice, is extremely popular. By gently squeezing freshly picked yuzu, the bitterness is removed, making it easy to add to various dishes such as pickles and hot pot. Dilute it with hot water to make yuzu juice. Be sure to try it as a drink on a chilly day.
Shiso beefShiso City
"Shiso Beef," a top-grade Japanese Black cattle breed, is a must-try. It is a purebred Japanese Black cattle breed that inherits the lineage of Tajima beef. Raised in the naturally rich land of Shiso City, which has a high altitude and significant temperature differences, the meat is characterized by its beautiful marbling and sweet, high-quality flavor. The fat is not greasy, so it can be enjoyed more lightly than it looks.
You can purchase Shiso beef at Shibahara Meat Shop in the city. They have a wide selection of cuts for sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, and yakiniku, so you'll enjoy the time you spend choosing your product. Their "Beef Toro Roast Beef," made from marbled cuts of beef, has a melt-in-your-mouth texture like fatty tuna, and once you taste it, you're sure to be hooked.
In addition, there are restaurants in the city that serve dishes using "Shiso beef." When you're in the mood to treat yourself a little, be sure to visit Shiso City.
mandarin orangeAko City
Akaho City is actually rich in mandarin orange cultivation. The development of mandarin orange groves began around 1945, and since then, mandarin oranges have been cultivated in approximately 15 orchards. Surrounded by mountains, with well-drained slopes opening onto the sea, and combined with abundant sunshine and low rainfall, it has become an ideal region for mandarin orange cultivation. Akaho mandarin oranges grown in this high-quality soil are characterized by a balanced sweetness and acidity and a rich flavor. You'll likely become addicted after just one bite.
Mandarins can be purchased at farm stands and supermarkets. Around November, when they are in season, you can enjoy mandarin picking at "Takagi Farm Tourism" in the city. Harvesting while overlooking the beautiful Seto Inland Sea and the city of Akaho is sure to be a memorable experience. Visit with family and friends.
Bouze mackerelHimeji City
Located 18km southwest of Himeji City, Bōze Island, one of the Ieshima Islands, boasts one of the highest fish catches in Hyogo Prefecture. Among its products, "Bōze mackerel" is a branded autumn delicacy. The fish are carefully caught using purse seines to minimize stress and then farmed in fish farms.
The secret to its deliciousness lies in minimizing the use of compound feed and instead feeding the mackerel sardines and other fish caught in the Harima Sea. By feeding them the same diet they have in the ocean, the fish is not overly fatty, and the rich, natural flavor of the mackerel is brought out. We recommend enjoying it fresh as sashimi or shabu-shabu.
At Himeji Maedore Market, you can not only buy fresh mackerel, but also have mackerel swimming in the tanks cooked on the spot. Every year in November, they also hold the "Boze Mackerel Festival," where Boze mackerel is sold at special prices and sashimi is given away for free, so be sure to stop by.
■Main sales locations
- Himeji Maedore MarketMAP
Taishi MisoTaishi Town
"Taishi Miso" is made using rice and soybeans from Taishi Town. It's a highly-regarded product that won the gold medal at the 2015 Nishiharima Food Selection.
This low-sodium miso is carefully aged for about 10 months, and features a high proportion of rice koji, resulting in a simple yet sweet flavor. At one point, there were no producers, and it became known as a "legendary miso." However, thanks to strong support from the town, it has made a remarkable comeback. Currently, "Taishi Miso" is used in school lunches at local elementary schools and is loved by many people.
Also, keep an eye out for new local specialties made with "Taishi Miso." From "Miso Croquettes" and "Taishi Miso Stewed Udon" to "Taishi Miso Candy," there's a whole array of tempting items you won't be able to resist trying. They're sold in various locations throughout town, so be sure to give them a try!
Japanese sakeHimeji City, Shiso City, Ako City
Harima is the birthplace of sake in Japan. Much of the top-quality "Yamada Nishiki" rice, popular throughout Japan, is produced in Hyogo Prefecture.
Ginjo sake made with Yamada Nishiki rice, which is low in protein that causes off-flavors in sake, is popular for its fruity ginjo aroma, clean and elegant taste, and lingering finish. It is also enjoyed as a food pairing sake with light dishes.
Harima boasts 22 sake breweries. Each brewery showcases the appeal of Japanese sake in its own unique way, from preserving traditional methods to pursuing harmony between sake and food, and brewing throughout the year. Most breweries offer sake for sale and tours. Additionally, "Kokoromi," located right next to JR Himeji Station, offers a tasting of approximately 300 different brands of sake from Hyogo Prefecture, so why not pay a visit and immerse yourself in the charm of Japanese sake?
