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

I stayed at Takahashi International Hotel in Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture! It was very clean, the room was spacious, and it was very comfortable. There were only the bare minimum amenities, so I recommend bringing your own! It was also cheap, so it was good value for money! #NationalTravelSupport #ValueForMoneyHotel #Takahashi

Tourist Spot: The Japanese Heritage "Town of Bengala" in Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture. Once famous as the birthplace of Japan Red, the beautiful copper-colored townscape has been preserved. The highlight is the large-scale former Fukiya Elementary School building, a wonderful piece of modern wooden architecture! The copper-colored roof stands out against the clear blue sky. You can experience local heritage through experiences such as Bengala dyeing, so be sure to come and visit! Address: 838-2 Fukiya, Naruha-cho, Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture #WesternJapan #OkayamaPrefecture #TakahashiCity #Bengala #JapaneseHeritage

#japantrip Fukiya Furusato Village in Okayama Prefecture is a hidden gem that transports visitors back to Japan’s Edo period. Known for its distinctive Bengala-red buildings, created with natural iron oxide pigment, the village exudes a unique charm. Once a hub for copper mining and Bengala production, the village preserves its historical legacy with attractions like the old copper mine, Bengala workshops, and traditional merchant houses. Walking along its quiet streets, surrounded by mountains, feels like stepping into a bygone era. Visitors can enjoy hands-on activities, such as dyeing fabric with Bengala, and sample local delicacies. Seasonal highlights like autumn foliage make Fukiya even more picturesque.

#japantrip Fukiya Furusato Village, located in Okayama Prefecture, is a charming historic town known for its traditional red Bengala-painted buildings. Once a thriving center for copper mining and Bengala dye production, it now preserves its Edo-period atmosphere with beautifully restored streets and wooden houses. Visitors can explore the town’s heritage through sites like the former copper mine, dye workshops, and local museums. Surrounded by lush hills, the village offers a tranquil retreat and stunning scenery, particularly in autumn. Unique crafts, traditional sweets, and workshops on Bengala dyeing provide hands-on experiences. Fukiya Furusato is a delightful blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

DAY 40: Bitchu Matsuyama Castle has a long history. It dates back to the Kamakura period when it was a castle on Mt. Omatsuyama. It was built on the top of Mt. Wagau at an altitude of 430 meters. It is the only mountain castle tower in Japan. Its unique castle structure cleverly uses the natural granite and wood structure from Mt. Wagau. The tower, turret and earth wall that have been preserved since the Edo period are all listed as important cultural heritage sites designated by the country. If the climate and humidity are suitable, you may even be able to see the "Sky Castle" floating on the sea of ​​clouds. The current cat lord, Sanji Yuuro, is a very cute orange cat. This time we were lucky enough to meet the lord himself. Walking around the castle, we could also see many cat lord-related products and standees. In the afternoon, we will go to the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, a beautiful town full of history and art. There are white-walled old houses, rows of willow trees, traditional blocks that retain century-old houses, and quiet canals. A small boat slowly approaches, followed by waves, which create ripples on the mirror-like river surface. There are rows of drooping willow trees along the coast. The street scenes created by traditional buildings and the retro-modern scenery along the Kurashiki River are unforgettable. Transportation: Take the JR Hakubi Line from Okayama Station and get off at Bitchu-Takahashi Station (¥860). After exiting the station, take the city loop bus to the trailhead (¥170). The distance from the trailhead to the castle tower is about 1.5 kilometers. The entrance ticket is ¥500. There are also common packages available on site (¥1000 for three buildings and ¥1500 for five buildings). Attractions: Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, Samurai Residence, Kurashiki Mitsui Outlet, Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, Hojuzan Kanryuji Temple, Tsurugatayama Park, Achi Shrine, Achi no Fuji, Kami-no-Machi Kita Clock Tower Accommodation: The One Five Okayama, Okayama City Today's cycling distance: 0 km Cumulative cycling mileage: 2120 km #Japan #FourCountries #Shikoku Pilgrimage #Shikoku Pilgrimage #Seto Inland Sea #Shikokudisease #Tokushima #Awa Spiritual Field #Kochi #Tosa Sacred Ground #Ehime #Sanuki Sacred Ground #Kagawa #Iyo Sacred Ground #BicycleTravel #Two people walking together #Kobo Daishi #Namo Master Universal Illumination Vajra #Shikoku Pilgrimage 88 #Gohenro #Shimanami Kaido #Shodoshima #Setonaikai National Park #Don't ask me how much the trip costs #Ask yourself how many years of youth you have left #japan #tokushima #kochi #ehime #takematsu

#castle Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, also known as Takahashi Castle, is located at the foot of a mountain in Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture. It is a designated historic site in Japan and one of the 100 famous castles in Japan. Bitchu Matsuyama Castle was built in 1240 (Kamakura period) and is one of the 12 remaining castle towers in Japan. Its wooden tower, double-story turrets and earthen walls are listed as important cultural properties. It is 430m above sea level and has been a fortress since ancient times. In the past, it was specially built on the mountain to defend against enemies and to prevent them from being attacked. On the trail leading to the castle tower, the observation platform that was used as a relay station in the past is preserved. There is no trail built along the entire mountain road, and the irregular stone steps show the long historical atmosphere. Above the Otemon Gate is the castle tower. The solid granite of Mount Woniu has successfully defended it from enemy attacks for hundreds of years. The space of Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is maintained as it was in the past. Unlike other castle towers that were rebuilt after fire, weapons and books are displayed. The stairs leading to the castle tower are very steep. The only way to take photos of the "Castle in the Sky" scene that is often seen on Okayama Prefecture's tourism posters is to drive yourself. If you just want to visit Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, you can take the JR limited express to Bitchu Takahashi Station, then take a tourist shared taxi for about 15 minutes. Another interesting thing is that the lord of Bitchu Matsuyama Castle was a cat named "Sanjuro" (さんじゅーろー), who was very popular.

#JapanTravel My visit to Raikyuji Temple in Takahashi, Japan was beautiful. This Buddhist temple is one of the most important historical and cultural sites in the area and is stunning for its traditional architecture with its curved ceilings and surrounding wooden arcades. I wandered through the inner corridors and admired the rooms decorated with carefully carved inscriptions and pillars. I was also delighted to meditate in the tranquil temple garden. It is famous for its magnificent design and cherry blossom trees in full bloom. I also walked into the main prayer hall and saw some wonderful Buddhist statues and icons. This visit to Raikyuji was a very enriching and enjoyable cultural and spiritual experience.