About
The iconic Shinkoro Clock Tower (built 1871), Japan's oldest clock tower, stands as the symbol of Izushi Castle Town. Photo from Wikimedia Commons
Known as "Little Kyoto of Tajima," Izushi is a remarkably preserved Edo-period castle town featuring Japan's oldest clock tower, 40+ traditional soba restaurants, samurai architecture, and traditional crafts. Designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. 🔗
Developed around Izushi Castle (built 1604 by Koide Yoshihide), the town flourished as the administrative center of Tajima Province throughout the 17th century and retains much of its historical character today. The town's most iconic landmark, the Shinkoro Clock Tower, was built in 1871 beside the remains of the main gate, originally serving as a drum tower before receiving a large clock face in 1881. This 20-meter-tall structure is recognized as Japan's oldest clock tower. 🔗
Cultural & Historical Significance
Izushi's culinary fame centers on sara soba—a unique serving style where buckwheat noodles are presented on small white Izushi-ware porcelain plates, with five plates constituting one serving. This tradition began in 1706 when the Izushi Domain transferred to the Sengoku clan from Ueda in Nagano Prefecture, bringing soba artisans who introduced their craft to the region. Today, approximately 40 restaurants serve this specialty throughout the town, making Izushi the leading soba area in western Japan. 🔗
The town's traditional crafts include Izushi ware pottery, renowned as "too white color porcelain" for its exceptionally pure white appearance achieved using Kakitani pottery stone. Begun by Izuya Yazaemon in 1784 and shifting to white porcelain production in 1793 after adopting techniques from Arita, Izushi ware features surfaces so smooth they're compared to silk. The porcelain's purity is enhanced through carved surface decorations rather than painted designs, with craftsmanship requiring over 20 years of training to reach professional status. 🔗
Visiting Information
Access: 14-15 miles (approximately 23-24 km) from Kinosaki Onsen. Detour time from main route: 30-35 minutes one way (approximately 60-70 minutes round trip). The scenic drive passes through rice paddies alongside the Izushi River, taking 26-50 minutes depending on route and traffic (35 minutes typical). This detour adds approximately 1-1.5 hours total to your journey when including parking and walking. 🔗
Parking: Otemae Parking Lot - ¥400, 70 vehicle capacity, approximately 130m from Izushi Castle Town center, very close to Izushi Tourist Information Center. Additional options include Nishinomaru parking lot and four other facilities throughout town. 🔗
Hours:
- Shinkoro Clock Tower: Exterior viewing 24/7 (free)
- Izushi Castle Ruins & Arikoyama Inari Shrine: Open 24/7 (free admission) 🔗
- Eirakukan Kabuki Theater: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM, closed Thursdays, ¥300 adults 🔗
- Soba Restaurants: Most open 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM for lunch
Route Context: Izushi lies approximately 35 minutes southeast of Kinosaki Onsen, making it an ideal cultural stop when traveling the Takayama to Kinosaki route via the main expressway. 🔗
Seasonal Considerations: Late October represents ideal timing for autumn foliage at castle ruins and Arikoyama Inari Shrine, post-harvest festival atmosphere, ideal weather conditions (typically 61°F/16°C high, 46°F/8°C low), and peak sara soba season. The Castle Festival occurs November 3rd annually, just after your visit. 🔗
The Experience
Arikoyama Inari Shrine & Castle Ruins: The primary attraction involves climbing 157 stone steps through 37 vibrant crimson torii gates to reach Arikoyama Inari Shrine atop the castle ruins. The 5-10 minute ascent rewards visitors with panoramic views of the Izushi Basin and surrounding castle town. October highlights include autumn foliage creating stunning contrasts between maple, ginkgo, and green maple trees against the red torii gates. 🔗
Izushi Sara Soba Experience: With approximately 40 soba restaurants concentrated in the historic district, trying Izushi's signature sara soba represents an essential cultural experience. The unique serving style presents cold buckwheat noodles on small white Izushi-ware plates with dashi dipping sauce and condiments including green onions, grated yam, raw egg, and wasabi. 🔗
Ordering Guide: Five plates = one standard serving. Average consumption: 10-15 plates for men, 7-8 plates for women. Eating 20 plates earns "pro soba-eater" status (approximately one chopstick height when stacked), while 15+ plates may qualify you for a "Soba Expert Certificate" at participating restaurants. 🔗