The Great Ginkgo Tree of SayoSayo Town
This magnificent ginkgo tree boasts a thousand-year history. With a circumference of approximately 9 meters at its base and a height of approximately 28 meters, its sheer scale is breathtaking when seen in person. It is the town tree of Sayo Town and is also designated as a prefectural natural monument. It begins to change color around the beginning of November, and is at its best around the middle of November.
The sight of this magnificent ginkgo tree, which has withstood typhoons and lightning strikes, conveys the strength of nature's vitality. Not only the ginkgo tree itself, but also the fallen leaves dye the entire area golden, coloring the town of Sayo. It is truly a symbol of Sayo town, and it is said to be a popular spot that attracts many visitors not only from within the town but also from outside the prefecture who come to see the ginkgo tree.
It's located about an 8-minute walk from JR Sayo Station, so be sure to stop by and enjoy the autumn atmosphere. You can even watch the trains go by right next to it from the train window.
- location
- 3140 Sayo, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo Prefecture
- telephone number
- 0790-82-0670
The Great Ginkgo Tree of Sayo
Baba Cosmos FieldTatsuno City
The Baba Cosmos Fields, a vast area roughly the size of one Tokyo Dome, utilizes fallow rice paddies. From early to mid-October, the cosmos flowers reach their peak bloom, displaying a dazzling array of red, white, and pink flowers—5 million in total. Surrounded by blue skies and mountains, the cosmos flowers swaying in the autumn breeze create a truly soothing sight for visitors. Why not visit with friends or family and enjoy a leisurely stroll?
You can also pick cosmos flowers. You can take home 10 stems for 100 yen, and they would add a touch of color to your room.
The Baba Cosmos Festival is held annually on the third Sunday of October. It features sales of Tatsuno City's local products and stage performances, making it a fun event to enjoy all day long. Check the website for details. *The 2021 Baba Cosmos Festival was cancelled.
- location
- Baba, Ibogawa-cho, Tatsuno City, Hyogo Prefecture
- telephone number
- 0791-64-3156
Baba Cosmos Field
Mount Onabe and AsagiriSayo Town
Sayo Town is located in a basin surrounded by mountains. From late autumn to winter, the town is often enveloped in fog on chilly early mornings. The summit of "Onade-san" is a spectacular viewpoint where you can see a fantastical landscape of a sea of fog. Many people come from outside the prefecture to capture this mystical moment on camera. The time you can observe it is limited, but you'll find yourself mesmerized by the beautiful colors that change moment by moment. Watching the sun rise powerfully from behind the mountain range shrouded in a sea of fog is sure to energize anyone who sees it.
There's an observation deck near the summit, which is 435.5m above sea level, and it's accessible by car, making it relatively easy to visit. Why not get up a little early on a holiday and head to Sayo Town to see the mystical morning mist?
- location
- Onayama Observatory, Nagao, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo Prefecture
- telephone number
- 0790-82-0670
Mount Oonade
Difeng PlateauKamikawa Town
Tonomine Plateau is known as one of the leading pampas grass fields in western Japan. In mid-October, when the pampas grass is in full bloom, you can witness a magnificent landscape that looks like a golden carpet stretching as far as the eye can see. Its charm has attracted attention from all over the country, and it has been used as a filming location for movies such as "Norwegian Wood" and historical dramas such as "Taira no Kiyomori" and "Gunshi Kanbei". Standing amidst this fantastical scenery, you might feel as if you have become a character in a movie or novel.
The loop takes about 90 minutes to complete, so a leisurely stroll is highly recommended. Why not grab your camera and try to capture the perfect shot? From October to early November, a highland bus service is also available. It runs directly from JR Teramae Station, so be sure to use it. You can also reserve a bento box lunch unique to Kamikawa Town.
- location
- Kawakami, Kamikawa-cho, Kanzaki-gun, Hyogo Prefecture
- telephone number
- 0790-34-1001
- Closed on
- Closed to traffic during winter due to snow.
Difeng Plateau
Hara Tourist Apple OrchardShiso City
"Hara Tourist Apple Orchard" is nestled amidst the lush green forests of Shiso City. With approximately 1,300 apple trees of 17 varieties, it is a rare apple orchard in the prefecture. The large temperature difference between day and night in Shiso's climate is said to cultivate juicy apples. A special feature is that each apple is bagged. This prevents insect repellent and other disinfectants from directly contacting the apples, making them safe for children to eat.
