Located at the entrance to Yubara Onsen, Footbath Park features the spacious "Hanzaki Foot Bath," approximately 26 meters wide. "Hanzaki (Japanese Giant Salamander) " is the local name for the Japanese giant Japanese Giant Salamander , a nationally designated Special Natural Monument . The name comes from a legend that it "continues to live even after being torn in half." Hanzaki (Japanese Giant Salamander) is the mascot character at Yubara Onsen , and at Footbath Park, visitors are greeted by an art object called "Hanzaki-san Cooling Down in a Bath," created for the 2019 art event " Mimasaka Three Hot Springs Art Temperature."
* "Mimasaka Three Hot Springs Art Temperature" is a contemporary art exhibition held every three years in three famous hot spring resorts in the region.
Address: 59 Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture Yubara Onsen
"YUBARA BASE" is a private guesthouse with a foot bath.
Yubara Onsen is home to a guesthouse called "YUBARA BASE," which can be rented out entirely to one group per day. The unique design allows hot spring water to flow through the rooms, and there is a foot bath with free-flowing hot spring water exclusively for guests. This is a popular accommodation option for foreign tourists as well.
If you stay overnight, you can enjoy the soothing scenery at any time. You can also enjoy a foot bath in your room, and if you feel sleepy, you can relax in your bedroom.
Indoor barbecue facilities
The first floor is equipped with facilities for indoor barbecues, so you can enjoy them regardless of the weather. You can bring your favorite ingredients and enjoy them, and hot pot cooking is also available. The property is fully equipped with a kitchen, microwave, refrigerator, cooking utensils, and tableware, so you can stay here empty-handed except for the ingredients. As a special perk for guests, the locally popular "Yubara Pudding" will be provided for each guest.
[YUBARA BASE]
Address: 111-3 Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture Yubara Onsen
"Rojiura 9-Banchi" - A canelé specialty shop run by a popular bakery
"Rojiura 9-Banchi" is a canelé specialty shop run by "Logic," a popular bakery in Soja City. It is located next to "Yubara Base." The canelés and sweets made by this popular, high-quality bakery are guaranteed to be of high quality.
*Canelés are a traditional baked confectionery that originated in the Bordeaux region of France. They are characterized by a crispy, fragrant exterior and a chewy interior.
The luxury of enjoying sweets in a foot bath
This time, I ordered some canelés and a drink to take away, and enjoyed delicious sweets and a foot bath at the Hanzaki Foot Bath, located just below the shop, in the best possible mood.
[Rojiura 9-Banchi]
Address: 111-3 Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture Yubara Onsen
Seasonal waffle specialty store "Howaffuru Waffle Shop"
We ordered some popular takeout waffles from the cute riverside shop "Howaffuru Waffle Shop." Waffles made with seasonal fruits are popular, and at the time of our visit, they were selling blueberry waffles. Custard waffles can be enjoyed all year round.
There is a "Hanzaki Foot Bath" on the riverbed just below the store, so you can enjoy your feet in the footbath immediately after purchasing.
[ Howaffuru Waffle Shop]
Address: 94-1 Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture Yubara Onsen
Freshly fried croquettes from a butcher shop, "Hisamoto Butcher Shop"
The croquettes at Hisamoto Butcher Shop, located along the river, are freshly fried, hot, and have a fluffy texture that will whet your appetite. They are only sold on weekdays, but enjoying a foot bath with a croquette in hand was a wonderful experience.
* Croquettes are a popular Japanese dish made by mashing boiled potatoes, shaping them, and then coating them in breadcrumbs and frying them. They are originally a Japanese adaptation of the French dish Croquette.
[Hisamoto Butcher Shop]
Address: 111 Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture , Yubara Onsen
Don't worry if you miss this flight! There are only two chances a year!
The Mimasaka Slow Life Train is actually not a once-a-year event. It normally runs twice a year, in spring and autumn (mainly around May and November), so even if you miss this November run, you'll have a chance to ride it again the following spring . Operation dates and detailed information are regularly announced on the official websites of JR West and Tsuyama Learning Railway Museum, so be sure to check them out and plan your next Mimasaka Slow Life Train trip!
