2025 Ako Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in March)

The castle was built by Naganao Asano, and the Honmaru Garden and Ninomaru Garden are currently designated as national scenic spots. Unfortunately, the building no longer exists, but the turret happened to be open to the public, so I was able to climb the gate. There is a free parking lot, so it is a recommended spot for a safe car trip, where you can also stroll around Oishi Shrine and the townscape, with Ako Castle as the center. ✱----------------------------------------------- [Name] Ako Castle Ruins [Location] 1424-1 Kamikariya, Ako City [Opening hours] 09:00-16:30 (Honmaru and Ninomaru Gardens) *Entry until 16:00 [Closed] 12/28-1/4 (Honmaru and Ninomaru Gardens) [Fee] Free [Parking] Available (free) Visit date: April 2024 -----------------------------------------------✱ #Car trip #100 travel styles #Domestic travel #Tourism #Hyogo tourism #Ako #Ako Castle #Ako tourism

🌟Hyogo Prefecture's hidden spot🌟 Let me introduce you to Kirakirazaka🌟, located on the seaside of Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture🧡 This corner of the town, with its white and blue motif, is stylish and cute☺️ The tiled stairs and stylish cafes☕💭💕 will make you feel like you're strolling through a port town overseas♪🚶🐕 If you look closely at your feet, you'll see a heart🧡 tile hidden🙈 Please try looking for it👀✨ Going down the stairs leads to the sea😊 It was an ocean where you could enjoy playing on the rocks*(^o^)/* I was able to make some relaxing summer memories here✌️ #Looking back on summer memories #Looking back on summer travel memories #Recommended hidden spots for travel lovers #Beautiful spots #Photogenic spots #Hyogo Prefecture #Overseas style #Hidden spots #0 yen travel #Kansai travel #japan #japantravel

Store name🏠 Address📍 6-24 Kariya Nakasu, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture Access📍 Business hours📍 6:00-18:00, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 7:00-until sold out, Saturday, Sunday, and holidays Closed📍 Monday, Tuesday (Open if Monday is a holiday) Budget per person: 500 and up Rating (out of 5): ★★★★★ \\Points// This bakery is located in Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture, the setting of the Ako Roshi. It is located about a 5-minute drive from Banshu Ako Station. It is a popular store with a constant stream of customers on the day we visited. There is a wide variety of breads, so please choose one that will catch your eye! Although there is a wide variety, it is a popular store, so if you go late, it will sell out. We recommend that you visit early! ! #Domestic travel #Couple trip #Girls trip #Gourmet #Akopan #Ako #Ako sightseeing #Bakery tour #Bread #Bakery

Store name: Tomoe-ya (main store) Otemon store Address: 2-13 Kamikariya Minami, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture (in front of the Otemon Gate of Ako Castle) Budget per person: 1000 and up Rating (out of 5): ★★★★ \\Points// "Banshu Ako Tomoe-ya," located on the Otemon Gate side of Ako Castle, famous for the Ako Roshi, sells salty buns made with carefully selected ingredients. There is a coffee corner inside the store where you can enjoy sweets and soba noodles. Recommended for a break after enjoying the autumn leaves. #Ako sightseeing#historical sites#autumn leaves spots #autumn leaves#gourmet trip#Ako Roshi#autumn leaves viewing

I went to "Dot Glamping Ako", a glamping facility that opened in 2022 in Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture! This popular dome-shaped glamping facility is located on a hilltop with a spectacular view overlooking the sea. It features a sauna, so you can relax in nature✨ The sauna is divided into three rooms: high temperature, low temperature, and private, so you can enjoy the sauna at your favorite temperature. The view from the cold bath pool is also spectacular!! ! I recommend you try it during sunset😊 Access: 143-1 Misaki, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture #glamping #hyogo #ako

If you are visiting Tokyo, Japan and you are looking to do a day hike just to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, then make sure to have a quick climb to Mt. Takao. It's a super convenient mountain to climb and it's probably the most popular hiking spot for people living and working in Japan due to its accessibility. #tokyostroll #mountainhike #Mt.Takao #tokyotravel