Apple picking is available at this orchard from late August to mid-November (600 yen for adults, 350 yen for children). In October, varieties such as the tart "Jonagold" and the deeply sweet "Ohrin" become available. Enjoy the juicy, crisp texture of freshly picked apples. The 100% apple juice and soft serve ice cream sold on-site are also very popular. It's a popular spot that sometimes attracts as many as 500 visitors a day.
- location
- 560-1 Hara, Haga-cho, Shiso City, Hyogo Prefecture
- telephone number
- 0790-75-3600
- Business Hours
- 8：00～17：00
- Closed on
- December to March
- Entry materials
- Adults 600 yen, Children 350 yen (ages 4 and up to elementary school age)
Hara Tourist Apple Orchard
Tatsuno Castle TownTatsuno City
Tatsuno Castle Town, with its many well-preserved old-world streets, is a popular tourist spot where you can experience history and culture. Within the town, you can find the "Usukuchi Tatsuno Soy Sauce Museum," the "Soy Sauce Village Taisho Roman Museum," soy sauce factories, and koji shops, allowing you to immerse yourself in brewing culture.
Many stylish shops housed in renovated historic buildings line the streets, adding a new charm to the town of Tatsuno. You'll also find antenna shops selling local specialties such as soy sauce and somen noodles, as well as cafes and bakeries, so stop by during your trip and take a break.
At the city-designated historical site "Shuentei," you can tour the tea room and tatami rooms, and in autumn, the autumn leaves are at their peak. At night, it is illuminated, and you may be able to experience a different kind of beauty than during the day. Why not visit Tatsuno Castle Town, which can be enjoyed both day and night, and feel its rich history? *The implementation of the 2021 illumination is currently undecided.
- location
- 1005-1 Tominaga, Tatsuno-cho, Tatsuno City, Hyogo Prefecture
- telephone number
- 0791-64-3156
Tatsuno Castle Town
Camp Village Tarolin VillageHimeji City
Located at the foot of the lush, natural Mount Shosha, "Tarolin Village" is a popular campsite with easy access, just a 20-minute drive from Himeji city.
This campsite offers a variety of accommodations, including "auto campsites" equipped with dedicated AC power and water, air-conditioned cottages, and facilities for staying in campervans, making it enjoyable even for outdoor beginners. Food and barbecue sets are provided upon reservation, so you can go empty-handed! Check the official website for rates and reservation details.
You can also try rainbow trout fishing on the premises, keeping the kids entertained. There's also a dog run, so you can enjoy the outdoors with your beloved dog. Nico, the sales manager's mascot French bulldog, will also greet you!
*Rainbow trout fishing is suspended in January, February, and from early July to mid-October. Please check by phone.
- location
- 3006-1 Sugosakaguchi, Shosha, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture
- telephone number
- 090-8759-5550
- Business Hours
- 9：00～18：00
- Closed on
- Thursday (Open during spring break, summer break, and public holidays)
Camp Village Tarolin Village
Seseragi no YuIchikawa Town
Seseragi no Yu, a natural hot spring located in Ichikawa Town, is a popular hot spring facility that attracts regular customers from Himeji and Kobe.
The newly renovated "Futokorokan" has a spacious and bright atmosphere. There is an indoor bath with the scent of cypress wood and two open-air baths with natural stone, but the recommended one is the low-temperature 35-degree spring water bath. Soaking in the low-temperature bath with its smooth, silky water will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.
After your bath, head to the adjoining restaurant, "Seseragi-tei." Their specialty, "Maki Sushi" (660 yen), is made with a generous amount of egg omelet using Ichikawa's brand-name eggs, "Tazumi no Tamago," and the rich flavor of the eggs pairs perfectly with the carefully prepared ingredients.
In September 2021, a free footbath called "Fureai no Yu" opened! Why not stop by to soothe your fatigue after hiking or cycling?
- location
- 2073-12 Kamiushio Hanze, Ichikawa-cho, Kanzaki-gun, Hyogo Prefecture
- telephone number
- 0790-27-1919
- Business Hours
- Pocket Museum:
Weekdays 10:00 - 20:00
Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
The last entry time for both is one hour before closing.
Seseragi-tei:
Weekdays 11:00 - 18:00
Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Orders are taken until one hour before closing time for both locations. - Closed on
- The entire building is closed on the first Monday of every month (open on public holidays).
Natural Kasagata Hot Spring Seseragi no Yu
Mount ShoshaHimeji City
Mount Shosha is known as one of Himeji City's premier spots for viewing autumn foliage. On its summit lies Shoshazan Engyo-ji Temple, also known as the "Hieizan of the West." It is an ancient temple that is the 27th temple on the Saigoku Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage.
