A Little Kyoto in Tajima
Peek around any corner in Izushi and you will feel the rich heritage of this small samurai town preserved from the Edo era (1603 to 1868). A true hidden gem in Hyogo prefecture Izushi is living samurai history – castles, temples, shrines and winding streets with preserved homes and shops. You will be transported back in time as you wander and wonder about the lives that have been lived here through the centuries.
Izushi is a place where historical townscapes still blend in harmoniously with the modern buildings. Strolling around the town allows visitors to discover various historical charms, such as the Izushi Castle ruins, here and there. Besides that, there are many local special products such as "Izushi Sara Soba", "Izushi Yaki (pottery)" and "Kiryusaiku". If you change into a kimono and stroll through the town, you will feel as though you have slipped through time. Another must see is Eriakukan, the last standing theater in the Kinki region. Built in 1901 during the Meiji period, it is the oldest theater building in Japan. Today performances of kabuki kyogen (a form of Japanese comedy) and rakugo (comic storytelling) are still held.
Here shops, homes, and other buildings retain their original charm as well as community and rural life. Unlike other large tourist destinations, locals still live in town, adding to the atmosphere. Local grandmas chatting while they buy the day’s groceries, laundry hung out to dry, neighborhood children walking to and from school are just some of the many scenes of daily Izushi life.
Izushi is a place where historical townscapes still blend in harmoniously with the modern buildings. Strolling around the town allows visitors to discover various historical charms, such as the Izushi Castle ruins, here and there. Besides that, there are many local special products such as "Izushi Sara Soba", "Izushi Yaki (pottery)" and "Kiryusaiku". If you change into a kimono and stroll through the town, you will feel as though you have slipped through time. Another must see is Eriakukan, the last standing theater in the Kinki region. Built in 1901 during the Meiji period, it is the oldest theater building in Japan. Today performances of kabuki kyogen (a form of Japanese comedy) and rakugo (comic storytelling) are still held.
Here shops, homes, and other buildings retain their original charm as well as community and rural life. Unlike other large tourist destinations, locals still live in town, adding to the atmosphere. Local grandmas chatting while they buy the day’s groceries, laundry hung out to dry, neighborhood children walking to and from school are just some of the many scenes of daily Izushi life.
