Toyooka City: A Hidden Gem in Japan, Must-Visit Attractions Guide
Here is a guide to tourist attractions in Toyooka City, Japan:
Natural Attractions
- Genbudo Park: Located in Toyooka City, about a 15-minute drive from Toyooka Station. The park has five caves: Genbudo, Seiryu-do, Byakko-do, South Suzaku-do, and North Suzaku-do. Genbudo and Seiryu-do are national natural monuments of Japan, with hexagonal columnar joints stacked in layers, creating a spectacular view.
- Kannabe Mountain: The "youngest" volcano in the Kinki region, with an altitude of 469.5 meters. The summit has a complete crater with a circumference of 750 meters and a depth of about 50 meters. In spring, you can ride mountain bikes, in summer, you can try paragliding, in autumn, you can enjoy the red leaves, and in winter, you can ski.
- Takeno Beach: Located at the northwest end of Toyooka City, facing the Sea of Japan, it is about 1 km long from east to west. Surrounded by pine forests, the beach has white sand and clear water. It meets Japan's best water quality standards every year in Hyogo Prefecture's water quality tests and is selected as one of the "Top 100 Beaches in Japan."
Historical and Cultural Attractions
- Shinkoro: Also known as the "symbol of Izushi Town," it is the second oldest clock tower in Japan, standing 13 meters high. A drum tower was built in the fourth year of the Meiji era to tell time, and it was rebuilt as a clock tower in the fourteenth year of the Meiji era. It was built by the Izushi Domain and local people using the remains of the old Izushi Castle.
- Toyooka 1925 Hostel: Built at the end of the Taisho era, it was originally a Western-style agricultural and industrial bank, later converted into a residence. The building retains the style of the early Showa era, with retro lighting and wooden furniture, allowing you to experience the architectural style of Japan a hundred years ago.
Hot Spring Resorts
- Kinosaki Onsen: About a 10-minute train ride or a 20-minute drive from Toyooka Station. The hot spring town has "seven public baths," with hot springs rich in sodium and calcium chloride. The surrounding area has retro street scenes, cafes, restaurants, and specialty shops.
Theme Venues
- Naoki Uemura Adventure Museum and Acorn Base: Introduces the adventurer Naoki Uemura. The acorn base in the museum has large climbing nets, climbing walls, and other children's entertainment facilities. There is also a lawn outside for camping.
- Kinosaki Marine World: A certain distance from Kinosaki Onsen, it takes 20 minutes by bus from Kinosaki Onsen, and then a 10-minute walk. The museum has more than 10 performances and experience activities, such as catching horse mackerel and making tempura to enjoy.