This train is a three-car train with all reserved seats, and will operate as the "Mimasaka Slow Life Train" between Tsuyama Station and Nagi Station (between Nagi Station and Chizu Station it will operate as a local train with all unreserved seats). At each station the train stops at, warm local "omotenashi" (welcoming and service) events will be held, attracting visitors.
The outbound journey departs Tsuyama Station at 11:50 and arrives at Chizu Station at 14:45.
The return journey is scheduled to depart Chizu Station at 14:53 and arrive at Tsuyama Station at 16:35.
Please note that the stop time at Nagi Station is short.
Full of highlights! Special "hospitality" events at each stop
At each station where the Mimasaka Slow Life Train stops, you can enjoy various events, exhibitions, and gourmet food sales that make use of the local characteristics (※Event content may be subject to change).
Experience retro railway heritage at Tsuyama Station and Mimasaka-kamo Station!
Tsuyama Station: A steam locomotive welcomes you
At Tsuyama Station, a C11 steam locomotive is on display in the rotary. Additionally, about a 10-minute walk away is the Tsuyama Learning Railway Museum, where you can learn about the history of Japanese railways.
Stop times: Departure at 11:50 on the outbound journey, arrival at 16:35 on the return journey.
Mimasaka-kamo Station: Enjoy the precious semaphore and gourmet food
This station is a treasured spot for railway enthusiasts, as it was the last station in Japan to use semaphore signals (old-fashioned mechanical signals).
Items for sale : Pound cake, pie choux, apple pie (outbound trip only), wild vegetable rice, curry, jerk chicken burger, udon, wagyu beef skewers, yakitori, hot coffee, chai, etc.
Event: When shopping on the way there, you can participate in a lottery, and if you win, you can exchange it for local specialties on the way back (there is no lottery on the way back).
Stop time: 36 minutes on the outbound journey, 17 minutes on the return journey.
A tour of Showa and film locations! Takano Station and Mimasaka-takio Station
Takano Station: Experience the nostalgic "Showa" era
Exhibition: The "Nostalgic Showa Exhibition" will be held only on the 8th. Here, home appliances and movie posters from the Showa(1926-1989) will be on display.
Stop time: 5 minutes on the way there.
Mimasaka-takio Station: A film location and a cultural property station building
The wooden station building, which was built in Showa and retains its original appearance, is registered as a "Registered Tangible Cultural Property" by the Agency for Cultural Affairs.
This place is famous as the location for the final installment of the popular Japanese film "Otoko wa Tsurai yo," and in recent years it has also been used as the location for the graduation song of a former member of the popular idol group "Nogizaka 46."
event :
The theme song for "Otoko wa Tsurai yo" will be performed (only on the 9th).
Local bands will perform (9th only).
You can enjoy taking photos with staff dressed as the film's main character, Tora-san, and with a face-in panel.
Items for sale: Lunch boxes (8th and 9th), yakisoba (9th only), railway goods (Tsuyama Learning Railway Museum goods, etc.), original Slow Life Train panel magnets, etc.
Stop time: 34 minutes on the outbound journey.
Revealing precious facilities in the mountains! Mimasaka-kawai Station and Nagi Station
Mimasaka-kawai Station: Tour of the manual turntable and experience operating it
This small station, nestled quietly in the mountains near Monomi Pass, still retains a valuable manual turntable (a manual device for changing the direction of locomotives).
event :
Visit the manual turntable, a heritage site of modern industrial development.
Experience driving a track bicycle (cancelled in case of rain).
Event hours: 11:00-14:30.
Participation requirements : Elementary school students and above (elementary school students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). When the train stops (13:58-14:14), only those on the Slow Life Train can participate.
Items for sale : Fried chicken, mochi, abaokowa (rice cakes), aba apple pie, ginger tsukudani (simmered in soy sauce), etc.