📍Only a 30-minute train ride from Himeji and you get to refresh in peace. Sakoshi is a small seaside town which gives a lot more than its size. The walk from Sakoshi station along the old town, shotengai, it feels so epic and the picture perfect scenery 360 degrees is fulfilling. The street has good coffee shops so be sure to stop by at one on your walk to the beachside. Also try the croissant- ice cream a trademark of Sakoshi. There is also a sake brewery, it’s pricey, but it’s the real deal. If it’s Sakura season, definitely go hike the mountain to get a view of the sea over the kawaii sakura. #Sakoshi #sakura #Shotengai #localguides #Ako #hyogo

If you visit Ako city do these: 1) Go to the onsen (several of them on the seaside) some with sunset views. akoudonkairo.jp; ginpaso.co.jp, 2) Have a drink, meal, a pleasant chat at Hyoutan bar (reggae bar), closed on Mondays. 51-7 駅前町, Ako, Hyogo 3) Visit the castle ruins, the street walk is fabulous, feels like ancient times hehe:) ako-hyg.ed.jp #Akocity #hyogo #onsen #localguides #Harima #赤穂市 #Hyoutan

Good Luck Octopus Statue where you can touch his head to get good luck. At Mt Takao

This is a cafe in Imai-so, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture. 📍550-2 Misaki, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture This cafe has large windows so you can enjoy the view of the ocean while you sit there! It was raining that day, but I felt at ease watching families with children playing in the ocean through the large windows. For food, I ordered pudding and Taiwanese tea. The cafe in this quiet, art-filled space was amazing....💕 This cafe is attached to a hotel, and the hotel is designed to overlook the ocean of Ako! I thought I'd like to stay there next time, so I went to see the nearby tourist spots of Kirakirazaka and the ocean! #DomesticTravelRecord

Located in the southeast of Ako City, Ako Hachiman Shrine is characterized by its tasteful torii gate, beloved by locals, and its long, horizontal shrine building, which was relocated there in 1406👍️ The deities enshrined are Emperor Ojin in the center of the shrine building, Empress Jingu in the east, and Emperor Chuai in the west. The shrine grounds are very spacious, beautiful, and have a calming atmosphere✨ The nearby Shiogama Shrine is a branch shrine, and there are many subordinate shrines. [Name] Ako Hachiman Shrine [Location] 203 Ozaki, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture 678-0221 #0 yen travel autumn #Hyogo trip #Hyogo sightseeing #Domestic travel

This is a traditional Neapolitan pizza restaurant 🍕 The oceanfront view spreads out before your eyes, and it couldn't be in a better location 👍️ I got takeout and ate it on the restaurant's terrace ♪ The pizza they served had a chewy and delicious dough, and the tomato sauce was fresh and I was impressed ✨ I ate one in no time!! I highly recommend this restaurant 👍️ [Name] SAKURAGUMI [Address] 2-1 Misaki, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture 678-0215 #0 yen travel autumn #Hyogo trip #Hyogo sightseeing #Domestic travel

I thought it was a place where you could enjoy the leisurely flow of time while feeling the sea breeze and looking at the scenery of the Harima Nada Sea✨ You can look out into the distance, and the beautiful blue color of the sea is beautiful, so it's really good for spending time quietly and daydreaming♪ The stairs were covered with cute tiles, and it felt like a Ghibli world👍️ It seems to have been featured in travel magazines and on TV, and it was crowded with many tourists♪ [Name] Kirakirazaka [Location] 2-1 Misaki, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture 678-0215 #0 yen travel autumn #Hyogo tourism #Hyogo trip #domestic travel

