List of winter outing spots in Nishi-Harima

oysterAioi City, Ako City, Tatsuno City, Himeji City

Oysters are a renowned winter delicacy. In western Harima, oyster farming is thriving, and the rich soil of the forests nourishes the oysters, with nutrients carried by the Ibo River and Chikusa River to the Harima Sea, allowing the mineral-rich oysters to grow healthily.
These oysters, which don't shrink much when cooked and are rich and voluminous, are a source of pride for the Nishiharima region. Enjoy a variety of oyster dishes, including raw oysters, grilled oysters, fried oysters, and oyster hot pot.
The oysters of Nishiharima are so popular that many tourists visit every year, all drawn by the desire to eat them. As winter approaches, restaurants throughout Nishiharima begin serving oyster dishes. Additionally, from January to February each year, "Oyster Festivals" are held along the Nishiharima coast, where you can enjoy oyster dishes on the spot. It's a dream event for oyster lovers! Let's get through the cold winter by enjoying nutritious oyster dishes.

sand eelsHimeji City

The sand eel, a fish that heralds spring, is a local specialty of Hyogo Prefecture and a popular souvenir from Himeji. "Ikanago no kuginie," with its sweet and savory seasoning, is so delicious you won't be able to stop eating it.
Sand eel fishing is typically carried out from the end of February to March each year. Harima Nada alone accounts for the majority of the nation's sand eel catch. Sand eels caught in Harima Nada are characterized by their plump flesh and just the right amount of fat and sweetness. They are delicious eaten as sashimi with ponzu sauce or ginger soy sauce, and are also said to be excellent when made into tempura with shiso leaves. Himeji Maedore Market sells fresh sand eels and kugin-ni (simmered sand eels) caught that morning. Prices vary depending on the year's catch and size.
Every year in early March, the "Ikanago Festival" is held at Himeji Otemae Park. Fresh ikanago (sand eels) delivered directly from the catch are sold at special prices, and ikanago dishes are also distributed for free, so why not stop by and get a taste of spring a little early?

■Main sales locations

Himeji Maedore MarketMAP

strawberryAkō City, Aioi City, Kamigōri Town, Sayō Town, Himeji City

In recent years, greenhouse cultivation of strawberries has become widespread, and shipments of fully ripened strawberries begin around December. In western Harima, strawberries are cultivated over a wide area including Ako City, Aioi City, Kamigori Town, Sayo Town, and Himeji City. Before the war, Hyogo Prefecture boasted the largest strawberry cultivation area in Japan, and year by year, there has been a movement to brand strawberries, particularly in western Harima, and the volume of shipments is increasing.
Strawberry picking is currently trending with "elevated cultivation," where you can pick strawberries while standing. Elevated cultivation ensures that the strawberries receive even sunlight, resulting in a sweeter taste. Many farms are open from January to May, so why not enjoy a relaxing time with your family?
In recent years, the number of specialty shops selling fruit sandwiches and fruit mochi has increased, and strawberries are now enjoyed in a variety of cute and delicious forms, delighting those who eat them. This winter, why not add some vibrant red strawberries to your travel memories?

Yuzu and grated yam sukiyakiKamikawa Town

"Yuzu Tororo Sukiyaki" is an unusual dish that uses yuzu tororo (grated yam with yuzu citrus) instead of the usual dipping sauce and beaten egg for sukiyaki. It's a highly acclaimed dish that won the Grand Prix at the "Nippon All-Japan Hot Pot Grand Prix 2019," a competition to determine the best local hot pot in Japan. The tororo is made with a dashi (broth) that has been carefully calculated to maintain a balanced flavor. The yuzu is sun-dried for a day to bring out its sweetness. The refreshing flavor of the yuzu, a specialty of Kamikawa town, combined with the smooth texture of the tororo, creates a new and delightful flavor experience.
The hot pot ingredients include wild yams and vegetables from Kamikawa Town, and the beef is domestically produced, making it incredibly satisfying. The rice, which is eaten with yuzu tororo (grated yam with yuzu citrus) that has absorbed the delicious flavor of the beef, is also exquisite. Enjoy the light and healthy yet satisfying "Yuzu Tororo Sukiyaki" to your heart's content.