Stop time: 17 minutes on the outbound journey.
Nagi Station: Old memories and Yosakoi dance performance
This station is located at the foot of Monomi Pass on the Tottori side, and the stairs leading up to the platform are decorated with photos of old memories.
event :
Performance by a Yosakoi group (9th only, from 14:35).
You can enjoy the hospitality for approximately 35 minutes until the return journey from Chizu Station.
For sale: Persimmon leaf sushi, handmade baked goods, local specialties, etc.
Stop time: 2 minutes on both the outbound and return journeys.
Ticket enquiries and other information
All seats on the Mimasaka Slow Life Train are reserved, so tickets must be purchased in advance.
For ticket inquiries :
JR West Customer Service Center: 0570-00-2486
*Please check the JR West official website or the "Midori no Midori" ticket counter for purchasing methods. For foreign visitors tourists, it is convenient to purchase tickets on the JR West official website (English version, etc.) or at a travel agency.
Okayama is home to many beautiful and tasteful historical buildings that were built between the Meiji period (1868-1912) and the Taisho period (1912-1926). Some are elegant, some stately, some exude warmth - the beautiful appearance of each building continues to fascinate us. This time, we visited five of Okayama Prefecture's modern buildings: Renaiss Hall, Okayama Temperance Hall, Hotaru Children's Library, Hakkaku Ensha, and the Former Okayama Kaikōsha. Why not join us in taking a look at the "timeless beauty" that each building speaks of?
Former Bank of Japan Okayama Branch (Renaiss Hall) | A majestic bank building reminiscent of ancient Roman architecture
Renaiss Hall is the former Okayama branch of the Bank of Japan, completed in 1922 (Taisho 11). It was designed by architect Nagano Uheiji, who was known as a leading figure in bank architecture at the time. Today, the building is known as "Renaiss Hall," and is used as a multi-purpose cultural facility for concerts, lectures, weddings, and more.
The impressive, majestic facade is reminiscent of the Maison Carrée in France (an ancient Roman temple) or the Pantheon in Rome. The building uses "entasis columns" (a technique from ancient Greek architecture), where the middle section of the column bulges slightly, and the capitals are decorated with Corinthian-style acanthus leaf motifs (a plant native to the Mediterranean). You can't help but stare at the gorgeous, stately architecture.
Location, access, and holidays
[Renaiss Hall (Okayama, former Bank of Japan Hall)]
Address: 1-6-20 Uchisange , Kita Ward, Okayama City Okayama Prefecture
TEL: 086-225-3003
Closed: Tuesdays (or the following day if Tuesday is a public holiday), New Year's holidays, and maintenance and inspection days
Access by car: Approximately 25 minutes from Okayama IC on the Sanyo Expressway
Access by public transport: Take the streetcar (towards Mount Higashiyama ) from JR Okayama Station for about 10 minutes and get off at "Kencho-dori" stop
Okayama Temperance Hall | A historic building built 100 years ago as a base for the temperance movement
Okayama Temperance Hall Hall is located about a five-minute walk from Renaiss Hall . It was built in 1923 (Taisho 12), but the architect is unknown. Its distinctive exterior features a combination of "German walls," characterized by uneven surfaces created by spraying mortar onto the wall with a special tool, and white tile. It is a three-story wooden building with a hipped roof that slopes in all four directions, and the slate roof (thin sheet roofing material) is treated to create a ragged-gable roof on the third floor. It is a valuable building that survived the Okayama air raids of 1945 ( Showa 20) (air raids during World War II). It was designated a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property in September 2002 (Heisei 14).
This building, with its striking sign reading "Temperance Hall," is the only one of the nation's temperance facilities that dates back to before the war. At the time, social unrest and a worsening economy meant that an increasing number of people were turning to alcohol. For this reason, it was built as a base for the temperance movement (a social movement to abstain from alcohol). In recent years, "sober curious" (a lifestyle that deliberately avoids alcohol) has been gaining attention worldwide. Although times have changed, social unrest and health concerns remain a driving force behind people's reexamination of their drinking habits. The Okayama Temperance Hall, which embraced this theme over 100 years ago, may have been a building that was ahead of its time.
