West HarimanoList of autumn outing spots
Autumn is here, and it's the season for appetites! Enjoy fruit picking and the taste of autumn, such as mackerel. You can also enjoy the autumn leaves, ginkgo trees, and cosmos fields.
The beauty of nature is one of the charms of autumn, as it somehow soothes the soul. Why not visit Nishi-Harima and feel the pleasant autumn breeze?
Autumn local cuisine
Outings, experiences, and scenic spots
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Sayo's Great Ginkgo Tree
Sayo Town
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Baba Cosmos Field
Tatsuno City
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Mount Onade and Morning Mist
Sayo Town
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Tofeng 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 Tarorin Village
Himeji City
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Seseragi no Yu
Ichikawa Town
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Mount Shosha
Himeji City
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Haogu Garden
Himeji City
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Mogamiyama Park
Shiso City
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Myokensan Oshoji Temple
Fukusaki Town
Yasutomi YuzuHimeji City
In Yasutomi-cho, Himeji City, the local specialty "Yasutomi Yuzu" is cultivated on an area of land roughly the size of two Tokyo Domes. The yuzu are also shipped as "yuzu balls" (fruit) to be used in yuzu baths, so the branches are carefully managed to avoid any damage and the harvesting process is carried out with utmost care. The yuzu are in season around November, and the sight of the bright yellow yuzu hanging in clusters is a beautiful sight that can only be seen in autumn.
"Yasutomi Yuzu" is characterized by its strong fragrance and refreshing taste. In addition to being shipped fresh, "Yasutomi Yuzu Kobo" processes it into over 30 different foods. Among them, the 100% natural juice "Yuzu no Shizuku" (from 334 yen) is extremely popular. By gently squeezing freshly picked yuzu, the bitterness is removed, making it easy to add to a variety of dishes, such as pickles and mizutaki. Dilute it with hot water to make yuzu juice. Try it as a drink on a cold day.
Shiso beefShiso City
Shiso Beef is a premium Japanese Black cattle breed that is a must-try. It is a pure Japanese Black cattle breed that inherits the bloodline of Tajima cattle. Raised in the naturally rich soil of Shiso City, which is at a high altitude and experiences large temperature fluctuations, the meat is characterized by beautiful marbling and a sweet, high-quality flavor. The fat is not heavy, so it is lighter than it looks.
You can purchase Shiso beef at Shibahara Butcher Shop in the city. With a wide selection of beef for sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, and yakiniku, you can enjoy taking your time choosing your product. The shop's "Beef Fatty Roast Beef," made from marbled beef, melts in your mouth like fatty tuna, and you're sure to be hooked after just one taste.
There are also other restaurants in the city that serve dishes using Shiso beef. If you feel like treating yourself a little, be sure to visit Shiso City.
mandarin orangeAko City
Ako City is actually rich in mandarin orange cultivation. Mandarin orange orchard development work began around 1945, and since then, mandarin oranges have been cultivated in about 15 farms. Surrounded by mountains, with well-drained slopes facing the sea, and coupled with the abundance of sunshine and little rainfall, it seems to have become the perfect region for mandarin orange cultivation. Ako mandarin oranges grown in quality soil are characterized by a well-balanced sweetness and acidity, and a strong flavor. Once you try them, you'll be hooked.
Mandarins are available at each farm's direct sales outlet or at supermarkets. In November, when they are in season, you can enjoy picking mandarins at Takagi Farm Sightseeing in the city. Harvesting while enjoying the beautiful views of the Seto Inland Sea and Ako city is sure to be a memorable experience. Come with family and friends.
Bouze mackerelHimeji City
Boze Island, one of the Ieshima Islands located 18km southwest of Himeji City, boasts one of the highest fishing yields in Hyogo Prefecture. Among them, "Boze Mackerel" is a certified brand of autumn delicacy. The mackerel is carefully caught with purse seine nets to avoid stressing the fish, and then cultivated in fish ponds.