■Main sales locations

Green Echo KasagataMAP

AmazakeTatsuno City, Himeji City, Shiso City

While amazake (sweet rice wine) is considered a summer seasonal word in haiku poetry, it's also widely enjoyed as a winter drink, as many shrines distribute it at New Year's to pray for a bountiful harvest. Amazake is highly nutritious, and drinking it warm warms the body. It's also believed to have fatigue-relieving effects, making it the perfect "drinkable IV drip" for winter, a time when temperature fluctuations and heating can easily cause fatigue.
There are two types of amazake (sweet rice drink): one made using sake lees and the other using rice koji. In Himeji City and Shiso City, which have many sake breweries, and Tatsuno City, which is known for its soy sauce production, fermentation technology has advanced, and amazake production is also active. Local amazake production is carried out using rice varieties such as "Yamada Nishiki," a representative sake rice of Hyogo Prefecture, and "Hyogo Yumenishiki," a specialty of western Harima.
The souvenir shop "Bansankan," located right next to JR Himeji Station, sells amazake (sweet rice drink) made in western Harima. Choose the amazake that suits your taste and enjoy the natural blessings of western Harima.

■Main sales locations

・BansankanMAP

Himeji OdenHimeji City

Have you ever tried Himeji's local specialty, "Himeji Oden"? This light-flavored oden, served with ginger soy sauce, is a popular winter dish in Himeji, even among children. There are many ways to enjoy it, from dipping the ingredients in the ginger soy sauce to simmering them together. The refreshing ginger soy sauce enhances the flavors of the ingredients and broth.
Himeji Oden originated in the early Showa period. It is believed to have become a unique local food custom because ginger cultivation was thriving in the coastal area of Himeji, and the neighboring city of Tatsuno was a soy sauce producing area. *There are various theories.
In Himeji's oden restaurants, you might find konjac shaped like Himeji Castle, or seafood like octopus and conger eel—local oden ingredients that are unique to the area. Grab an "oden postcard" available at tourist information centers and warm yourself from the inside out this winter on a Himeji oden tour.

Mineyama Kogen Resort White PeakKamikawa Town

This ski resort is perfect for beginners, as you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding completely hands-free. We offer rentals of ski and snowboard equipment, so you can come empty-handed. We also operate a shuttle bus from Teramae Station on the JR Bantan Line, making it easily accessible even for those without a car. Furthermore, with one of the largest kids' parks in the prefecture, it's a great ski resort for families with young children.

location: 881-146 Kami-Oda, Kamikawa-cho, Kanzaki-gun, Hyogo Prefecture
telephone number: 0790-34-1900
Business Hours: 9:00-17:00 (Nighttime hours available)
Closed on: Open from late March to early December (winter season only)
Entry materials: Free admission, Kids Park (1,000 yen per person)
parking: [Weekdays] Standard car: 500 yen, Small bus: 800 yen, Medium bus: 1,000 yen, Large bus: 1,500 yen
[Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays] Standard cars: 1,000 yen, small buses: 1,000 yen, medium-sized buses: 1,500 yen, large buses: 2,000 yen

Chikusa Kogen Ski ResortShiso City

Chikusa Kogen Ski Resort in Shiso City is easily accessible, about a 90-minute drive from Himeji, and is a popular ski resort for families and couples. The slopes open around late December each year, and it attracts many visitors throughout the season.
The resort boasts a wide variety of courses, from beginner to advanced levels. For those with young children, the kids' park "Chigumin Park" is highly recommended. Fully renovated in 2023, the dome-shaped moving belt will thrill the kids! The gentle slopes allow for safe sledding and snow play.
On weekdays, there are days like Ladies' Day and Senior Day where you can use the lifts at a discounted price, so be sure to check the official website before you go.
During the park's opening season, there will also be plenty of exciting events, such as Christmas events and a snow festival! Why not enjoy winter sports in Chikusa this year?

location: 1047-218 Nishikawachi, Chikusa-cho, Shiso City, Hyogo Prefecture
telephone number: 0790-76-3555
Business Hours: Weekdays 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday, Sunday, and Holiday 8:00-17:00
*Nighttime hours are Wednesdays (1st and 3rd) and Sundays from 17:30 to 21:00, and Fridays, Saturdays, the day before holidays, and holidays from 17:30 to 23:00 (see official website).
Closed on: Open every day during the season