Currently, the first floor houses a bookstore and cafe selling Christian books, while the second and third floors are used as a gallery and offices. The accessory shop on the third floor sells handmade accessories made with materials from Okayama, as well as Temperance Hall merchandise, so be sure to stop by.
Location, access, and holidays
[Okayama Temperance Hall ]
Address: 1-1-15 Marunouchi, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture Kita Ward
TEL: 086-222-6297 (Okayama Temperance Hall)
Business hours: 8:00-22:00 *Varies by facility.
Closed: Mondays *Depending on the facility
Access by car: Approximately 20 minutes from Okayama IC on the Sanyo Expressway
Access by public transport: Take the streetcar (towards Mount Higashiyama ) from JR Okayama Station for about 10 minutes and get off at Shiroshita Station
Or, about a 20-minute walk from JR Okayama Station
Hotaru Children's Library| A warm and welcoming library renovated from a Meiji-era elementary school building
"Hotaru Children's Library" was built in 1910 (Meiji 43) in Okayama Prefecture cho, Kumenan Town, Kume District as Akasaka Higher Elementary School (an elementary school at the time). It was designed by architect Egawa Saburohachi, who has worked on many school buildings in Okayama Prefecture. It is a two-story wooden building with a hipped roof, with a single-story building attached to the left. The relief (decorative relief) is the chrysanthemum crest, named after Akasaka Castle, built by Kusunoki Masashige (a military commander from the end of the Kamakura period to the Nanboku-cho period). Incidentally, although it may appear to be the main entrance at first glance, the actual entrance is on the left.
It is currently used as the "Hotaru Children's Library," where children can freely enjoy books. Of course, it is also open to university students and adults. Furnished with antique chairs and hanging chairs (chairs hanging from the ceiling), it is a space that combines the atmosphere of a stylish cafe with elements that will excite children.
One of the highlights inside is the large mural. This is a replica of the mural (on the east side) painted in 1949 by the famous Japanese artist Genichiro Inokuma. It was created in full size by students from Marugame High School, the predecessor to Inokuma's alma mater, for a special exhibition in 2021.
Location, access, and holidays
[Hotaru Children's Library ]
Address: 1434-7 Umaya , Akaiwa City, Okayama Prefecture
TEL: None
Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 11:00 to 16:00
Closed: Sunday to Tuesday, Golden Week, Obon, New Year's holidays, and book sorting periods
Nearest bus stop: Umayashita on the Uno Bus Mimasaka Line
Former Kyokuto Kindergarten Hakkaku Ensha| A rare octagonal kindergarten building in the world
The "Hakkaku Ensha" was the kindergarten attached to Okayama City Asahito Elementary School, completed in 1908 (Meiji 41), and is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property that was relocated and restored to its current location in 1998 (Heisei 10). It was designed by architect Egawa Saburohachi, who also designed the former Akasaka Elementary School, which is home to the "Hotaru Children's Library." It is a valuable building, being the first kindergarten building in Japan to be designated an Important Cultural Property.
The structure is a single-story wooden building with a tiled roof, and is characterized by a plum blossom-shaped floor plan with a regular octagonal playroom in the Chuo and gabled nursery rooms on all four sides. The octagonal shape is rare worldwide, making it a valuable presence in the history of modern Japanese educational architecture. The exterior is a pseudo-Western style (Western-style Japanese architecture) seen in the early Meiji period, with white walls and pink wooden doors and window frames creating a warm and beautiful atmosphere. After being relocated and restored, it is now stocked with picture books and toys, creating a space where children can use it safely while enjoying this historical cultural asset.
