
A former pachinko parlor with a nostalgic Showa-era vibe has been DIY-renovated and reborn as a new art space in Toyooka.
4-12 Chuomachi, Toyooka City
There are many modern buildings that were rebuilt after the 1925 earthquake in the center of Toyooka City. By crossing the Maruyama River, the countryside spreads out, and you can see wild Oriental White Storks, the symbol of the area. The Professional College of Arts and Tourism (CAT), which opened in 2021, is also used as a Toyooka Theater Festival venue.
A former pachinko parlor with a nostalgic Showa-era vibe has been DIY-renovated and reborn as a new art space in Toyooka.
4-12 Chuomachi, Toyooka City
The former Toyooka City Hall was built in 1927 as a symbol of reconstruction following the Great North Tajima Earthquake. Today, its second floor serves as the City Council Chamber, while the first and third floors are used as the Toyooka Keikodo Civic Exchange Center. The name “Keikodo” is derived from the name of the domain school of the former Toyooka Domain.
2-4 Chuomachi, Toyooka City
Built as the former Tajima Savings Bank after the 1925 North Tajima Earthquake, this building is one of the earthquake reconstruction heritage sites. The gallery space is located on the second floor and serves as a venue for exhibiting art such as paintings, photography, crafts, music, and video works.
12−6 Motomachi, Toyooka City
Established in April 2021, the Professional College of Arts and Tourism is fully equipped with theaters, studios, and equipment necessary for student productions. In addition to serving as a venue for the festival, it also functions as a base for students supporting the event during the festival period.
7-52 Sanno-cho, Toyooka City
This community center, located in the Toyooka district (Toyooka Elementary School area), serves as a hub to support community activities led by local residents. It hosts cultural events and activities, and also rents out spaces for rehearsals and events organized by various groups.
1-4 Tachino-cho, Toyooka City
Hommachi Inari Shrine, located at the foot of Mount Jinmu in the center of Toyooka City, was established when the Kyogoku family of the former Toyooka Domain relocated from Tanba-no-Kuni Tanabe Castle (Miyazu). In 2018, the shrine celebrated its 350th anniversary. In recent years, it has served as a gathering place in the city since before the city merger in 1949, hosting traditional events such as the Hatsuumamatsuri (First Horse Festival) and Tenjin Festival.
12-32 Kyomachi, Toyooka City
A multipurpose space located in a vacant building within a shopping street just a one-minute walk from Toyooka City Hall. It hosts a variety of events daily, including pop-up stores and bar services. During the Toyooka Theater Festival, it serves as an official meeting spot and a place for meeting and connecting.
1F Haramaki Building, 1-4 Chuo-cho, Toyooka city
Located in the heart of Toyooka City, the Toyooka Civic Hall opened in 1971 and serves as a multipurpose concert venue. It hosts a wide range of events, including rock and classical music concerts, traditional performances such as kyogen and noh, lectures, and theatrical productions.
20-34 Tachino-cho, Toyooka City
Toyooka Theater opened in 1927 as a traditional playhouse. Although it closed for a time as the years passed, it was revived in 2014. Now the only cinema in the Tajima region, it continues to screen a variety of films. Its retro exterior and newly opened café bar are also popular spots for visitors.
10-18 Motomachi, Toyooka City
A grassy plaza located close to Toyooka Station on the JR Sanin Line. Situated in the heart of Toyooka city, this plaza serves as a relaxing space for citizens of all ages. Directly across the street is the Festival Center.
109-3 Chiyoda-cho, Toyooka City
A credit union headquartered in Toyooka City, operating throughout the Tajima area. For Toyooka Theater Festival 2025, the Oobiraki Branch on Oobiraki Street will serve as a performance venue.
8-25 Chiyoda-cho, Toyooka City
When the Toyooka City Hall was rebuilt in 2013, the former city hall building—originally constructed in 1927—was relocated to stand in front of the new structure. A grassy plaza was also established in front, creating a space where old and new architecture coexist in the heart of Toyooka. During the festival, this area becomes the site of a lively night market.
2-4 Chuomachi, Toyooka City
Located in a mountain valley, this airport is the only place in western Japan where you can experience skydiving. The free observation deck offers panoramic views of beautiful Toyooka.
1598-34 Iwai, Toyooka City
Located on the 7th floor of the shopping center “Aity,” directly connected to JR Toyooka Station, this cultural facility was created by and for the citizens of Toyooka. It serves as a hub for community activities, child-rearing support, and regional cultural events. A wide variety of programs—including concerts, meetings, and dance performances—are held here regularly.
4-5 Otemachi, Toyooka City 7F
This cave is designated as a National Natural Monument and is known for its distinctive columnar jointing of basalt formed by lava flows from a volcanic eruption approximately 1.6 million years ago. Once used as a quarry, the stones extracted here were utilized in local stone materials and masonry that can still be seen throughout the city today.
1347 Akaishi, Toyooka City
Just a step away from the main street, you’ll find one of Japan’s oldest wooden public markets. Alongside long-standing shops such as florists and fishmongers, a guesthouse has recently opened, drawing in a growing number of visitors. If you walk through the market, you’ll arrive at the Aozora Market, where a lively morning market is held in the early hours.
3-6 Chiyoda-machi, Toyooka City
The Stork Culture Museum, which showcases efforts to reintroduce the Oriental White Stork into the wild, offers videos and exhibits telling the history of the reintroduction. Visitors can also observe the storks up close in the open breeding area. Educational programs such as biotope observation and nature watching events are regularly held here.
127 Shounji, Toyooka City
Toyooka City, proud to lead Japan in bag shipment value, is home to Kaban Street—a bustling area lined with shops selling, cleaning, and repairing bags. Unique attractions like the world’s rare “Bag Vending Machines” are also installed here, making it a popular spot for tourists.
8 Chuo-machi, Toyooka City
Located along the Maruyama River, Odai Agata Shrine is known as one of the Five Great Shrines of Tajima, representing the spiritual heart of the region. Every year on August 1st and 2nd, the Toyooka Yanagi Festival—Toyooka’s largest summer festival—is held here, drawing many visitors. The shrine is also dedicated to the deity of bags, and a special ritual called Kaban Kuyo (a memorial ceremony for bags) is conducted, reflecting Toyooka’s deep connection to craftsmanship and gratitude.
10-14 Odai-cho, Toyooka City
Originally established as a traditional high-end restaurant in 1847 (Kōka 4), this historic building has been renovated into a multi-purpose space that includes a café, retail shop, and event venue. Conveniently located near JR Toyooka Station, it serves as a welcoming hub for visitors heading to various Toyooka Theater Festival venues or exploring Kaban Street.
18-1 Chuo-machi, Toyooka City
About 11km
About 17 min. by car
About 12 min. by train(JR)
About 20km
About 30 min. by car
About 23 min. by train(JR)
About 13km
About 21 min. by car
About 40 min. by Bus
About 11km
About 24 min. by car
About 9 min. by train(JR)
About 22km
About 35 min. by car
About 63 min. by train(JR) & bus
About 30km
About 50 min. by car
About 80 min. by Bus
About 26km
About 45 min. by car
About 30 min. by train(JR)
About 25km
About 40 min. by car
About 44 min. by train(JR)