Summer Ako, Hyogo Prefecture 𓂃 ✍︎______________________________________📍 MISAK TERRACE I went to MISAKI TERRACE in Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture, which reopened in 2022! *This is a mini hotel with only 4 rooms, and the first floor has a front desk and a playroom where you can play billiards. 🎱 The rooftop terrace overlooks the sea, and the view is amazing. In addition, guests can use the nearby hot spring inn, Ginpasou's spectacular infinity hot spring! ←The open-air bath is the best *Guest room This time, I stayed in an ocean view room with a terrace overlooking the sea! (🔑Ocean Corner Suite 301) The lighting, furniture, and color sense are great and stylish, and each one is cute, and I want to live in this house♡ The kitchen and bathrooms were thoroughly cleaned and clean◎I was able to relax in the large bathtub! The terrace is covered so you can go outside even when it rains, and it's a great space to relax in the breeze☆ *For dinner, we booked a seafood BBQ course and they brought the ingredients to our room! The shrimp, oysters, meat and vegetables were so filling and luxurious that it was hard to believe it was just two servings!! In addition, the refrigerator was filled with free juice and alcohol, and there were also free snacks and noodles for late-night snacks, which was a nice service☆☆It's really stylish and cute, and there are tourist spots nearby where you can enjoy the Ako cityscape, so it's a great place to go with your partner or friends! Please go and check it out~🛁🪞#HyogoPrefecture #OceanView#FuriTabi

The view was great and the scenery was very beautiful✨ In the park, there was a statue of Oishi Kuranosuke, a member of the Ako Roshi clan, which was unexpectedly large and impressive. There were also benches with roofs, so I was able to relax while drinking beer👍️ I thought it would be fun to bring a lunch box and eat it♪ The cherry blossoms are also beautiful in spring, so I would like to come back in spring!! [Name] Ako Misaki Park [Location] 659-1 Misaki, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture 678-0215 #Furitabi #HyogoTrip #AkoTourism #DomesticTrip

I went to a cafe in Ako, Hyogo Prefecture. It was a little cold that day, but I chose a terrace seat because I could see the ocean from there. They have hot water bottles and lap blankets so you can use them when it's cold. The ocean is right in front of you so it's windy, but I was able to spend a very pleasant time. The essential sweets were also very good. I ordered tea, which was warm and delicious. They seem to be famous for their pancakes, so next time I go I'd like to try them. #0yentravel

This time we will introduce Kirakirazaka in Ako Misaki, Hyogo Prefecture😊 Kirakirazaka is a wonderful spot as its name suggests, and it also has a popular cafe called "Umi to Saka to", where you can spend some relaxing time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Also, the sea of ​​Ako, which is right next to Kirakirazaka, is very clear and is a power spot that will heal you just by looking at it, so please visit it along with Kirakirazaka! Kirakirazaka and "Umi to Saka to" 📍2-1 Misaki, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture🚃Take the bus bound for Misaki from Banshu Ako Station on the JR Ako Line and get off at the "Misaki" bus stop🚗Turn left at the Sanyo Expressway, Ako IC exit → Head towards Misaki → Turn right at the traffic light south of Asahimachi (towards Misaki Onsen)⏰11:30-17:00 (LO 16:30)Closed: Wednesdays (open on public holidays) #AkoTourism #Kirakirazaka #DomesticTrip

At Akaho Oishi Shrine in Japan, I deeply felt the strong spirit of loyalty and historical atmosphere here. This shrine was built to commemorate the Akaho righteous man and witnessed a touching legend of loyalty and righteousness in Japanese history. I took nineteen photographs, attempting to capture the beauty and majesty of this sacred place. Walking through the grounds of Oishi Shrine, I was struck by the exquisite architecture and peaceful atmosphere. There are many statues and inscriptions in the shrine commemorating the Akaho righteous men, showing their loyalty and bravery. Every detail made me feel shocked and moved by this history. What particularly impressed me was the statue of Oishi Kuransuke in the shrine. He was the leader of the Ako Gishi and represented the symbol of loyalty and justice. Here, I learned more about the stories of the Akaho Gishi and their heroic deeds, which touched my heart deeply. This experience of visiting Akaho Oishi Shrine gave me a deeper understanding and respect for Japanese history and culture. I will always treasure these precious memories and look forward to returning to this historic place in the future. #Akaho Oishi Shrine #Chushingura #JapaneseHistory #CulturalExploration #HistoricalTour

When I came to the ruins of Akaho Castle in Japan, I felt the strong historical atmosphere and spirit of loyalty here. Akaho Castle is famous for the story of the Akaho Gishi, and the ruins of the castle bear witness to a touching legend in Japanese history. I took twenty photos here to record the beauty and historical traces of this ancient city. Walking among the gardens and walls of the Akaho Castle ruins, I felt as if I had returned to the era of Chushingura. The architectural remains and stone walls in the city give people a deep sense of the grandeur and magnificence of the time, and each one is full of historical memories and stories. What moved me most was the deeds of the Ako righteous men displayed in the castle. These stories of loyalty and bravery touched my heart deeply. During the visit, I not only enjoyed the beautiful scenery, but also learned a lot about Japanese history and culture. This experience of visiting the Akaho Castle ruins gave me a deeper understanding and respect for Japanese history and culture. I will always treasure this precious memory and look forward to visiting this charming historic city again in the future. #Akaho Castle Ruins #Chushingura #Japanese History #Cultural Adventure #Historical Tour

This place is located in Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture. Please be sure to visit in the summer. It's like an anime.

I walked from Kirakirazaka to the torii gate of Iwatohime Shrine, a photo spot where you can see the sea. I often see photos of each, but I was curious about the path, so I walked and my personal impression was that "if you don't like bugs, you don't have to go." I recommend the area around the Daimyo Nagori no Matsu, which is just down Kirakirazaka, to view the sea. [Name] Kirakirazaka [Location] 2-1 Misaki, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture [Access] About 15 minutes by bus from JR Banshu Ako Station [Opening hours] Free to stroll [Name] Iwatohime Shrine [Location] 1 Misaki, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture [Access] About 15 minutes by bus from JR Banshu Ako Station [Other] There are no restrooms on the grounds Visit date: May 2024 #Sakura2024 #Amazing view #Ako #Ako sightseeing #Kirakirazaka #Iwatohime Shrine

This is a popular slope for viewing the Seto Inland Sea. Tiles are inlaid into the sides of the stairs, creating an exotic landscape. It can be accessed from the parking lot of Iwatsuhime Shrine, and is a popular photo spot along with the sea seen from the torii gate. It is a narrow space and the parking lot is also the main road to the shrine, so you need to observe etiquette when sightseeing. It is an essential spot for sightseeing in Ako. [Name] Kirakirazaka [Location] 2-1 Misaki, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture [Access] About 15 minutes by bus from JR Banshu Ako Station [Opening hours] Free to stroll Visit date: May 2024 #Sakura2024 #Kirakirazaka #Ako #Ako sightseeing #Hyogo sightseeing #Breathtaking view

A historic shrine listed in documents from the Heian period. The main deity is Iwatsuhime Okami, from whom the shrine's name is derived. The shrine is famous for being visited by the Combined Fleet Commander, who led his fleet to worship from the sea, as the ocean spreads out right in front of it, making sea-based visits quite popular. There is a glittering slope right in front of you, so be sure to read the notices on the official website before visiting, as there are parking considerations. Name: Iwatsuhime Shrine Location: 1 Misaki, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture Access: About 15 minutes by bus from JR Banshu-Ako Station Other: There are no restrooms on the shrine grounds Visit Date: May 2024

Introducing an emo retro cafe located in an emo spot that will relax your mind and body 💡 (Is emo the only word you have in your vocabulary? → No) This time, we will introduce "Umi to Saka to" in the seaside town of Misaki, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture This cafe is a new retro cafe that opened in 2019 after renovating a building that was over 70 years old ☕️The exterior, mainly white and blue, matches the summery atmosphere and the seaside town ⛱️The interior is also a relaxing space with a nostalgic space with a wood-based design ✨It is open from lunch to cafe time, and the menu includes seasonal dishes and sweets made with seasonal ingredients 🍧 The following is a reference menu 👇▪️Soup and Shio Koji Hamburger Set (with rice & salad) 1,600 yen▪️Taiwanese shaved ice with pineapple and almond kernel (pictured) 1,300 yen *If you order shaved ice, you can choose your favorite drink + 400 yen▪️Iced lemonade (pictured) 660 yen (for a set)There are many other drinks and sweets! The shaved ice above was insanely delicious! There is apricot kernel in the ice, and it is hard when you put the spoon in, but it melts when you put it in your mouth! ! It's a delicious shaved ice that melts, so please try it 🫠 ~ ... Be careful: You may have to wait for 1 to 2 hours or more, but this isn't an area where you can kill that much time. #Sakura2024 #Japan's Greatest Views #Domestic Travel #Hyogo Tourism

A splendid and impressive May Dolls Exhibition was held at the ethnographic museum, which displays many donated items. It seems that a Hina Matsuri (Girls' Day) exhibition was also held in March. With old currencies and more, it's a recommended spot for Ako tourism where you can catch a glimpse of various eras. Facility Name: Ako City Folklore Museum Address: 805-2 Karoya, Ako City Access: About 25 minutes on foot from JR Banshu-Ako Station About 5 minutes by car from Sanyo Expressway Ako I.C Business Hours: 09:00 to 17:00 (Last admission at 16:30) Closed: Wednesdays (However, if it falls on a holiday, the following day), Year-end and New Year holidays (December 28 to January 4) Admission Fees: Adults (high school students and above) 100 yen Junior high and elementary school students 50 yen Visit Date: May 2024

Ako Seaside Park is a complex park with various facilities on a vast site of 71.7 hectares. The best place is Shio no Kuni, which I introduced in another article, but you can also enjoy picnics, athletics, boats, and other activities all day long. There are not many restaurants, so it is recommended to bring your own food or eat before visiting. It takes physical strength to conquer the entire area, so if you're not sure where to go, I recommend Shio no Kuni. [Facility name] Hyogo Prefectural Ako Seaside Park [Location] 1857-5 Misaki, Ako City [Opening hours] 09:00-17:00 [Closed] New Year's holiday (December 29th-January 1st) [Parking lot] 500 yen per parking lot for regular cars Visited: April 2024 #Sakura2024 #Hyogo Prefecture #Hyogo Tourism #Ako #Family trip #Domestic trip #Going out with kids

This Western-style building has been designated as an Important Tangible Cultural Property of Hyogo Prefecture. Many donated items are on display, including household items, tools, and retro dolls that were actually used. I was surprised to see an MD player on display. I recommend this place for sightseeing in Ako City. Facility name: Ako City Folk Museum Location: 805-2 Kariya, Ako City Access: 25 minutes on foot from JR Banshu Ako Station 5 minutes by car from Ako I.C. on the Sanyo Expressway Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 (entry until 16:30) Closed on: Wednesdays (but the following day if it falls on a public holiday), New Year's holiday (December 28th-January 4th) Price: Adults (high school students and above): 100 yen Junior high school and elementary school students: 50 yen Visit date: May 2024 #Sakura2024 #HyogoTourism #Ako #DomesticTravel #AkoTourism #RetroArchitecture

This shrine enshrines the 47 Ronin, including Oishi Kuranosuke from Chushingura. It is said that the shrine grants the fulfillment of great wishes and heartfelt wishes, as they carried out the raid and avenged their lord. The stone statues of the 47 Ronin lined up along the approach to the shrine are a spectacular sight. This shrine is an essential part of sightseeing in Ako. [Name] Ako Oishi Shrine [Location] 131-7 Kamikariya, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture (inside the old castle) [Access] Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Banshu Ako Station Approximately 10 minutes by car from Ako IC on the Sanyo Expressway [Parking] Available (free) Date of visit: April 2024 #Sakura2024 #Travel to experience history and culture #Shrine #Ako #Ako sightseeing #Visiting a shrine #Hyogo sightseeing #Domestic travel #Visiting #Chushingura #Historical sites