The secret to their deliciousness is that they are fed as little compound feed as possible and instead are fed sardines and other fish caught in the Harima Nada Sea. By feeding them a diet similar to that of life in the sea, the mackerel is not heavy in fat and retains its natural rich flavor. We recommend enjoying freshly caught mackerel as sashimi or shabu-shabu.
At Himeji Maedore Market, you can not only purchase fresh mackerel, but also have the mackerel swimming in the fish tank cooked for you on the spot. Every November, the Bouze Mackerel Festival is also held. Bouze Mackerel is sold at special prices and sashimi is distributed free of charge, so be sure to stop by.
■ Main sales locations
- ・Himeji Maedore MarketMAP
Prince MisoTaishi Town
Taishi Miso is made using rice and soybeans grown in Taishi Town. It is a highly skilled product that won the gold medal at the Nishiharima Food Selection in 2015.
This low-salt miso is carefully aged for about 10 months and contains a high proportion of rice koji, giving it a simple, sweet taste. At one point, the producers disappeared and it became a "phantom miso." However, thanks to strong support from the town, it has made a remarkable comeback. Today, "Taishi Miso" is loved by many people, and is even served in school lunches at elementary schools in the town.
Be sure to check out the new local products that use "Taishi Miso." There are a variety of dishes that you'll be curious to try when you see them, such as "Miso Croquettes," "Taishi Miso Nikomi Udon," and "Taishi Miso Candy." They are sold in various places around town, so be sure to give them a try.
Japanese sakeHimeji City, Shiso City, Ako City
Harima is the birthplace of sake. Most of the premium Yamada Nishiki sake rice, which is popular nationwide, is produced in Hyogo Prefecture.
Ginjo sake made from Yamada Nishiki rice, which has little protein, the source of off-flavors in sake, is popular for its fruity ginjo aroma, clean, elegant taste, and lingering aftertaste. It is also enjoyed as a drink to pair with lighter dishes.
There are currently 22 sake breweries in Harima. Each brewery showcases the appeal of sake through their own unique methods, including breweries that adhere to traditional methods, breweries that pursue harmony between sake and food, and breweries that brew throughout the year. Most breweries allow you to purchase sake and tour the breweries. Also, at Kokoromi, located right next to JR Himeji Station, you can compare the taste of around 300 brands of sake from Hyogo Prefecture, so why not visit and immerse yourself in the charm of sake?
Sayo's Great Ginkgo TreeSayo Town
This large ginkgo tree boasts a thousand years of history. With a root circumference of approximately 9m and a height of approximately 28m, its sheer size is truly impressive to see in person. It is the town tree of Sayo Town and has also been designated a prefectural natural monument. The trees begin to change color around early November and are at their best around mid-November.
The sight of the large ginkgo tree, which has endured typhoons and lightning strikes, conveys the strength of nature's vitality. Not only the ginkgo tree itself, but also its fallen leaves paint the surrounding area a golden yellow, adding color to the town of Sayo. It is truly a symbol of Sayo Town, and is a popular spot where many people, both local and from outside the prefecture, come to see the ginkgo trees.
It's about an eight-minute walk from JR Sayo Station, so be sure to stop by and enjoy the autumn atmosphere. The train runs right nearby, so you can also view it from the train window.
- location
- 3140 Sayo, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo Prefecture
- telephone number
- 0790-82-0670
Sayo's Great Ginkgo Tree
Baba Cosmos FieldTatsuno City
The Baba Cosmos Field is a vast expanse of land roughly the size of one Tokyo Dome, made from fallow rice fields. It reaches full bloom from early to mid-October, with 5 million cosmos flowers in a variety of red, white, and pink. The sight of the cosmos swaying in the autumn breeze in this naturally rich land surrounded by blue skies and mountains is sure to soothe the souls of visitors. Why not visit with friends or family and take a leisurely stroll?