Within the temple grounds, which are home to many cultural artifacts, you can fully experience the history and nature of Engyo-ji Temple. The autumn foliage around the Mani-den and Kongo-do halls is particularly breathtaking. The temple has also been used as a filming location for movies and historical dramas, so strolling around while imagining the characters from those shows is highly recommended.
The Shoshazan Ropeway (fee required) is a convenient way to visit Engyo-ji Temple. In addition to the scenery from the ropeway windows, you can also enjoy the panoramic views of Himeji city and Harima Bay from the open observation deck of "Mio Rosso Shosha," which was completed in 2022.
- location
- 2968 Shosha, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture
- telephone number
- 079-266-3327
- Business Hours
- Time to enter the mountain
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Hours may vary depending on the day of the week and season) - Closed on
- Open all year round
- Entry materials
- Admission: 500 yen for junior high school students and older, 300 yen for elementary school students, free for children under elementary school age.
Writing about the Mountain Yuanjiao Temple
Good Old GardenHimeji City
Kokoen Garden, a Japanese garden adjacent to Himeji Castle, is a beautiful garden spread across a vast area of approximately 10,000 tsubo (about 33,000 square meters), comprised of gardens with different themes. Among them, the largest garden in the park, "Oyashiki no Niwa" (Mansion Garden), offers stunning scenery throughout the four seasons. It is also famous as a filming location for movies and dramas both domestically and internationally, and has attracted attention as a filming location for the movie "Rurouni Kenshin," making it a popular tourist destination.
The garden is said to be especially beautiful in autumn when the leaves change color, and the "Momijie" (Autumn Leaves Festival), held from mid-November to early December when the leaves are at their peak, attracts many tourists. At night, the garden is illuminated, allowing visitors to enjoy a magical view.
Additionally, at the on-site restaurant "Kassuiken," you can enjoy conger eel dishes, a specialty of Harima and Himeji. Why not enjoy a meal or a cup of tea while admiring the well-maintained garden?
- location
- 68 Honmachi, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture
- telephone number
- 079-289-4120
- Business Hours
- 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM)
- Closed on
- December 29th and 30th
Kokoen Garden, the site of the former western residence of Himeji Castle
Mogamiyama ParkShiso City
Located in the heart of Shiso City, Mogamiyama Park is a popular spot for walks and relaxation among locals. It's a park where you can enjoy the changing scenery of the forest throughout the seasons.
Among them, the autumn foliage at "Momijiyama," which has been selected as one of "Japan's Top 100 Autumn Foliage Spots," is well worth seeing. From mid to late November, approximately 3,000 maple trees of various varieties from around the world reach their peak, dyeing the ground and the sky a deep crimson. The nighttime illumination, which presents a serene atmosphere, is also recommended. The fiery red autumn leaves stand out against the night sky, creating a fantastical world.
Every year in late November, the "Mogamiyama Maple Festival" is held. Food stalls, local products are sold, and events are held in the shopping streets and sake brewery district, which retain the atmosphere of a castle town, making it enjoyable for people of all ages.
*The 2023 festival will be held from November 11th (Sat) to November 26th (Sun). The illuminations will also take place during the same period from 17:30 to 21:00.
- location
- Motoyamazaki, Yamazaki-cho, Shiso City, Hyogo Prefecture
- telephone number
- 0790-64-0923
Mogamiyama Park
Myokenzan Oshoji TempleFukusaki Town
Oshōji Temple, located in Fukusaki Town, Kanzaki District, is renowned as one of the "25 Flower Temples of Kansai," and is adorned with a profusion of seasonal flowers throughout the year. Also known as the "Temple of the Sal Tree," it attracts many visitors every year from mid-June to mid-July when numerous sal trees bloom.
From late November to December, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the vibrant red and yellow autumn leaves. The garden scenery reflected on the black table in the study has become a popular topic on social media. The autumn leaves framed like a painting on the window are a must-see!
Behind the main hall and study lies the "Oshoji Temple Garden," a prefectural designated cultural property, full of sights to see, including stone arrangements from the early Edo period. Matcha tea with Japanese sweets is also available at the study (500 yen), so you can slowly enjoy matcha while admiring the spectacular view.
- location
- 1912 Takaoka, Fukusaki-cho, Kanzaki-gun, Hyogo Prefecture
- telephone number
- 0790-22-1077
- Business Hours
- Visiting hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM