List of winter outing spots in Nishi-Harima

oysterAioi City, Ako City, Tatsuno City, Himeji City

Oysters are a famous winter delicacy. Oyster farming is thriving in Nishi-Harima, where the nutrients nurtured in the rich forest soil are carried to the Harima Sea by the Ibo River and Chikusa River, allowing the mineral-rich oysters to thrive.
Rich and voluminous oysters that do not shrink even when cooked are a speciality of Nishiharima. Enjoy a variety of oyster dishes, including raw oysters, grilled oysters, fried oysters, and oyster hotpot.
Nishiharima oysters are so popular that many tourists visit every year, wanting to try them. In winter, restaurants throughout Nishiharima start serving oyster dishes. Also, Oyster Festivals are held along the coast of Nishiharima every year from January to February, where you can enjoy oyster dishes on the spot. It's a dream event for oyster lovers. Get through the cold winter by eating nutritious oyster dishes.

Sand lanceHimeji City

Ikanago (sand lance) is a fish that heralds spring. Ikanago no kugini (simmered sand lance) is a local dish from Hyogo Prefecture and a classic souvenir from Himeji. Its sweet and spicy flavor will have you coming back for more.
Sand eel fishing usually takes place from the end of February to March. The Harima Nada Sea alone accounts for the majority of the nation's sand eel catch. Sand eels caught in the Harima Nada Sea are characterized by their plump flesh and moderate fat and sweetness. They are delicious eaten as sashimi with ponzu or ginger soy sauce, and also as tempura with shiso leaves. Himeji Maedore Market sells freshly caught fresh that morning and boiled sand eels. Prices vary depending on the size and amount of the catch that year.
The "Ikanago Festival" is held every year in early March at Himeji Otemae Park. Fresh fresh Ikanago (sand eels) are sold at special prices and Ikanago dishes are distributed free of charge, so why not come and feel the spring a little early?

■ Main sales locations

・Himeji Maedore MarketMAP

strawberryAko City, Aioi City, Kamigori Town, Sayo Town, Himeji City

In recent years, greenhouse cultivation of strawberries has become widespread, and shipments of fully ripe strawberries begin around December. In Nishiharima, strawberries are grown 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 the country, and each year, there has been an increase in the branding of strawberries and shipping volume, especially in Nishiharima.
The trend in strawberry picking is "elevated cultivation," which allows you to pick while standing. Elevated cultivation allows the strawberries to get even sunlight, resulting in a sweeter taste. Most farms are open from January to May, so why not enjoy a leisurely day with the whole family?
In recent years, the number of specialty shops selling fruit sandwiches and fruit daifuku has increased, and strawberries come in a variety of cute and delicious shapes, delighting anyone who eats them. Why not decorate your travel memories this winter with bright red strawberries?

Yuzu grated yam sukiyakiKamikawa Town

"Yuzu Tororo Sukiyaki" is an unusual dish that uses yuzu grated yam instead of the standard dipping sauce and beaten eggs to enjoy beef. This talented restaurant won the grand prize at the 2019 Nippon Zenkoku Nabe Grand Prix, a competition to determine the best local hotpot in Japan. The grated yam is made with a stock that is perfectly calculated to ensure a balanced flavor. The yuzu is sun-dried for a day to bring out its sweetness. The refreshing flavor of Kamikawa Town's specialty yuzu is combined with the mellowness of the grated yam, which clings to the tongue just right, creating a new and enjoyable flavor sensation.
The hot pot is made with ingredients such as Jinenjo (green jasmine) and vegetables from Kamikawa Town, and domestic beef, making it extremely satisfying. The rice, which is eaten with the yam and grated yam, is also delicious, as it is infused with the flavor of the beef. 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

In the world of haiku, "amazake" is a summer seasonal word, but many shrines distribute amazake at New Year's to pray for a good harvest, and it has also become widely known as a winter drink. Amazake is highly nutritious, and drinking it warm will warm your body. It is also expected to have the effect of relieving fatigue, making it the perfect "drinkable IV drip" for winter, when temperature changes and heating can make you feel tired.
There are two types of amazake: made using sake lees or rice koji. In Himeji and Shiso, which are home to many sake breweries, and Tatsuno, which is a major soy sauce producer, fermentation techniques have developed and amazake production is booming. Amazake is made using regional varieties, such as Yamada Nishiki, a sake rice representative of Hyogo Prefecture, and Hyogo Yumenishiki, a specialty of Nishiharima.
Bansankan, a souvenir shop located right next to JR Himeji Station, sells amazake made in Nishi-Harima. Choose the amazake that suits you best and enjoy the natural bounty of Nishi-Harima.

■ Main sales locations

・BansankanMAP

Himeji odenHimeji City

Have you ever tried Himeji's local gourmet dish, "Himeji Oden"? This lightly flavored oden served with ginger soy sauce is a winter staple in Himeji that is popular with children as well. People enjoy it in different ways, such as dipping it in ginger soy sauce or simmering it together. The refreshing ginger soy sauce brings out the umami of the ingredients and broth.
"Himeji Oden" originated in the early Showa period. Ginger cultivation was popular in the coastal area of Himeji, and the neighboring city of Tatsuno was a soy sauce producing area, so it is thought to have become a unique eating habit in the region. *There are various theories.
Oden restaurants in Himeji City may offer local oden ingredients, such as konjac shaped like Himeji Castle, or seafood like octopus or conger eel. With an "Oden Postcard" available at the tourist information center in hand, warm yourself to the core this winter by touring "Himeji Oden."

Mineyama Highland Resort White PeakKamikawa Town

This ski resort is recommended for beginners as it allows you to enjoy the resort completely empty-handed. They have a wide selection of equipment rentals for skis, snowboards, and more, so you can come empty-handed. They also operate a shuttle bus from Teramae Station on the JR Bantan Line, so even those without a car can easily get there. It also has one of the largest kids' parks in the prefecture, making it a ski resort recommended for families with small children.

location: 881-146 Kamikoda, Kamikawa-cho, Kanzaki-gun, Hyogo Prefecture
telephone number: 0790-34-1900
Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 (Some nighttime hours)
Closed days: From late March to early December (open only in winter)
Admission fee: Free, Kids Park (1,000 yen per person)
parking: [Weekdays] Standard cars 500 yen, small buses 800 yen, medium-sized buses 1,000 yen, large buses 1,500 yen
[Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays] Standard cars: 1,000 yen, minibuses: 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 every year, and the resort is visited by many people during the season.
The attraction of this resort is the wide variety of courses available, from beginners to advanced skiers. If you're bringing small children, we recommend the kids' park, Chigumin Park. Fully renovated in 2023, the dome-shaped moving belt will have kids excited! On the gentle slopes, you can safely enjoy sledding and playing in the snow.
On weekdays, there are days such as Ladies' Day and Senior Day when you can get a discount on using the lifts, so be sure to check the official website before heading out.
During the park's opening hours, there are also plenty of exciting events, such as Christmas events and snow festivals! Why not enjoy some winter sports in Chikusa this year?

location: 1047-218 Nishikawachi, Chikusa-cho, Shiso-shi, Hyogo Prefecture
telephone number: 0790-76-3555
Opening hours: Weekdays 8:30-17:00
Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
*Night skiing hours are Wednesdays (1st and 3rd) and Sundays from 17:30 to 21:00, and Fridays, Saturdays, days before holidays, and public holidays from 17:30 to 23:00 (see official website)
Closed days: Open daily during the season

Yumesaki Strawberry HouseHimeji City

Yumesaki Strawberry House won the Grand Prix in the 2020 Jalan Strawberry Picking Popular Facility (Kansai Area). Enjoy a 30-minute all-you-can-eat session of Yumesaki strawberries, which are carefully grown using 100% hydrogen water in a clean house equipped with the latest ICT environmental control. From January to mid-June, you can compare and taste all six varieties, including Akihime, Benihoppe, Yotsuboshi, and Suzu. If you're lucky, you might even be able to enjoy all nine varieties of strawberries! A cute strawberry lady will explain the key points of strawberry picking.
The adjacent cafe, Yumekaido Farm 67, is extremely popular for its sweets made with freshly picked strawberries! The famous "Deluxe Strawberry Parfait" (seasonal and limited quantity) sells over 150 servings a day at its peak, so be sure to try it. Fill your mouth with the extra-large strawberry on top and be enveloped in the sweet aroma and happiness.

location: 585-1 Miyaoki, Yumesaki-cho, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture
telephone number: *Reservations can only be made via Jalan
Opening hours: January to mid-June (may vary depending on strawberry growth)
10：00〜／11：00～／13：00～／14：00～
*Strawberry picking is 30 minutes (reservation required)
Closed days: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday) *If red strawberries are not available, the experience may be canceled at short notice.

Ayabeyama Plum GroveTatsuno City

Shiota Onsen is a historic hot spring known as the "inner retreat of Harima." It is a popular hot spring resort known for its high-quality water and abundant supply. Located along the Yumesaki River, surrounded by abundant nature, Satoyu Hitotoki Yumenoi is a hot spring inn popular with families, couples, and people of all ages.
The inn's pride and joy is the "Starry Open-Air Bath Tenshu no Yu" in the large public bath "Mantenboshi." This is a spectacular open-air bath where you can soak while watching the dreamlike scenery of the four seasons. At night, you can have the starry sky all to yourself. If you're lucky, you might even be able to experience a "starry bath" where the stars in the night sky are reflected in the bathtub.
Choose from accommodation plans that allow you to stay with your dog, day-trip bathing, or lunch with a salad bar, depending on your needs. Why not take the whole family out to relax and unwind?

location: 1492 Kurosaki, Mitsumachi, Tatsuno City, Hyogo Prefecture
telephone number: 079-322-3551
Opening hours: Opening period
February 11 to March 21, 2022
Opening hours
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM ※Closed at 5:00 PM
Closed days: Other than the above seasons

Yumenoi and Shiota Hot SpringsHimeji City

Shiota Onsen is a historic hot spring known as the "inner retreat of Harima." It is a popular hot spring resort known for its high-quality water and abundant supply. Located along the Yumesaki River, surrounded by abundant nature, Satoyu Hitotoki Yumenoi is a hot spring inn popular with families, couples, and people of all ages.
The inn's pride and joy is the "Starry Open-Air Bath Tenshu no Yu" in the large public bath "Mantenboshi." This is a spectacular open-air bath where you can soak while watching the dreamlike scenery of the four seasons. At night, you can have the starry sky all to yourself. If you're lucky, you might even be able to experience a "starry bath" where the stars in the night sky are reflected in the bathtub.
Choose from accommodation plans that allow you to stay with your dog, day-trip bathing, or lunch with a salad bar, depending on your needs. Why not take the whole family out to relax and unwind?

location: 187 Maenosho, Yumesaki-cho, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture
telephone number: 079-336-1000
Opening hours: [Daytime bathing] 11:00-14:30
Dining Koki: 11:30-14:00 (LO. 13:30) *Closed on Fridays
[Accommodation] Check-in 15:00 / Check-out 10:00
* Reception hours: 9:00-18:00
Closed days: Irregular holidays

Misaki Glass HouseAko City

Misaki Glass House is a glass artist's studio and shop located on Kirakirazaka, a slope that leads to Ako Misaki. It is a popular spot where you can shop for cute glass accessories and enjoy glass craft experiences.
Just looking at the brightly colored glass accessories lined up in the store will make your heart flutter. Use them as Christmas ornaments to instantly make your room look stylish. If you find something you like, be sure to buy it as a memento of your trip.
There are also glass craft experiences that are easy for both children and adults to try. There are many ways to enjoy yourself, such as combining colorful glass to create your own original accessories, carving patterns into the surface of glasses and plates, or making stained glass accessories. Some activities can be attempted in a short amount of time, so why not try a quick experience during your trip?

