- A Journey Through History and Romance Along the Silver Carriage Road
- The Beginning of the Journey: Ikuno Silver Mine
- The Vibrant Beauty of Nature: Ajisai (Hydrangeas) in Izasa
- Learning History: Silver Carriage Road Exchange Center
- Scenic Views: Tonomine Highlands
- A Warm Stay: Irori-no-Yado Houraku
- A Post Town Along the Silver Carriage Road: Yakata
- A Retreat in Nature: Refresh Park Ichikawa
- The Land of Yokai Legends: Tsujikawa Area and Tsujikawa-yama Park
- Zen Meditation Experience: Shinjaku-ji Temple
- Monjuso
- A Healing Hot Spring Stay: Ueyama Ryokan at Shiota Onsen
- Shoshazan Engyoji Temple
- A World Heritage Castle: Himeji Castle
- The Final Stop: Shikama Port
- Watch the Journey in Action!
- Information on local shops and spots
A Journey Through History and Romance Along the Silver Carriage Road
The Beginning of the Journey: Ikuno Silver Mine
The journey starts at Ikuno Silver Mine.
Prospering from the Edo period to the Meiji era, this mine was one of Japan’s leading silver production sites. Today, it is open to the public as a tourist mine. Inside the tunnel, the temperature remains around 13°C (55°F) throughout the year, offering a cool and refreshing atmosphere. Walking through the tunnels, you can almost hear the whispers of the miners who once worked here.
Visitors can learn about the history of mining and the evolution of its techniques through mannequins and exhibits.
| Location | 33-5 Ono, Ikuno-cho, Asago City, Hyogo 679-332（MAP） |
| Hours | April–October: 9:10 AM – 5:20 PM (Last entry: 4:40 PM) November: 9:10 AM – 4:50 PM (Last entry: 4:10 PM) December–February: 9:40 AM – 4:20 PM (Last entry: 3:40 PM) March: 9:40 AM – 4:50 PM (Last entry: 4:10 PM) |
| Closed | Every Tuesday from December to February (If a holiday falls on a Tuesday, the mine will be closed on the following day), and New Year’s holidays. |
The Vibrant Beauty of Nature: Ajisai (Hydrangeas) in Izasa
After leaving Ikuno Silver Mine, head south to Kamikawa Town.
Here, you’ll find Inoshino Hydrangeas, which bloom beautifully during the rainy season. Around 10,000 hydrangeas fill the area, becoming even more vivid when wet from the rain. It’s a great spot to take a peaceful walk while enjoying the serene mountain scenery.
| Location | Izasa, Kamikawa-cho, Kanzaki District, Hyogo 679-2431（MAP） |
| Best viewing season | Late June |
Learning History: Silver Carriage Road Exchange Center
The next stop is the Silver Carriage Road Exchange Center, where you can explore the history of this historic road and how it was used.
Inside, you’ll find models of the horse-drawn carts that once transported silver ore, along with exhibits showcasing the importance of this route.
| Location | 78 Nakamura, Kamikawa-cho, Kanzaki District, Hyogo 679-2413（MAP） |
| Hours | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Closed | Monday–Thursday, Obon holidays, and New Year’s holidays |
Scenic Views: Tonomine Highlands
Take a short detour to Tonomine Highlands, one of Kamikawa’s most breathtaking natural spots.
In autumn, the golden pampas grass fields stretch as far as the eye can see, making it a famous filming location for movies and dramas. However, the lush green fields of early summer are also a sight to behold.
Take a deep breath of the crisp, clean air and immerse yourself in the grandeur of nature.
初夏の砥峰高原
| Location | 801 Kawakami, Kamikawa-cho, Kanzaki District, Hyogo 679-3104（MAP） |
| Closed | in winter (December to late March) due to snowfall. |
A Warm Stay: Irori-no-Yado Houraku
For an overnight stay, Irori-no-Yado Houraku is a great option.
Here, you can enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine made with local ingredients while sitting around an irori (a traditional sunken hearth). The cozy atmosphere makes it the perfect place to unwind after a long journey.