You can also pick cosmos flowers and take them home for 100 yen for 10 stalks, which will add color to your everyday life if you display them in your room.
The Baba Cosmos Festival is held every year on the third Sunday of October. You can enjoy the festival all day long, with sales of Tatsuno City's specialty products and performances on stage. Check the website for details. *The 2021 Baba Cosmos Festival has been cancelled.
- location
- Baba, Ibogawa-cho, Tatsuno City, Hyogo Prefecture
- telephone number
- 0791-64-3156
Baba Cosmos Field
Mount Onade and Morning MistSayo Town
Sayo Town is located in a basin surrounded by mountains. From late autumn to winter, the town is shrouded in mist on chilly early mornings. The summit of Mount Onade is a spectacular spot where you can see the fantastical scenery of a sea of mist. Apparently, many people visit from outside the prefecture to capture this mystical moment on camera. Although the viewing time is limited, you will find yourself captivated by the beautiful colors that change with every passing moment. The sight of the sun rising powerfully from the mountain ranges with a sea of mist seems to give those watching a surge of energy.
There is an observation deck near the summit at an altitude of 435.5m, and you can reach it by car, so it is relatively easy to visit. On the weekends, why not get up a little early and head to Sayo Town to see the mystical morning mist?
- location
- Mount Onade Observatory, Nagao, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo Prefecture
- telephone number
- 0790-82-0670
Mount Onade
Tofeng PlateauKamikawa Town
Tonomine Plateau is known as one of the best pampas grass plains in Western Japan. In mid-October, when the pampas grass is at its best, you can see a magnificent view that looks like a golden carpet stretching out endlessly. Its charm has attracted attention from all over the country, and it has been used as a filming location for the movie "Norwegian Wood" and the historical dramas "Taira no Kiyomori" and "Gunshi Kanbei." Standing in this fantastical landscape, you'll feel as if you're a character in a movie or novel.
It takes about 90 minutes to go around the entire area, so a leisurely stroll is recommended. Bring your camera and try to capture the perfect shot. A highland bus also operates from October to early November. It runs directly from JR Teramae Station, so be sure to use it. You can also make reservations for bento lunches, which are unique to Kamikawa Town.
- location
- Kawakami, Kamikawa-cho, Kanzaki-gun, Hyogo Prefecture
- telephone number
- 0790-34-1001
- Closed days
- Closed in winter due to snow accumulation
Tofeng Plateau
Hara Tourist Apple OrchardShiso City
Hara Tourist Apple Orchard is surrounded by the lush forests of Shiso City. It is a rare apple orchard in the prefecture, with around 1,300 apple trees of 17 varieties. The climate of Shiso, with its large temperature difference between morning and evening, is said to produce juicy apples. One special feature is that each apple is bagged. This prevents the apples from coming into direct contact with disinfectants such as insect repellent, making them safe for children to eat.
You can enjoy apple picking at the orchard from late August to mid-November (600 yen for adults, 350 yen for children). Around October, apples such as the sour "Jonagold" and the sweet "Orin" come into fruition. 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. On busy days, the orchard is visited by around 500 people a day, making it a popular spot.
- location
- 560-1 Hara, Hagacho, Shiso City, Hyogo Prefecture
- telephone number
- 0790-75-3600
- Opening hours
- 8：00～17：00
- Closed days
- December to March
- Admission fee
- Adults: 600 yen, Children: 350 yen (ages 4 and over - elementary school age and under)
Hara Tourist Apple Orchard
Tatsuno Castle TownTatsuno City
Tatsuno Castle Town, where many of the old townscapes remain, is a popular tourist spot where you can experience history and culture. Within the town, you can experience brewing culture at the Usukuchi Tatsuno Soy Sauce Museum, the Soy Sauce Village Taisho Roman Museum, a soy sauce factory, and a koji shop.