Location, access, and holidays
[Hakkaku Ensha]
Address: 56 Futsukaichi-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama Prefecture Okayama City Kita Ward(within the grounds of Okayama City Chuo Library)
TEL: 086-226-2434
Opening hours: 9:30-16:30 (interior tours available until 16:15)
Closed: Mondays, second Sundays, public holidays (if Monday is a public holiday, the following day will also be closed), New Year's holidays (December 28th to January 4th)
Access by car: Approximately 30 minutes from Okayama IC on the Sanyo Expressway. Or approximately 25 minutes from Kimitsu IC on the Okayama Blue Line.
Access by public transport: Take the bus from JR Okayama Station to Okayama Airport (approx. 15 minutes) and get off at "Okayama Minami Eigyosho" bus stop, then walk for approx. 5 minutes
Parking: Okayama City Chuo Library Parking Lot No. 3 (free for up to 90 minutes, 100 yen per hour for any additional minutes)
Former Okayama Kaikōsha(General Ground Club) | An elegant Western-style building used as a social gathering place for army officers
The Former Okayama Kaikōsha was built in 1910 (Meiji 43) as a social gathering place for army officers (senior officers in the former Japanese military). Kaikosha were military clubs established at division (military unit) locations across the country, and were used to deepen friendships among officers as well as for military research and improving their education. Okayama's Kaikosha was also a place where officers from the 17th Division gathered. The building has a hipped roof and a tiled roof, and the front veranda is elegantly supported by Ionic-style (ancient Greek architectural style) columns. As a modern Western-style building representative of the late Meiji period, it is now designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property. On the day we visited, an event was being held and the building was bustling with people.
The interior is also gorgeous, with elegant decorations adorning the grounds. Stepping inside, you'll be thrilled by the beautiful space, which exudes the elegance of the Meiji era. It was also used as a filming location for the popular NHK morning drama series "Kumkum Everybody," bringing renewed attention to its classical beauty. It is currently preserved as the Okayama Prefecture General Ground Club (Former Okayama Kaikōsha), and the exterior is open to the public. The first floor houses a cafe, and the second floor houses a training room. The Okayama Prefecture General Ground is also home to the JFE Harenokuni Stadium, home to the Fagiano OKAYAMA team of the J.League (Japan's professional soccer league), and Shigetō Arena Okayama , home to the Okayama Seagulls of the SV League (Japan's professional volleyball league) and Tri-Hoop Okayama of the B.League (Japan's professional basketball league). Stop by after a sporting event.
Location, access, and holidays
[ Former Okayama Kaikōsha (General Ground Club)]
Address: 2-1-4 Izumicho , Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture Prefecture
TEL: 086-253-3944
Access by car: Approximately 10 minutes from Okayama IC on the Sanyo Expressway
Access by public transport: Approximately 20 minutes on foot from the Athletic Park Exit (West Exit) of JR Okayama Station
Parking: Parking Lot 1 (255 cars), Parking Lot 2 (130 cars), Parking Lot 3 (95 cars) (free for up to 30 minutes, 100 yen per hour for any additional minutes)
1. Anaishi Shrine (Setouchi City): A tranquil seaside shrine with a hidden feel
The first place we'll introduce is Anaishi Shrine in Setouchi City. This shrine is located on a quiet coastline in the southeastern part of the city, and is rarely visited by ordinary tourists, making it a truly "hidden" spot. In a small cove visible through the trees, an old torii gate, exuding a sense of history, stands quietly.
The road to the shrine is very narrow, so we recommend traveling by compact car (kei car in Japan), motorcycle, or electric bicycle. You will need to walk down to the beach at the end. Be careful not to miss the small footpath beside the road.
After descending the zigzag slope, you will arrive at a beautiful beach. This beach is the approach to the shrine, and the pristine coastline is so quiet and refreshing that it will soothe your soul.
The plants create a tropical atmosphere, reminiscent of the coasts of Okinawa and other Nansei Islands. The colorful stones that have washed up on the beach also create a very mystical impression.
The reason there are so many driftwood here is probably because it is a place where things tend to wash up easily. Since ancient times in Japan, there has been a belief that unusual driftwood from the sea is worshipped as a god, so shrines and temples are often built on coasts like this.