Yumesaki Strawberry HouseHimeji City

Yumesaki Strawberry House, winner of the Grand Prix in the "2020 Jalan Popular Strawberry Picking Facilities (Kansai Area)" awards, offers a 30-minute all-you-can-eat experience of Yumesaki strawberries, carefully cultivated with 100% hydrogen water in a clean house equipped with the latest ICT environmental control. From January to mid-June, you can enjoy comparing all six varieties, including Akihime, Benihoppe, Yotsuboshi, and Suzu. If you're lucky, you might even be able to enjoy all nine varieties! A lovely strawberry lady will explain the key points of strawberry picking.
At the adjacent cafe, "Yumekaido Farm 67," sweets made with freshly picked strawberries are incredibly popular! The "Signature Giant Strawberry Parfait" (seasonal and limited quantity), which sells over 150 servings a day on busy days, is a must-try. Take a bite of the extra-large strawberry adorning the top and be enveloped in its sweet aroma and pure bliss!

location: 585-1 Miyaoki, Yumemae-cho, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture
telephone number: *Reservations can only be made through Jalan.
Business Hours: January to mid-June (may vary depending on the strawberry growing conditions)
10：00〜／11：00～／13：00～／14：00～
*Strawberry picking is 30 minutes long (reservations required).
Closed on: Monday (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday) *Please note that the experience may be cancelled on days when there are no red strawberries available.

Ayabeyama Plum GroveTatsuno City

Shiota Onsen, often called the "inner sanctuary of Harima," is a historic hot spring resort popular for its high-quality water and abundant supply. Located along the lush Yumemae River, "Satoyu Hitotoki Yumenoi" is a popular hot spring inn enjoyed by people of all ages, including families and couples.
The inn's pride and joy is the "Tenshu-no-Yu" open-air bath in the large public bathhouse "Mantenboshi". It's a spectacular open-air bath where you can soak in the hot springs while gazing at the scenery of Yumemae in all four seasons. At night, you can have the starry sky all to yourself. If you're lucky, you might even experience a "starry bath" where the stars in the night sky are reflected in the bathwater.
Choose from accommodation plans that allow you to stay with your dog, day-use hot springs, and lunches with a salad bar, depending on your purpose. Why not take a trip to unwind with your whole family?

location: 1492 Kurosaki, Mitsu-cho, Tatsuno City, Hyogo Prefecture
telephone number: 079-322-3551
Business Hours: Opening period
February 11, 2022 – March 21, 2022
Opening hours
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM ※ Closes at 5:00 PM
Closed on: Other than the seasons mentioned above

Yumenoi Shiota OnsenHimeji City

Shiota Onsen, often called the "inner sanctuary of Harima," is a historic hot spring resort popular for its high-quality water and abundant supply. Located along the lush Yumemae River, "Satoyu Hitotoki Yumenoi" is a popular hot spring inn enjoyed by people of all ages, including families and couples.
The inn's pride and joy is the "Tenshu-no-Yu" open-air bath in the large public bathhouse "Mantenboshi". It's a spectacular open-air bath where you can soak in the hot springs while gazing at the scenery of Yumemae in all four seasons. At night, you can have the starry sky all to yourself. If you're lucky, you might even experience a "starry bath" where the stars in the night sky are reflected in the bathwater.
Choose from accommodation plans that allow you to stay with your dog, day-use hot springs, and lunches with a salad bar, depending on your purpose. Why not take a trip to unwind with your whole family?

location: 187 Maenosho, Yumemae-cho, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture
telephone number: 079-336-1000
Business Hours: [Day-use bathing] 11:00 - 14:30
[Dining Koki] 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM (Last Order 1:30 PM) *Closed on Fridays
[Accommodation] Check-in 15:00 / Check-out 10:00
*Reception hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Closed on: Irregular holidays

Misaki Glass StudioAko City

Located on Kirakira-zaka, a slope leading to Akaho Misaki, is Misaki Glass Studio, a glass artist's atelier and shop. It's a popular spot where you can enjoy shopping for cute glass accessories and experiencing glassblowing.
The brightly colored, sparkling glass trinkets displayed in the shop are enough to make your heart flutter just by looking at them. Adding them as Christmas ornaments will instantly make your room more stylish. If you find something you like, be sure to buy it as a memento of your trip.
Glassblowing workshops are available for everyone from children to adults. You can create your own original accessories by combining colorful glass pieces, add patterns by carving the surface of glasses and plates, or make stained glass items... there are many ways to enjoy it. Some workshops can be completed in a short time, so why not try one out during your trip?

location: 2-1 Misaki, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture
Business Hours: 10：00～17：00
*For inquiries, please contact us via our official LINE account.
Closed on: Irregular holidays

Rapeseed fields in Yumemae TownHimeji City

The "Yume Nanohana Project," which began in 2014, supports the "World Heritage Himeji Castle Marathon" held annually in Himeji City. In the rapeseed fields of Tamada, Yumemae-cho, which are also part of the marathon course, approximately 10 million rapeseed flowers bloom from mid-December to late February, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
In addition, starting in 2020, a project began in which giant characters, chosen by the head priest of Shoshazan Engyo-ji Temple, with meanings such as warding off evil and fulfilling wishes, are projected onto a field of rapeseed flowers. These can be viewed from the observation plaza on the mountainside of Shoshazan or from the ropeway. The characters are said to embody the hopes of each year, such as "May the future be brightly illuminated."
Upcoming events include the "Yumesaki Dream Lantern Festival," where sky lanterns will be released over a field of rapeseed flowers. Check the official Instagram for details.

location: Tamada, Yumemae-cho, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture
Closed on: The rapeseed fields are open to the public.

Google MAP

Himeji illuminationsHimeji City

Himeji's city center, home to Himeji Station and the World Heritage Site Himeji Castle, is a bustling area frequented by many people. Every year during the Christmas season, illuminations and light displays are held.
In 2023, a light-up event featuring a harmonious blend of light, water, and music will be held at Himeji Castle's San-no-maru Plaza. Illuminations will also adorn the trees along Otemae Street, leading from Himeji Station to Himeji Castle, making this normally unremarkable route feel special and exciting during this period. Furthermore, the Miyuki-dori Shopping Arcade will host the "Himenarie" illumination event, showcasing a breathtaking spectacle of arches of light. Don't miss it!
Why not spend a special time in wintery Himeji with your family, friends, or loved one?

location: Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture
Business Hours: by spot
Closed on: by spot

Oimatsu DiningShiso City

Oimatsu Dining, run by Oimatsu Sake Brewery, which was founded in 1768, is popular for its fermented food lunches, including kasujiru (sake lees soup), which is a winter favorite.
For lunch, there are two options: the "Fermentation Connection Lunch" (2,310 yen) and the "Thank You Fermentation Lunch" (1,650 yen). You can fully enjoy fermented foods, such as dishes made with enzyme-fermented brown rice, sake lees, and koji. For the aperitif, you can choose from the restaurant's proud sake, non-alcoholic amazake, or vinegar, so it's sure to be a hit with sake lovers, and even those unfamiliar with sake will be able to discover its new charms.
The adjoining shop offers a wide selection of sake straight from the brewery. They also sell amazake (sweet rice drink), moromi (fermented mash), shio koji (salted rice malt), and yogurt, all of which are great for improving gut health, making them perfect souvenirs! Nourish your mind and body with fermented foods. *Lunch menu may vary seasonally.

location: 12 Yamazaki, Yamazaki-cho, Shiso City, Hyogo Prefecture
telephone number: Oimatsu Sake Brewery:0790-62-2345
Business Hours: Lunch 11:00-14:30 (Last order 13:30) *Reservations preferred
Sales hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on: Thursday

GinpasoAko City

Ginpaso is a hot spring inn with a panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea. Guests can enjoy various hot springs with different atmospheres, such as the "Rock Sea Bath" which utilizes the natural rock face, and the "Heavenly Sea Bath" which makes you feel as if you are melting into the sky and sea.
The hot spring water used at Ginpaso, from Akaho Onsen, is of high quality, rich in salt and minerals, and is also known as the "Rejuvenating Hot Spring." It is 100% natural spring water flowing directly from the source, soothing both the body and mind of visitors.
Also noteworthy are the dishes made with an abundance of carefully selected ingredients from the Seto Inland Sea. Akaho, where Ginpaso is located, is famous as a major producer of oysters. In winter, you can enjoy a kaiseki (traditional multi-course) meal featuring plenty of oysters harvested from the local Sakoshi Bay.
You're sure to be soothed by the ocean views from the hot springs and the exquisite cuisine. Come and enjoy a trip that will make you forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

location: 2-8 Misaki, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture
telephone number: 0791-45-3355
Business Hours: [For day-use bathing]
11:00 AM - 2:30 PM (Last entry 1:30 PM)
18:00 - 20:00 (Last entry 19:00)