Many stylish shops have been renovated from historic buildings, adding a new charm to the town of Tatsuno. Among them are antenna shops where you can purchase local specialties such as soy sauce and somen noodles, as well as cafes and bakeries, so why not stop by and take a break during your trip?
At Shuentei, a city-designated historic site, you can visit the teahouse and tatami rooms, and in autumn, the autumn leaves are at their best. At night, it is lit up, allowing you to experience a different beauty than during the day. Why not visit Tatsuno Castle Town, which can be enjoyed day and night, and experience its deep history? *The lighting up for 2021 has yet to be decided.
- location
- 1005-1 Tominaga, Tatsuno-cho, Tatsuno-shi, Hyogo Prefecture
- telephone number
- 0791-64-3156
Tatsuno Castle Town
Camp Village Tarorin VillageHimeji City
Located at the foot of the naturally rich Mount Shosha, Tarorin Village is a popular campsite that is easily accessible, just a 20-minute drive from Himeji city.
There are "auto sites" equipped with dedicated AC power and water, as well as air-conditioned cottages and facilities where you can stay in a camper van, so even beginners can enjoy camping. When you make a reservation, ingredients and a barbecue set will be provided, so you can head out empty-handed, which is a great point! Check the official website for prices and reservation methods.
You can also try rainbow trout fishing at the facility, which will keep the kids entertained. There is also a dog run, so you can enjoy the outdoors with your beloved dog. Nico, the sales manager's mascot, a French bulldog, will also be there to greet you.
*Rainbow trout fishing is closed in January, February, and from early July to mid-October. Please call to confirm.
- location
- 3006-1 Sugao Sakaguchi, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture
- telephone number
- 090-8759-5550
- Opening hours
- 9：00～18：00
- Closed days
- Thursdays (open on spring break, summer vacation, and public holidays)
Camp Village Tarorin Village
Seseragi no YuIchikawa Town
The natural Kasagata hot spring "Seseragi no Yu" in Ichikawa Town is a popular hot spring facility that is frequented by regulars from Himeji and Kobe.
The newly renovated "Fukokorokan" has a spacious and bright impression. There are two baths: an indoor bath with the scent of cypress and an open-air bath with natural stone, but the one we recommend the most is the low-temperature 35-degree hot spring bath. A long soak in the thick, low-temperature bath leaves your skin moist and smooth.
After your bath, head to the attached restaurant, "Seseragi-tei." The specialty "Makizushi" (660 yen) is made by wrapping ingredients in tamagoyaki (rolled omelet) made with Ichikawa's brand egg, "Tazumi no Tamago," and the rich flavor of the egg and the carefully prepared ingredients go perfectly together.
In September 2021, a free foot bath called "Fureai no Yu" will open! Why not stop by to soothe your fatigue after hiking or cycling?
- location
- 2073-12 Kamiushiohanze, Ichikawa-cho, Kanzaki-gun, Hyogo Prefecture
- telephone number
- 0790-27-1919
- Opening hours
- Futokorokan:
Weekdays 10:00-20:00
Weekends and holidays 10:00-21:00
The last admission time for both events is one hour before
Seseragi-tei:
Weekdays 11:00-18:00
Weekends and holidays 11:00-20:00
Orders stop one hour before the scheduled time. - Closed days
- 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 the best spots to see autumn leaves in Himeji City. At the top of the mountain is Shoshazan Engyo-ji Temple, also known as the "Mount Hiei of the West." This ancient temple is the 27th temple of the 33 Kannon Temples of the Western Provinces.
The temple grounds, where many cultural assets remain, allow you to fully experience the history and nature of Engyo-ji Temple, and the autumn leaves around Maniden Hall and Kongo-do Hall are particularly beautiful and a must-see. The temple has also been used as a filming location for movies and historical dramas, so it is recommended to stroll around and imagine yourself as a character in the drama.