The view of the Harima Nada(part of the Seto Naikai) from this beach is both picturesque and majestic. The Ieshima Islands floating faintly offshore look fantastical, like a mirage.
It takes a little time to get there, but it's not too far from Ushimado(a famous tourist spot in Okayama), so we recommend combining your visit with sightseeing in Ushimado.
2. Anaba Inari Shrine (Kurashiki City): A spectacular view of the Seto and a group of red torii gates
Next on our list is a shrine called "Anaba Inari." You can enjoy the mystical sight of a row of red torii gates and a spectacular view of the Seto Naikai . Located in Shimotsui , Kurashiki City , it's easily accessible from the Mt. Washuzan Skyline, so be sure to stop by when sightseeing at the Seto.
The approach to the shrine is quite a steep climb. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and sneakers, or at least hiking gear. The steep slope is like a cliff, so it may be a bit difficult for those with a fear of heights.
The three torii gates each face in a different direction, giving you the mysterious feeling of being lost in another world.
Most observation spots for the Seto allow you to look up at the bridge from below or down from above, but this is a rare spot where you can see the cars and trains traveling on the bridge from the same height.
It takes a relatively short time to reach the worship hall (the building where you pray), but there is a long and steep climb to the inner sanctuary (the Oku part of the shrine).However, once you have climbed hard and are looking back, you will be rewarded with a spectacular view.
The plaza and parking lot you can see below is Tadotsuura Park, a spectacular spot where you can look up at the gigantic Seto from directly below.
At the top of the climb, you will find the inner shrine of "Anaba Inari," where you will find an adorable Inari (fox god) enshrined within a rock formation that appears to be an iwakura (a huge rock where a god is said to reside).
3. Tatsuchi no Uranimasu Shrine (Kurashiki City): A historic shrine that has also been featured in anime
Just hearing this beautiful name makes you want to visit the shrine to see what it's like.
It is located in Shimotsui , Kurashiki City , on the opposite side of the Seto from Anaba Inari. From here, you can also see the beautiful islands of the Seto Naikai(a beautiful landscape created by the many islands) and the impressive Seto.
In the animated film "Napping Princess: The Story of the Unknown Me," released in 2017, the main characters are set to live in Shimotsui, and the surrounding scenery appears many times throughout the film. The film is set in 2020 and focuses on autonomous driving, with content that seems to foreshadow current technological developments. It is available to watch on video streaming sites, so if you're interested, be sure to check it out.
Beyond the torii gate, the quaint scenery of an old Port town spreads out before you. In the movie, the main character runs down these stairs to the bus stop and weaves his way through the narrow alleys between houses, which is vividly depicted. Mitsuki Takahata, who voices the main character, speaks in the charming Okayama dialect, which makes the Okayama worth watching just for that.
summary
Whenever I come across a scene of the sea and torii gates while traveling, I can't help but stop and stare in awe. It's not just a beautiful sight, but it also moves me to think of the history of the people of that area who have continued to cherish and protect nature and traditions for a long time.
Finally, as a special feature, we will introduce Takashima Shrine in Minami Minami Ward , Okayama City . The shrine is located on Takashima , the most likely site for Kibi Takashima Palace, where Emperor Jimmu, the first emperor of Japan, is said to have lived for eight years, and is located on an isolated island in Kojima . As there are no regular ferries and the shrine faces out to sea, the only way to visit is to charter a boat yourself or to worship from the worship site (a place where you can worship the shrine from afar) on the opposite shore.
However, there is one special way to get there: by taking the ferry bound for Shodoshima , which departs from Okayama Port. From the ferry, you can see the torii gate and shrine building directly in front of you, making for a truly mystical worship experience from the sea. If you're visiting Shodoshima from Okayama Port, be sure not to miss Takashima Shrine.
Visit these hidden shrines and experience the beauty of the Seto Naikai and Japan's ancient religious culture for yourself. It's sure to become an unforgettable memory of your trip.
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