30 days Road Trip Reporter : Blog 3 - Hyogo -
World’s Coolest Commute Around Japan: My 30-day solo trip as Fairfield by Marriott’s Road Trip Reporter (Part 3 of 7)
Interwoven Landscapes of Nature and Heritage: Hyogo Prefecture
Hyogo Prefecture, located at Japan’s center, connects the diverse landscapes of the country, stretching from the Seto Inland Sea in the south to the Sea of Japan in the north. It offers a striking blend of ancient history, mountain landscapes, and quaint towns frozen in time. From the ethereal "castle in the sky" to the nostalgic Edo-period streets of Izushi, Hyogo seamlessly intertwines its natural beauty with its rich cultural tapestry. This leg of my journey encouraged me to slow down, be present, savor the mystical sites and autumn foliage, and immerse myself in the timeless charm of Japan’s countryside.
With Fairfield by Marriott as my base, I spent two nights at Fairfield by Marriott Hyogo Tajima Yabu to visit iconic landmarks, experience the untouched nature, connect with the local people, and find beauty in unexpected moments.
Nestled in northern Hyogo, Tajima Yabu City is a gateway to this region’s breathtaking landscapes. Known for its pristine valleys, rolling mountains, and traditional craftsmanship, the city offers a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions that are less than an hour’s drive away. The area’s deep connection to nature is evident in its local cuisine, crafts, and friendly hospitality, making it a perfect point for discovering Hyogo’s hidden gems. From valleys shrouded in mist to brilliant displays of autumn foliage, Hyogo Prefecture showcased its ability to captivate both the eye and the soul.
Day 1: Arrival in Tajima Yabu City
Stay: Fairfield by Marriott Hyogo Tajima Yabu
After a 3-hour drive from Hiruzen, I arrived in Tajima Yabu City in the evening. After driving over 200 kilometers, it was comforting to come to another Fairfield by Marriott Michi-no-Eki Hotel because, by now, these hotels really started to feel like my home away from home. The Fairfield by Marriott Hyogo Tajima Yabu maintains the chain's amenities like the community kitchen with sustainable utensils, microwave, coffee machine, vending machine, market with regional snacks, and also a digitalized laundromat. I appreciate that these amenities are consistently available across different locations and there is always a place to clean my clothes during my long trip! The woven basket lampshades which are made in the traditional Arima style from Hyogo brought a touch of local character to this location’s design.
Staying with Fairfield by Marriott, I know that there is unfailing, heartfelt hospitality across all locations. Traveling in Japan, especially as a foreigner, can sometimes be challenging due to the language barrier, but the hotel staff are eager to help. Whenever I check into each of the hotels, the staff provided pamphlets of activities and recommended restaurants to try in the region, and also assisted me with booking restaurants or activities.
I went to a recommended restaurant for dinner at Resu Tora Nyano (れすとらん やの), a local shokudo (diner) that serves hearty, home-style meals. I had their house special combination, braised pork belly rice, which was tender and flavorful, with their rich ramen noodles.
With an early 4 AM wake-up call for the next day’s adventure, I turned in early to prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
Day 2: Echoes of Ancient Japan
Stay: Fairfield by Marriott Hyogo Tajima Yabu
The day began with a chartered bus ride at 4:20AM. This tour bus, arranged by the Fairfield by Marriott staff, took us to the Ritsuunkyō Parking Lot. This parking lot is the starting point of a trek that leads to viewpoints directly located across the valley to Takeda Castle, a historic fortress from the 15th century perched atop a mountain ridge. Often referred to as Japan’s "castle in the sky," when the weather is right, it offers stunning views and the enchanting spectacle of a floating illusion when mist fills the valley below.
Due to the elevation, it was very cold, so I grabbed a can of hot coffee from the vending machine in the parking lot—a small yet delightful comfort that doubled as a hand warmer. I started the 2 kilometer trek up in the dark to the Takeda Castle Viewing Platforms. The trail winds through dense foliage, the crisp air carrying whispers of the past, before unveiling the castle ruins shrouded in the morning mist. There are three viewing platforms, with Platform 1 as the highest viewing point. It took about 40 minutes for me to get to the top, with a few photo stops along the way.
The clouds were low the day I was there, which did not create the floating illusion that Takeda Castle is famed for, but seeing the fog roll in to engulf the valley and just as quickly, leave the valley to reveal the city below was such a breathtaking sight to see.
Each viewing platform provides a different perspective of Takeda Castle and the valley below, which encouraged me to stop, even for a little bit, at each point. I highly recommend the bus service offered at the Fairfield by Marriott front desk, as parking near Takeda Castle fills up quickly, even as early as 3 AM. The bus ride also allowed me to nap during the ride and arrive refreshed for the hike up to the castle.
