Kyotango City, Kyoto Prefecture: The Symphony of the Singing Sands

In Kyoto Prefecture, Kyotango City captivates with its natural wonders and cultural richness. The city is home to Kotohikihama Beach, one of the rare places worldwide known for its singing sands. As you tread upon the fine grains of this beach, they produce a unique squeaking or singing sound, adding an extraordinary sensory experience to your beach stroll.

In addition, Kyotango City houses Kyogamisaki Cape, the northernmost point of the Kyoto Prefecture. At the cape, you’ll find a photogenic lighthouse and awe-inspiring vistas of the Sea of Japan. The city is also known for the Rice Terraces of Sodeshi, enchanting step-like platforms, showcasing the meticulous and skillful farming practices honed over generations.

Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture: Revival of the Oriental White Stork

Toyooka City in Hyogo Prefecture is a symbol of balance between human activities and environmental conservation. It’s globally renowned for the successful revival of the Oriental White Stork, once locally extinct but now thriving due to dedicated conservation efforts. The Hyogo Prefectural Homeland for the Oriental White Stork offers insightful exhibits about these magnificent birds and the local ecological initiatives undertaken to protect them.

Toyooka City is also recognized for Izushi, a nostalgic castle town that transports you back to Japan’s historic Edo period, complete with samurai residences, a charming clock tower, and the Shinkorou, a symbol of Izushi known for its stunning architectural style.

Kami Town, Hyogo Prefecture: Where Mountains Meet the Sea

Kami Town, nestled between majestic mountains and the azure Sea of Japan, invites visitors to explore its captivating natural beauty. The Amarube Viaduct, a testament to engineering prowess, offers an impressive view as it stretches across a verdant valley. In contrast, the Mikata Highlands provide a serene retreat with its idyllic landscapes and offers hiking trails for those seeking to immerse themselves in the region’s rich biodiversity.

Shin’onsen Town, Hyogo Prefecture: A Haven of Hot Springs and Coastal Views

Located in the mountainous region of Hyogo Prefecture, Shin’onsen Town promises a haven of relaxation and rejuvenation. It’s renowned for the Yumura Hot Springs, known for their therapeutic properties and as one of the hottest springs in Japan. In stark contrast to the mountainous terrain, the town boasts the Hamasaka Kaigan Coastline, with its rugged coastline and crystal-clear waters, offering visitors the chance to marvel at the majestic power of the Sea of Japan.

Iwami Town, Tottori Prefecture: Coastal Delights and Culinary Treasures

In Tottori Prefecture, Iwami Town offers a mix of scenic beauty and gastronomic delights. The Uradome Coast forms part of the San’in Kaigan National

Park and is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, featuring intricate rock formations, rugged cliffs, and clear waters. Visitors should not miss the opportunity to explore this coast by boat, observing the diverse marine life and coastal features up close. The town’s culinary scene is rich, with Iwami-zushi, a local specialty sushi featuring mackerel, being a must-try delicacy.

Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture: A Desert by the Sea

Tottori City, the capital of Tottori Prefecture, is most famous for the Tottori Sand Dunes — a vast, desert-like landscape adjacent to the Sea of Japan. This surreal landscape offers a range of activities like sandboarding, camel riding, and more. A nearby Sand Museum exhibits intricate sculptures crafted entirely from sand, a testament to human creativity. This city is also celebrated for its Matsuba Crab or Snow Crab, a culinary delight savored especially during winter months.

Getting There

Overseas travelers can reach the San’in Kaigan Geopark through the Kansai International Airport, the primary international gateway to the region. From there, you can take the extensive network of Japan Railways (JR) services to different towns within the Geopark. For instance, the Limited Express Train “Tango Discovery” from Kyoto Station leads to Kyotango City, and the Limited Express “Kounotori” from Osaka Station takes you to Toyooka City. Similarly, the Limited Express “Super Inaba” runs from Okayama to Tottori City.

The San’in Kaigan Geopark, stretching across three prefectures and encompassing these vibrant towns, presents a captivating narrative of Earth’s geological evolution, biodiversity, and human adaptation. Regardless of whether you are a nature lover, a culture enthusiast, a foodie, or a leisure traveler, the Geopark promises a journey of discovery and fascination. Embark on your voyage through the time-capsules of the San’in Kaigan Geopark today. Explore its wonders, hear its stories whispered in the wind, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Visit the official San’in Kaigan Geopark Website Here

Scattered across the picturesque landscapes of Okayama, Hyogo, Gunma, and Aichi, Toy Kingdom offers four fantastic locations, each holding its unique charm while delivering the core Toy Kingdom experience.

I’ve now visited Okayama and Hyogo Toy Kingdom’s with my family. The photos on this post come from one or the other. Here is an overview of what to expect.