location: 2-1 Misaki, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture
Opening hours: 10：00～17：00
*For inquiries, please contact the official LINE account.
Closed days: Irregular holidays

Yumesaki Town's rapeseed flower fieldsHimeji City

The Yume Nanohana Project was launched in 2014 to support the World Heritage Himeji Castle Marathon, which is held every year in Himeji City. In the rapeseed flower fields of Tamada, Yumesaki Town, which is also on the marathon course, approximately 10 million rapeseed flowers bloom from mid-December to late February, creating a spectacular sight.
Also, starting in 2020, an initiative has been launched in which giant characters chosen by the head priest of Shoshazan Engyo-ji Temple will appear in the rapeseed flower fields. These characters have meanings such as warding off evil spirits and granting wishes. They can be viewed from the observation plaza midway up Mount Shosha or from the ropeway. The characters are said to contain wishes for the year, such as "May the future be brightly illuminated."
In the future, they are also planning the "Yumesaki Dream Lantern Festival," an event where sky lanterns will be flown in a field of rapeseed flowers. Check their official Instagram for details.

location: Tamada, Yumesaki-cho, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture
Closed days: The rapeseed flower fields are open to the public

Google MAP

Himeji illuminationsHimeji City

Himeji City's downtown area is bustling with people and is home to Himeji Station and the World Heritage Site Himeji Castle. Every year, illuminations and light-ups are put on during the Christmas season.
In 2023, a light-up event will be held at Sannomaru Square in Himeji Castle, where light, water, and music will resonate together. In addition, the trees lining Otemae Street, which runs from Himeji Station to Himeji Castle, will also be illuminated, making the road you normally walk down feel special and exciting during this period. In addition, the illumination event "Himenarie" will be held at Miyuki-dori Shopping Street. Don't miss the spectacular sight of a row of arches of light.
Why not spend some special time with your family, friends, or partner in Himeji in the winter?

location: Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture
Opening hours: Depending on the spot
Closed days: Depending on the spot

Oimatsu DiningShiso City

Oimatsu Dining, run by Oimatsu Sake Brewery, which was founded in 1768, is popular for its fermented food lunches, including kasu-jiru, a winter staple.
There are two types of lunch: the "Fermented Connection Lunch" (2,310 yen) and the "Fermented Thank You Lunch" (1,650 yen). You can enjoy fermented foods to your heart's content, including dishes made with enzyme brown rice, sake lees, and koji. For aperitifs, you can choose from the restaurant's signature sake, non-alcoholic amazake, and vinegar, so not only alcohol lovers but also those unfamiliar with sake will be able to discover new charms.
The attached direct sales store has a wide selection of sake straight from the brewery. They also sell amazake, moromi, shio koji, yogurt, and other products that help regulate your intestinal environment, making them perfect souvenirs! Why not try fermented foods to soothe your mind and body? *Lunch menu may change depending on the season.

location: 12 Yamazaki, Yamazakicho, Shiso City, Hyogo Prefecture
telephone number: Oimatsu Sake Brewery:0790-62-2345
Opening hours: Lunch 11:00-14:30 (last order 13:30) *Reservations are given priority
Sales: 10:00-17:00
Closed days: Thursday

GinpasoAko City

Ginpaso is a hot spring inn with a panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea. Guests can enjoy the spectacular views and different atmospheres of the hot springs, such as Gankai no Yu, which makes use of natural rock cliffs, and Tenkai no Yu, where you can feel as if you are blending into the sky and sea.
The hot spring water used at Ginpaso is Ako Onsen, which is rich in salt and minerals and is known as "Revival Water." 100% of the water flows directly from the source, relaxing the body and mind of all who visit.
Be sure to check out the dishes, which use plenty of carefully selected ingredients from the Setouchi region. Ako, where Ginpaso is located, is also famous for its oysters. In winter, you can enjoy a kaiseki banquet meal made with plenty of oysters caught locally in Sakae Bay.
You're sure to be soothed by the hot springs and exquisite cuisine with ocean views. Be sure to visit and enjoy a trip that will take you away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

location: 2-8 Misaki, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture
telephone number: 0791-45-3355
Opening hours: [For day-trip bathing]
11:00-14:30 (last admission 13:30)
18:00-20:00 (last admission 19:00)