In summer, fireflies dance around the area, while autumn brings stunning foliage. From late June to late September, riverbed dining is available, allowing guests to enjoy fresh mountain and river delicacies while listening to the gentle sounds of the flowing river.
| Location | 332 Kamioda, Kamikawa-cho, Kanzaki District, Hyogo 679-3125（MAP） |
A Post Town Along the Silver Carriage Road: Yakata
The next morning, head to Yakata, a historic post town along the Silver Carriage Road, located in Ichikawa Town.
| Location | Tsurui, Ichikawa-cho, Kanzaki District, Hyogo 679-2337（MAP） |
A Retreat in Nature: Refresh Park Ichikawa
At Refresh Park Ichikawa, you can enjoy a slow-paced time in nature. You can also take a light stroll or have a meal at the park’s facilities.
| Location | 2557-1 Shimoushio, Ichikawa-cho, Kanzaki District, Hyogo 679-2302（MAP） |
| Hours | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Closed | Tuesdays, December 31 – January 2 |
The Land of Yokai Legends: Tsujikawa Area and Tsujikawa-yama Park
Next, head to Fukusaki Town, known for its yokai (supernatural creatures) legends.
Walking through the Tsujikawa Area, you’ll encounter whimsical yokai monuments. In Tsujikawa-yama Park, unique yokai exhibits make for a fun exploration experience.
| Location | Nishitawara, Fukusaki-cho, Kanzaki District, Hyogo 679-2204（MAP） |
Tsujikawa-yama Park
| Location | Nishitawara, Fukusaki-cho, Kanzaki District, Hyogo 679-2204（MAP） |
Zen Meditation Experience: Shinjaku-ji Temple
For a moment of reflection, visit Shinjaku-ji Temple in Fukusaki Town.
Here, you can participate in a Zen meditation experience, stepping away from the hustle and bustle of daily life to realign your mind and spirit. Sitting quietly in the temple’s main hall, adjusting your posture, and focusing on your breath creates a special moment of inner peace.
| Location | 1891 Higashitawara, Fukusaki-cho, Kanzaki District, Hyogo 679-2205（MAP） |
Monjuso
町内に点在する妖怪ベンチと記念写真
座禅体験と合わせて精進料理を頂く
| Location | 1891 Higashitawara, Fukusaki-cho, Kanzaki District, Hyogo 679-2205（MAP） |
| Closed | Every Thursday, the third Wednesday of every month, and New Year’s holidays |
A Healing Hot Spring Stay: Ueyama Ryokan at Shiota Onsen
To relax after your journey, stay at Ueyama Ryokan, a traditional inn at Shiota Onsen.
The historical hot spring waters are gentle on the skin, providing deep relaxation in a tranquil, nature-filled environment.
| Location | 287 Shiota, Yumesaki-cho, Himeji City, Hyogo 671-2112（MAP） |
Shoshazan Engyoji Temple
Entering Himeji City, the first stop should be Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, often called the “Mt. Hiei of the West.” This sacred site features numerous historical buildings.
| Location | 2968 Shosha, Himeji City, Hyogo 671-2201 （MAP） |
A World Heritage Castle: Himeji Castle
Next, visit Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The brilliant white castle tower stands majestically against the blue sky, making it one of Japan’s most famous castles.
| Location | 68 Honmachi, Himeji City, Hyogo 670-0012（MAP） |
| Hours | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry: 4:00 PM) |
| Closed | December 29, 30 |
The Final Stop: Shikama Port
The journey ends at Shikama Port, the terminus of the Silver Carriage Road.
This was once the key transportation hub where silver ore was shipped across Japan. Today, it is a peaceful harbor offering scenic views of the Seto Inland Sea.
| Location | Miya, Shikama-ku, Himeji City, Hyogo 672-8055（MAP） |
Himeji Port
| Location | Hosoe, Shikama-ku, Himeji City, Hyogo, Japan（MAP） |
Enjoy a leisurely journey through history and scenic landscapes along the Silver Carriage Road.
Watch the Journey in Action!
Japanese Version
English Version
Information on local shops and spots
Kamikawa Town
Ichikawa Town
Fukusaki Town
Himeji City
Ieshima (Island)
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