I came back to the hotel for a hearty breakfast box - a comforting vegetable soup, salad and pastries made from local ingredients. It felt so nice to lounge at the communal lobby lounge for a quick rest and to browse a book from the library.
After some rest, I visited Yabu Shrine, a small shrine known for its protective blessings. It has been a spiritual refuge for travelers for centuries. The red bridge leading to the shrine is more than just a picturesque feature—it symbolizes the passage from the physical to the spiritual realm, inviting visitors to leave behind worldly concerns as they step into the sacred grounds. During autumn, this bridge becomes surrounded by vivid red and orange maple leaves, offering visitors a tranquil yet beautiful autumn shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) experience. Though cloudy during my visit, the warm tones of foliage and leaves beautifully contrasted, making the scene even more striking.
Crossing the red bridge at Yabu Shrine, I was reminded of the beauty in transitions—how every season, like every stage of life, has its time and purpose. Just as the bridge marks the shift from the physical to the spiritual, these moments of change teach us that everything has its place and unfolds when the time is right.
A short 25-minute drive brought me to Izushi, a quaint Edo-period town often called "Little Kyoto." Known for its historic significance as a castle town and its preserved traditional architecture, Izushi offers a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past. Wandering its historic streets felt like stepping back in time.
Izushi is also known as the birth place of soba, which is served on small, individual ceramic plates accompanied by a variety of dipping sauces. I had to try the oldest soba! I stopped at Izushi Soba Takuan to try their signature sara soba. This restaurant is celebrated as one of the best places to experience the centuries-old Izushi soba tradition as they are known for preserving the soba-making techniques. The handmade noodles were perfectly chewy, and the variety of toppings, like grated yam (tororo) and raw egg, allowed me to customize each bite for a delightful and interactive dining experience.
For a coffee break, I visited Fave, a modern café tucked amidst the old town, where I enjoyed a warm hojicha latte paired with a canelé—a delightful fusion of traditional and contemporary flavors.
Izushi old town is a beautifully preserved Edo-period area with narrow streets and meticulously maintained traditional buildings that evoke a sense of timelessness, while its cultural significance as a former castle town adds depth to its magic. The tranquil atmosphere and historical essence make it a must-visit for anyone interested in Japan's rich heritage. I explored Karoyashiki Chief Retainer's Residence, one of the last samurai houses. The hidden second floor is a feature unique to samurai residences, allowing for discreet observation without being noticed from the outside. I also strolled through the Izushi Castle Ruins, where the remnants of the castle now serve as a peaceful park surrounded by autumn trees.
Driving back to Tajima Yabu, I saw the clouds rolling through the valleys, creating an ethereal, almost heavenly atmosphere. Just like the morning fog, it felt as if the earth's spirit was released in the morning as a gift and at the end of the day, has now come back to its resting place in the trees and along the horizon of the valley.
Dinner that evening was at Koko (鼓々), a cozy yakiniku restaurant specializing in Tajima Beef, celebrated for its rich marbling and buttery texture. Grilling the premium beef over charcoal made for a delicious meal to end the day.
Day 3: Tamba Momiji and Farewell to Hyogo
My final morning in Hyogo was dedicated to the famous Tamba Momiji Meguri, a series of ten temples renowned for their colorful autumn foliage. I visited Kogenji Shrine, a tranquil and expansive temple complex where the temple’s fiery maples seemed to whisper ancient secrets, their deep hues contrasting against the forest pathways. This shrine is renowned for its multi-tiered pagoda and the surrounding blazing maples that frame its serene pathways, making it a favorite amongst photographers and nature lovers.
As I reached the iconic photo spot, the rain was heavily pouring. There was an elderly photographer hiding under a small tree shade, while frantically trying to protect his cameras from the rain. I offered to share my umbrella with him, so we had a heartwarming moment together under a single umbrella. Though we didn’t speak the same language, we bonded over photography, with him eagerly showing me his captures, and as we parted ways, he gave me a piece of candy as a thank you. It was not only a sweet treat, but a sweet memory as well.
Just like the woven Hyogo Arima baskets, Hyogo Prefecture is a land where nature and history interweave seamlessly. From the serene landscapes, the quiet charm of ancient towns and castles, to the vibrant foliage of Tamba, Hyogo’s diverse offerings left an indelible mark on my heart. I discovered that the beauty of travel lies not just in the destinations, but in the connections we make along the way and that in Japan’s countryside, hidden gems are not just places but moments of human connection.
If you’re ready to explore Japan beyond the big cities, follow along for Part 4 of my journey as I head to Nara Prefecture to uncover more hidden treasures across this beautiful country!