Entry, Attractions, and Playrooms

For a modest entry fee of around ¥1200, visitors gain access to the park’s interactive playrooms. Each room is thoughtfully designed, reflecting the distinctive charm of popular Japanese toy lines. Children can ignite their creativity with hands-on play involving beloved toys such as Licca, Mell-chan, Sylvanian Families, and Plarail. Moreover, the range of Kumon educational toys provides an ideal blend of fun and learning.

Beyond the intriguing playrooms, the parks also offer a delightful assortment of classic amusement park rides. From the gentle spin of merry-go-rounds and teacups to the thrilling rush of go-karts and compact roller coasters, there’s an attraction for every taste and adrenaline level. These rides carry an additional cost, ranging from ¥300 to ¥600.

You can also buy a Free Pass which allows you to enter the park and ride on all there attractions for around ¥3000. There might be some variations with costs, attractions and facilities across the 4 sites.

Toy Kingdom’s Okayama Park: Merging with Nature

Adding a charming twist to the camping experience, Toy Kingdom’s Okayama location is conveniently connected to Setouchi Natural Field camping grounds. A special package deal combines a camping site booking with the entrance to Toy Kingdom, providing a unique blend of tranquillity and imaginative play.

You can enter the theme park twice, on the day of arrival and the day following day. I guess, but not too sure, if you stay more than 1 night I guess you can enter for the additional days too.

Gunma’s Toy Kingdom: Adventure in the Forest

The Gunma Toy Kingdom unfolds as an enchanting Adventure Forest, offering an exciting blend of outdoor activities. Here, children can test their athletic skills on obstacle courses, engage in fishing, or splash around in delightful water play zones.

Aichi’s Toy Kingdom: Fun by the Beach

At Aichi, Toy Kingdom forms part of the captivating Beach Land. This location promises the joy of toys, an educational exploration of marine life through a fascinating Aquarium, and a BBQ area for relaxing family meals. The beach setting adds a unique charm to this Toy Kingdom park.

Hyogo’s Toy Kingdom: Cool off by Tojo Lake

Tojo Lake Toy Kingdom in Hyogo is a must-visit during the sweltering summer months. This park features a vast water park, where children and adults alike can cool off.

Whether it’s the nostalgic trip down memory lane, an adventurous day out, or a fun-filled day by the beach, Toy Kingdom ensures a magical journey for everyone. This playground lets imagination reign supreme, promising an unforgettable experience through the magic of toys.

Please visit the official Omocha Okoku おもちゃ王国 site (Japanese) for all the latest information about each facility.

A Brief History of Himeji Castle

Constructed in 1333, Himeji Castle was initially a small fortress built on Himeyama Hill. Over the centuries, the castle underwent various expansions and renovations, culminating in the grand structure we see today. Remarkably, Himeji Castle has never been destroyed by war, fire, or earthquakes, making it one of the few original Japanese castles still standing.

Interesting Facts

1. Unique Design: Himeji Castle’s design resembles a white heron spreading its wings, which is the origin of its nickname. The white exterior, achieved using white plaster, also serves a practical purpose as it is fire-resistant.
2. Ingenious Defence Mechanisms: The castle’s complex layout, featuring winding paths and multiple gates, was designed to confuse and deter invaders. Additionally, the castle boasts a staggering 84 gates and several strategic “stone drop” windows, where defenders could drop stones on attackers below.
3. Haunted Well: Within the castle grounds, there’s a well called “Okiku’s Well,” which is said to be haunted by the spirit of Okiku, a tragic figure from Japanese folklore. According to the legend, Okiku was falsely accused of a crime and thrown into the well, where she met her demise.

Access Details

Himeji Castle is easily accessible by public transportation, located just a 15-20 minute walk from Himeji Station. The station is served by the JR Sanyo Shinkansen line, making it convenient for travellers from major cities like Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima.

Admission and Hours

Himeji Castle is open daily, except for December 29th and 30th, with visiting hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:00 PM). Admission fees are 1,000 yen for adults and 300 yen for children (elementary and junior high school students). Ticket Prices as of April 2023.

Tips for Sightseers

1. Wear comfortable shoes: As Himeji Castle is situated atop a hill and involves climbing several flights of stairs, it’s best to wear comfortable shoes for your visit.
2. Visit during cherry blossom season: The castle grounds are home to around 1,000 cherry blossom trees, making it an enchanting destination during the blooming season, typically in early April.
3. Explore the castle grounds: Don’t miss the picturesque Nishi-no-Maru Garden, the Kokoen Garden, and the Himeji City Museum of Art, all located within the castle grounds. A combined ticket for Himeji Castle and Kokoen Garden costs ¥1050.

Final Word

Himeji Castle’s alluring beauty, fascinating history, and impressive design make it an unforgettable destination for any traveller exploring Japan. Be sure to include this magnificent fortress on your itinerary to experience a unique blend of history, architecture, and natural splendour that will leave you in awe.

Click here to discover our top 10 castles to visit in Japan.