Strolling through Toyooka: A leisurely travel guide to Japan's hidden town

🚉Transportation Guide: • How to get there: Take a train from Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe to Toyooka City, which only takes 2.5 to 3 hours. • Transportation within the city: Toyooka City has convenient public transportation, and you can take buses or trains to various attractions. ✨Recommended attractions (I) Day 1: Nature and hot springs tour 1. Genbudo Park: This is one of the most famous attractions in Toyooka. It has hexagonal basalt columns formed by volcanic activity 1.6 million years ago and is one of the most striking geological structures in Japan. Visitors can feel the wonders of nature and experience the magnetism of stone here. • Recommended playing time: 2-3 hours. 2. Kinosaki Onsen: With a history of over 1,300 years, Kinosaki Onsen is one of the most popular hot springs in Japan. It is very friendly to foreign tourists and has no restrictions on tattoos. There are seven public baths with different characteristics, and visitors can purchase a one-day bath ticket (1,500 yen) for unlimited use. • Recommended play time: 4-6 hours. • After the hot spring experience, you can take the Kinosaki Ropeway up the mountain to Miharashi Terrace and enjoy the panoramic views of the city and the Sea of ​​Japan at the terrace cafe. 3. Kawarake Nage Ceremony: Buying small clay discs at the mountaintop cafe and throwing them down the mountain to bring good luck is a fun traditional experience. (II) Day 2: Historical and Cultural Tour 1. Izushi Castle Town: This place is called "Little Kyoto", and the well-preserved townscape of the Edo period makes people feel like they have returned to the past. Samurai residences, white-walled warehouses and traditional gates are iconic buildings here. • Recommended playing time: 3-4 hours. 2. Yukoyama Inari Shrine: Similar in style to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in Kyoto, but more peaceful. The shrine is located on a hillside, with bright red torii gates winding up, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. • Recommended playing time: 1-2 hours. 3. Eirakukan: This is the oldest existing Kabuki theater in Kansai. It was built in 1901 and features flower paths and a revolving stage where visitors can watch traditional Kabuki performances. • Recommended playing time: 2 hours. [Tableware] Food Recommendations • Izushi Soba: Izushi is famous for its soba noodles. The noodles are smooth and paired with green onions, shredded radish and other ingredients, and the taste is excellent. Visitors can also participate in a soba-making workshop and experience the production process. • Buckwheat-flavored macarons and buckwheat ice cream: This is a modern take on a local tradition, perfect for tourists who love to try new and unusual foods. • White Stork Bento: At White Stork near Tajima Airport, you can enjoy a special bento with a white stork theme. [House] Accommodation recommendation • Hot spring hotels in Kinosaki Onsen Street: There are many traditional hot spring hotels in Kinosaki Onsen Street, providing comfortable accommodation and rich hot spring experiences. • B&Bs near Izuishi Castle Town: If you want to experience the local history and culture in depth, you can choose to stay in a B&B near Izuishi Castle Town. ⚠️Notes • Hot spring etiquette: In Kinosaki Onsen, visitors need to follow some basic etiquette, such as washing their bodies before entering the public bath. • Language: Although Toyooka City has fewer tourists, knowing some simple Japanese words will make it easier to communicate with locals. • Weather: Toyooka City has four distinct seasons, so it is recommended that you prepare appropriate clothing depending on the time of your trip. Toyooka City is a place full of natural beauty, history, culture, and traditional charm. I hope this guide will make your trip more perfect!