Nishiawakura

Nishiawakura (西粟倉村 Nishiawakura-son) is the northeasternmost village in Okayama Prefecture.

See: 8
Do: 5
Eat: 8
Buy: 2

23 places

See

Awakura Shrine

粟倉神社

The shrine was built at the behest of Nakayama Shrine, the top shrine (Ichinomiya) of Mimasaka Province. The large cypress tree standing in the shrine precincts is over 800 years old and at 6.2 meters in diameter and 35 meters tall, it is said to be the largest tree in the prefecture.

Eat

Awakura Shun no Sato

あわくら旬の里

A buffet restaurant with a variety of options, such as beef curry, croquettes, fried chicken, pork cutlets, basil chicken, and goya champloo to name a few. They also have desserts, such as ice cream, lemon and honey pound cake, and puddings.

¥1200 middle school and up, ¥800 elementary school, ¥500 age 4-elementary, 3 and under free

See

Awakura Stone Circles

ストーンサークル

These stone circles stand on a steep slope, with many fallen stones below. It is unknown who built them or why. There is a sign from the road pointing down a path that leads by the spires. The stones are located on the slope, a bit off the path, and the path continues past them, so you need to look for them. The fallen stones are the best indicator to stop walking and look up the hill. You can walk up by them, but watch your footing.

Buy

Awakurando

あわくらんど

Awakurando (a combination of Awakura and Land) is a rest stop where you can buy local souvenirs, such as products made from Awakura's Japanese cypress, Hinoki Beer, and foodstuffs. They also sell souvenirs from Tottori. There is a restaurant inside, as well, serving curries, donburi (meat over rice), tenpura, and other dishes. Many of their meals feature Daisen chicken from Daisen.

See

Do Yashiki

堂屋敷

A preserved Edo Period house built in the 18th century with a traditional thatched roof and well. Inside there are artifacts and documents on display.

10:00-17:00, Opening days are irregular. It's best to call in advance.¥500

Buy

Former Kageishi Elementary School

旧影石小学校

A schoolhouse-turned-multipurpose building, it houses Hat Shop UKIYO (帽子屋UKIYO), selling trendy and cute locally-made hats, Sake Urara (酒うらら) selling local nihonshu, and the Fureru Shokudo restaurant (see "Eat"), which also sells souvenirs, such as local wood products and the local Someya Suzuki organic cotton bags, as well as goods from Tottori and Shimane.

Each shop has its own days and hours. Sake Urara is typically open on Saturdays and some Sundays

Eat

Hugo et Léo

ユゴエレオ

An "organic, vegetarian, vegan" French bakery selling various breads, whole quiches, and carmelized onion pizza, along with sweets, such as muffins, brioche, custards, etc.

Sat only, 10:00-14:00

See

Iwakura Temple

岩倉寺

Hosts the Iwakura Eyo, a local "Naked Festival" like the larger one at Saidaiji Temple in Okayama.

See

Kagekiyo Shrine

景清神社

This shrine was built on the spot where Taira no Kagekiyo was born. Kagekiyo was featured in The Tales of the Heike (Heike Monogatari). He was present at the famous Battle of Yashima and it is said that he was captured at the Battle of Dan-no-Ura and taken to Kamakura, the capital at the time, where he starved himself to death. He has been featured in ukiyoe and video games. The shrine features a large rock said to have been created by Kagekiyo. The shrine is also dedicated to eye ailments.

Eat

Kunchiden

くんちでん

A small cafe offering a brunch set (pizza toast or a hot sandwich) from 09:00-11:00 and lunch sets (pad thai udon, green curry, or "food plate") from 11:00-14:00.

All brunch and lunch sets cost ¥500

Eat

Motoyu Cafe and Restaurant

元湯カフェ＆レストラン

Located in the front of the Motoyu, the restaurant open to the public serving a variety of dishes with locally harvested mushrooms and vegetables. They're most known for their meals containing local venison, a rarity in Japan. In addition, they have an alcohol menu and desserts.

See

Mount Komano

駒の尾山

From the trailhead by the road, it takes about an hour to reach the summit. In May, you can see the Japanese Enkianthus perulatis (ドウダンツツジ) along the trail. From the summit, on a clear day, you can see Mount Daisen to the west and the Seto Inland Sea to the south.

Nishiawakura Dandan Berry Farm

にしあわくらだんだんベリー畑

A berry farm where visitors can come to pick blueberries, Juneberries, raspberries, and more from June to July. They also sell berry jams and other goods.

Entry for picking berries ¥700

See

Ogaya Shibazakura Park

おおがや芝桜公園

A popular place to enjoy shibazakura (moss phlox/pink moss) annually around Golden Week (late April to mid-May).

See

Wakasugi Primeval Forest

若杉天然林

A protected forest that outlines Okayama's border with Tottori. It's home to around 200 different species of trees, including large beech trees and maple trees that make it a popular autumn leaf destination. Moss-covered rocks, numerous waterfalls, and the coolness of the mountains also make a great place to enjoy nature and beat the heat in the summertime. There are three hiking courses through the forest that range from 2.6 km to 5 km.

Spring-Autumn (toilets and parking lot are closed in winter)

Yu~topia Ogonsen

湯～とぴあ黄金泉

A hot spring for day visitors. There is an indoor onsen with a sauna, as well as an open-air onsen with nice views of the forest and river.

¥700

Eat Not mapped

Aru no Mori Kominka Cafe

あるの森古民家カフェ

An authentic Thai restaurant in a traditional Japanese farmhouse. See Aru no Mori (Sleep) for location.

Lunch 11:00-16:00 (reservation not required), dinner 18:00-22:00 (reservation required)

Do Not mapped

Awakura Onsen Motoyu

あわくら温泉元湯

This onsen is said to be where the tanuki bathed and where the first onsen site was established. It features a small indoor onsen with pieces of local Japanese cypress that help scent the water. If it pleases you, you can buy your own wood in the front restaurant area. See "Ikoi no Ie Motoyu" listing in "Sleep" for the location and information about staying overnight.

Closed · opens 9 am¥500

Eat Not mapped

Fureru Shokudo

フレル食堂

A restaurant with lunch sets, sandwiches, and desserts that change daily. Some typical sets include curry and donburi (meat over rice). Sandwiches typically feature some meat, such as bacon or venison, with lettuce and some kind of complimentary condiments. There is not much seating available, so they recommend making a reservation if you wish to dine in with a group.

11:00-17:00 (closed Tue Wed)

Eat