[In the case of accommodation]
IN 15：00/OUT 10：00
Closed days: Irregular holidays

Sakae-doriAko City

Sakae is a port town in the eastern part of Ako City. Sakae Avenue is a gently sloping stone-paved road that runs through the center of Sakae, and the townscape full of atmosphere remains strong even today. On both sides of the road, rows of townhouses give off a nostalgic vibe. No matter where you look, it's picturesque. Historic buildings line the streets, including Sakae Machinamikan, which makes use of the former site of a Taisho-era bank, and the Former Sakaeura Kaisho, which is designated as a tangible cultural property by Ako City. There are also spots where you can tour the interiors, so if you're interested, stop by.
There are also restaurants scattered around the area, such as Okuto Sake Brewery, which produces sake that goes well with winter hot pot dishes, and Nonki, a cafe where you can savor dishes made with oysters, a specialty of Sakae. After enjoying a stroll through the retro townscape, you can relax and enjoy some delicious food.

location: Sakae, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture

Google MAP

Murotsu TownscapeTatsuno City

Murotsu, located in the southern part of Tatsuno City and facing the Harima Nada Sea, has a history of 1,300 years and has been designated a Japan Heritage Site as a port of call for the Kitamae-bune ships. The townscape evokes a sense of nostalgia and has a mysterious charm, as if time has stopped somewhere.
The townscape, lined with old townhouses, has a time-traveling atmosphere and is beloved by literary figures such as Junichiro Tanizaki and Ryotaro Shiba, who have even featured it in their works. The town, set amid the tense winter air, seems to evoke an even more nostalgic feeling. At the Tatsuno City Murozu Kaiekikan, housed in a townhouse built in the late Edo period, you can learn about Murozu's history and tour the historic building.
Murozu oysters are characterized by their large size and rich flavor, thanks to the rich natural environment. There are also restaurants and shops that sell oysters, so be sure to stop by on your stroll and experience the winter in Murozu.

location: Murozu, Mitsumachi, Tatsuno City, Hyogo Prefecture
telephone number: Tatsuno City Murotsukai Station Hall:079-324-0595

Google MAP

West HarimanoList of winter outing spots

Local winter cuisine

oyster

Sand lance

strawberry

Yuzu grated yam sukiyaki

Amazake

Himeji oden

Outings, experiences, and scenic spots

Mineyama Highland Resort White Peak

Chikusa Kogen Ski Resort

Yumesaki Strawberry House

Ayabeyama Plum Grove

Yumenoi and Shiota Hot Springs

Misaki Glass House

Yumesaki Town's rapeseed flower fields

Himeji illuminations

Oimatsu Dining

Ginpaso

Sakae-dori

Murotsu Townscape

Spreading the charm of Nishi-Harima!

oysterAioi City, Ako City, Tatsuno City, Himeji City

Sand lanceHimeji City

strawberryAko City, Aioi City, Kamigori Town, Sayo Town, Himeji City

Yuzu grated yam sukiyakiKamikawa Town

AmazakeTatsuno City, Himeji City, Shiso City

Himeji odenHimeji City

Mineyama Highland Resort White PeakKamikawa Town

Mineyama Highland 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 and Shiota Hot SpringsHimeji City

Yumenoi

Misaki Glass HouseAko City

Misaki Glass House

Yumesaki Town's rapeseed flower fieldsHimeji City

Yumesaki Yume Kaido Executive Committee

Himeji illuminationsHimeji City

Piole Himeji, Terrasso Himeji, Festa, Castle Garden, Q-El Himeji, Miyuki Street Shopping District

Oimatsu DiningShiso City

Oimatsu Dining

GinpasoAko City

Ginpaso, an inn with a spectacular open-air bath

Sakae-doriAko City

Sakae-dori

Murotsu TownscapeTatsuno City

Murotsu Townscape