[For overnight stays]
IN 15：00/OUT 10：00
Closed on: Irregular holidays

Sakae OsakaAko City

Sakoshi is a port town located in the eastern part of Ako City. Sakoshi-dori is a gently sloping cobblestone street that runs through the heart of Sakoshi, and the charming townscape remains vividly preserved. Traditional townhouses that evoke a sense of nostalgia line both sides of the street. Every corner is picturesque. Historic buildings line the street, such as the Sakoshi Townscape Museum, which utilizes the former site of a bank from the Taisho era, and the former Sakoshiura Kaisho, which is designated as an Ako City Tangible Cultural Property. There are also spots where you can tour the interiors, so if you're interested, be sure to stop by.
The area boasts numerous restaurants, including Okuto Brewery, which serves sake perfect to enjoy with winter hot pot dishes, and Nonki, a cafe where you can savor dishes made with oysters, a specialty of Sakoshi. After enjoying a stroll through the retro streets, relax and unwind while savoring delicious food.

location: Sakoshi, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture

Google MAP

The townscape of MurotsuTatsuno City

Murotsu, located in the southern part of Tatsuno City and facing the Harima Sea, boasts a 1,300-year history. Designated as a port of call for "Kitamae-bune" (northern route trading ships), it is also a Japan Heritage site. Its nostalgic townscape has a mysterious charm, as if time has stood still.
The townscape, with its rows of old townhouses, has a timeless charm that makes you feel like you've stepped back in time. It was loved by literary giants such as Junichiro Tanizaki and Ryotaro Shiba, and even appeared in their works. The town, standing in the crisp winter air, is sure to evoke an even stronger sense of nostalgia. At the Tatsuno City Murotsu Marine Station Museum, which utilizes a townhouse built in the late Edo period, you can learn about the history of Murotsu and tour the historical building.
Oysters from Murotsu are characterized by their large size and rich flavor, nurtured by the abundant natural environment. There are restaurants and shops that serve oysters, so take a stroll around and stop by to experience winter in Murotsu.

location: Murotsu, Mitsu-cho, Tatsuno City, Hyogo Prefecture
telephone number: Tatsuno City Murotsu Sea Station Museum:079-324-0595

Google MAP

Nishi HarimaList of winter outing spots

Local winter cuisine

oyster

sand eels

strawberry

Yuzu and grated yam sukiyaki

Amazake

Himeji Oden

Outings, experiences, and scenic spots

Mineyama Kogen Resort White Peak

Chikusa Kogen Ski Resort

Yumesaki Strawberry House

Ayabeyama Plum Grove

Yumenoi Shiota Onsen

Misaki Glass Studio

Rapeseed fields in Yumemae Town

Himeji illuminations

Oimatsu Dining

Ginpaso

Sakae Osaka

The townscape of Murotsu

We're showcasing the charms of West Harima!

oysterAioi City, Ako City, Tatsuno City, Himeji City

sand eelsHimeji City

strawberryAkō City, Aioi City, Kamigōri Town, Sayō Town, Himeji City

Yuzu and grated yam sukiyakiKamikawa Town

AmazakeTatsuno City, Himeji City, Shiso City

Himeji OdenHimeji City

Mineyama Kogen Resort White PeakKamikawa Town

Mineyama Kogen Resort White Peak

Chikusa Kogen Ski ResortShiso City

Chikusa Kogen Ski Resort

Yumesaki Strawberry HouseHimeji City

Yumesaki Strawberry House

Ayabeyama Plum GroveTatsuno City

Ayabeyama Plum Grove

Yumenoi Shiota OnsenHimeji City

Satoyu Hitotoki Yumenoi

Misaki Glass StudioAko City

Misaki Glass Studio

Rapeseed fields in Yumemae TownHimeji City

Yumesaki Yumekaido Executive Committee

Himeji illuminationsHimeji City

Piore Himeji, Terrasso Himeji, Festa, Castle Garden, Cuel Himeji, Miyuki-dori Shopping Street

Oimatsu DiningShiso City

Oimatsu Dining

GinpasoAko City

Ginpaso, a hotel with a spectacular open-air bath.

Sakae OsakaAko City

Sakae Osaka

The townscape of MurotsuTatsuno City

The townscape of Murotsu