The Shoshazan Ropeway (fee required) is a convenient way to visit Engyo-ji Temple. In addition to the scenery from the train window, you can also enjoy the open observation deck of Miorosso Shosha, which was completed in 2022, offering a panoramic view of Himeji city and the Harima Nada Sea.
- location
- 2968 Shosha, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture
- telephone number
- 079-266-3327
- Opening hours
- Entering time
8:30-17:00 (may vary depending on the day and season) - Closed days
- Open all year round
- Admission fee
- Junior high school students and above: 500 yen, elementary school students: 300 yen, children under elementary school age: free
Shoshazan Engyoji Temple
Haogu GardenHimeji City
Koko-en Garden, a Japanese garden adjacent to Himeji Castle, is a beautiful garden made up of a group of gardens with different themes spread across a vast area of approximately 33,000 square meters. The largest garden in the garden, the Oyashiki Garden, offers beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons. It is also famous as a filming location for movies and dramas both in Japan and overseas, and has attracted attention as the filming location for the movie "Rurouni Kenshin," making it a popular tourist destination.
The garden is said to be particularly beautiful in autumn when the leaves change color, and the "Momijie" festival, held from mid-November to early December, is when the garden is at its best, attracting many tourists. At night, the garden is lit up, creating a fantastical view.
You can also enjoy conger eel dishes, a specialty of Harima and Himeji, at the restaurant "Katsusuiken" on the premises. Why not enjoy a meal or a coffee while looking out at the well-maintained garden?
- location
- 68 Honmachi, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture
- telephone number
- 079-289-4120
- Opening hours
- 9:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30)
- Closed days
- December 29th and 30th
Kokoen Garden, the former western mansion garden of Himeji Castle
Mogamiyama ParkShiso City
Located in the center of Shiso City, Mogamiyama Park is a popular place for locals to take a walk and relax. It is a park where you can enjoy the changing faces of the forest throughout the seasons.
Among them, the autumn foliage at Momijiyama, which has been selected as one of the "Top 100 Autumn Foliage Spots in Japan," is definitely worth seeing. From mid- to late November, the approximately 3,000 maple trees, a collection of varieties from around the world, are at their best, painting the grounds and heads a deep crimson hue. The night illumination, which shows off a graceful appearance, is also recommended. The fiery red leaves shine against the night sky, creating a fantastical world.
The Mogamiyama Momiji Festival is held every year in late November. Along the shopping street and Sakagura-dori Street, which retains the atmosphere of a castle town, gourmet food and local products are sold, and events are held, making it a fun event for people of all ages and genders.
*The 2023 festival will be held from November 11th (Sat) to November 26th (Sun). The illuminations will also be held during the same period from 5:30pm to 9:00pm.
- location
- Motoyamazaki, Yamazakicho, Shiso City, Hyogo Prefecture
- telephone number
- 0790-64-0923
Mogamiyama Park
Myokensan Oshoji TempleFukusaki Town
Oshoji Temple, located in Fukusaki Town, Kanzaki District, is famous as one of the 25 Flower Temples of Kansai, and is filled with colorful flowers that bloom throughout the year, bringing color to each season. It is also known as the "Temple of the Sara Tree," and every year from mid-June to mid-July, the numerous Sara trees bloom, attracting many visitors.
From late November to December, you can enjoy the spectacular scenery of red and yellow autumn leaves. The garden view reflected on the black table in the Shoin study has become a hot topic on social media. The picturesque autumn leaves framed on the window sill are a must-see!
Behind the main hall and the Shoin is the Scenic Oshoji Garden, a prefectural cultural property, with plenty to see, including stonework from the early Edo period. In the Shoin, they also offer matcha tea with Japanese sweets (500 yen), so you can enjoy a leisurely cup of matcha while taking in the spectacular view.
- location
- 1912 Takaoka, Fukusaki-cho, Kanzaki-gun, Hyogo Prefecture
- telephone number
- 0790-22-1077
- Opening hours
- Visiting hours: 9:00-17:00