Top Restaurant Recommendations:
- Jinbei: Three-generation family operation with handmade soba using whole buckwheat, beautiful garden with Nishikigoi carp 🔗
- Mikura: Founded 1994, soba-making lessons available, refined dipping sauce 🔗
- Soba Honjin Tsuruya: Views of Shinkoro Clock Tower while dining 🔗
Eirakukan Kabuki Theater: Built in 1901 and reopened in 2008 after restoration, Eirakukan is the Kansai region's oldest kabuki theater. Self-guided tours (¥300 adults) take visitors behind the scenes to see the main runway, original production signs, below-stage mechanisms, and dressing rooms. 🔗
Karo Yashiki Samurai Residence: The only surviving samurai residence in Izushi Castle Town, featuring unique architectural elements including a hidden second-floor staircase and intentionally low ceilings designed to prevent sword combat. Interior displays include weapons and equipment from daimyo processions. 🔗
Traditional Streets & Architecture: Izushi's Edo-period grid-pattern streets feature beautifully preserved white-walled buildings and traditional machiya townhouses, designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. 🔗
Kimono Rental Experience: Izushi Kimono Rental Mu offers traditional kimono dressing and rental: 3,000 yen for 3 hours (includes professional dressing, geta sandals), choose from approximately 170-180 kimonos, 30 minutes for selection and dressing, 2.5 hours for town exploration. Popular photo locations include Shinkoro Clock Tower and the torii gate rows at Arikoyama Inari Shrine. 🔗
Izushi Ware Pottery: Visit local pottery workshops to observe or participate in creating traditional Izushi white porcelain. Four active kilns continue centuries-old traditions using Kakitani pottery stone to produce the distinctive "whiter than snow" ceramics. 🔗
Practical Visiting Tips
Driving Considerations: Arrive mid-morning (10:00-11:00 AM) for castle ruins exploration during best light, followed by lunch at soba restaurant (11:30 AM - 1:00 PM), then afternoon exploration of town attractions (1:00-3:00 PM). This 3-4 hour visit fits well within the "short detour" category while maximizing experiences. Alternative: Brief 1.5-2 hour visit focusing on Shinkoro Clock Tower, quick soba lunch, and main street walking tour if time is limited.
Route Integration: Izushi integrates naturally into the Takayama to Kinosaki main expressway route as a cultural and culinary stop approximately 35 minutes before reaching your Kinosaki Onsen destination. The stop provides cultural immersion in Edo-period castle town architecture and traditional crafts, creating a thematic bridge between Takayama's preserved merchant districts and Kinosaki's onsen town character.
Budget Considerations: Free attractions include Shinkoro Clock Tower (exterior), Izushi Castle Ruins, Arikoyama Inari Shrine, and traditional street walking tour. Affordable experiences: Eirakukan Kabuki Theater (¥300 adults), soba lunch (¥1,000-2,000 for 5-15 plates), parking (¥400). Budget for 3-4 hour visit: approximately ¥2,500-4,500 per person.
Cultural Etiquette:
- Soba dining: Slurping noodles is encouraged and considered proper etiquette. Mix different condiments throughout your meal. Stack empty plates neatly. Don't feel pressured to finish enormous quantities; 5-10 plates is perfectly acceptable. 🔗
- Shrine visits: Remove hats before ascending torii gate pathway. Bow slightly when passing through torii gates. Photography allowed but be respectful during prayers.
Best Photo Spots:
- Arikoyama Inari Shrine torii gates: 37 red gates ascending through autumn foliage 🔗
- Shinkoro Clock Tower: Iconic landmark from multiple angles, including reflection in koi pond 🔗
- Castle ruins summit: Panoramic views over Izushi Basin
- Morosugi Shrine: Yellow ginkgo leaf carpet in late October
- Traditional street views: White-walled buildings and grid-pattern Edo streets
Weather Preparation: Layered clothing (mornings cool, afternoons mild). Comfortable walking shoes for castle ruins stairs (157 steps) and cobblestone streets. Light rain jacket or umbrella (44% precipitation chance). Sun protection for midday castle exploration. 🔗
Important Notes: While classified as "short detour" (30-35 minutes from main route), budget 3-4 hours total including the visit itself. Many soba restaurants close after lunch service (around 3:00 PM). Plan to eat between 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM. Limited English at restaurants but Tourist Information Center provides English assistance and maps. Cash-only at many establishments.
Location: View on Google Maps
Source: attractions/takayama-to-kinosaki-main-route/izushi-castle-town.md