Access/Area

Attractive Areas

The theater festival takes place across 11 areas in the northern Hyogo Tajima region, including the seven districts of Toyooka City, as well as Yabu City, Kami Town, Asago City, and Shinonsen Town, which joined this year. Toyooka City, the largest in the prefecture by area, is known for its wild stork reintroduction project and features popular tourist spots such as the Kinosaki Onsen district, the beaches of Takeno, and the Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in Izushi.
In addition, Kami Town offers the diverse landscapes of the San’in Kaigan Geopark; Yabu boasts Hyogo’s highest peak, Mt. Hyonosen; and Asago is rich in historical and cultural heritage sites like Takeda Castle Ruins and Ikuno Silver Mine. Each area has its own charm and unique features, so please enjoy delicious local cuisine, famous hot springs, and magnificent scenery throughout the region.

Venues

Karakawa Okajinja Shrine

Okajinja Shrine is located slightly uphill from National Route 482 along the Izushi River. Its rural theater stage is thoughtfully positioned toward the east side of the modest shrine grounds, likely to maximize seating space for the audience. A distinctive feature of the stage is that its floor stands over one meter high, creating a unique viewing experience.

234 Karakawa, Tantō-chō, Toyooka City

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Tajima Airport

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

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Free School TOIRO

Part of a former supermarket building is now used as a campus for a free school. Every year during the Toyooka Theater Festival, the area in front of the building serves as a venue for fringe programs and the Festival Night Market.

38-1 Hioki, Hidaka-cho, Toyooka City

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Machi no Kichi Antenna

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

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Gokurakuji Temple

Located in the southwestern part of Kinosaki Onsen Town, this temple is known for its beautiful dry landscape garden “Seikan-tei,” as well as its impressive main gate and sliding door paintings in ink wash. The natural spring “Dokkosui” is believed to bring good health and protection from illness. With a reservation, visitors can also experience a sermon by the head priest and a zazen (seated meditation) session.

801 Yushima, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka City

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Yumura Onsen Pocket Park

Yumura Onsen Pocket Park is a 244-square-meter plaza paved with interlocking bricks, featuring benches for rest, restrooms, a protective lantern tower styled like a traditional stone lantern, and a tourist information board. It serves as a resting spot for visitors during their strolls and is also used as a venue for various events.

Yu, Shinonsen Town, Mikata

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Workpia Hidaka

This building is located right next to the Ebihara Riverside Theater and is usually managed by the Toyooka City Chamber of Commerce. It’s convenient for hopping between performances at both venues.

72-2 Hioki, Hidaka-cho, Toyooka City

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Hachiman Shrine(Yu-Area)

Hachiman Shrine, originally established as a branch shrine of Iwashimizu Hachimangū in Kyoto within Tajima Province’s Kyourakuji area, is one of the seven important shrines in Tajima. Revered since ancient times as a guardian deity of life protection and victory over misfortune, it holds great respect among both officials and citizens alike, embodying a shrine of very high prestige. The sacred “Meoto Sugi” (Married Cedar Trees), estimated to be 500 years old, are believed to bring blessings for good relationships and marriage.

1560-2 Yu, Shinonsen Town, Mikata District

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Eirakukan Kabuki Theater

Opened in 1901 (Meiji 34), this theater once closed in 1964 (Showa 39) but was revived in 2008 after major renovations in the Heisei era. From retro signboards and pillar graffiti to the revolving stage, trapdoors, and hanamichi walkway, it preserves the authentic atmosphere of a traditional playhouse. Visitors can also enjoy guided tours inside the building.

17-2 Yanagi, Izushi-cho, Toyooka City

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Onsen Temple(Onsenji)

Founded in 738 by the Buddhist monk Dōchi Shōnin, who is said to have discovered Kinosaki Onsen in 720, this historic temple has long been a place of prayer and healing. At the Yakushidō Hall, you can see walking sticks and other offerings left by past visitors who recovered from illness after hot spring therapy. The temple’s main hall also houses a hidden statue of the Eleven-Faced Kannon, which is revealed to the public only once every 33 years.

985-2 Yushima, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka City

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Kitamaekan

Located on the second floor of the Kitamaebune Exhibition Facility “Kitamaekan,” Takeno Onsen’s “Tanjō no Yu” is a day-use hot spring. The bathhouse features large windows offering a spectacular view overlooking the Sea of Japan.

50-12 Takeno, Takeno-cho, Toyooka City

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Mikiya

With over 300 years of history, Mikiya is a ryokan (traditional inn) designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property. It is famously known as the lodging where renowned author Naoya Shiga regularly stayed and wrote his short story At Kinosaki. Guests can enjoy reading in the book library while overlooking the very garden featured in the novel.

Toyoshima 487, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka City

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Professional College of Arts and Tourism

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

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Kobayashi Tabako Sougou Kaikan

Once a mining town home to over 4,000 residents, the Akenobe district now has a population of just over 40. Despite this, it has gained attention as one of the most vibrant “marginal villages” in Japan. In Akenobe, an old vacant tobacco shop was renovated through crowdfunding to become the Kobayashi Tobacco Community Hall. A highlight of the hall is its three-dimensional dragon signboard, created using a plastering technique known as “kote-e.” This space serves as an experimental hub where people from both inside and outside the community gather to connect memories of the past with hopes for the future.

1165 Akenobe, Ooya, Yabu City

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Kinosaki International Arts Center

Located in the Kinosaki Onsen district, this artist-in-residence facility specializes in performing arts and hosts artists from around the world. It opened in 2014 after renovating the former Kinosaki Conference Hall. The facility includes a hall, studios, a residence accommodating up to 22 guests, and a kitchen.

1062 Yushima, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka City

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Tajima Shinkin Bank, Daikai Branch

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

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Toyooka Creative Community Plaza(Toyooka Shimin Plaza)

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

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Honmachi Inari Shrine(Honmachi Inari Jinja)

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

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Toyooka Keiko Dou

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

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Tajima Fisheries Cooperative Takeno Branch(Tajima Gyogyokyodokumiai Tajimashisha)

Located at the mouth of the Takeno River, which flows through the center of town near the Tajima Fisheries Cooperative Takeno Branch, this spot offers a view of boats docked at the river’s mouth, known as the “Kawaminato.” Fresh catches from the Sea of Japan, including horse mackerel, Spanish mackerel, red squid, and grunt fish, are landed here.

505-6 Takeno,Takeno-cho, Toyooka City

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Asago art village

Located just below the rock-fill dam, this artistic space is composed of a vast outdoor sculpture park and an art museum. Artworks are spread throughout the entire Tatara Valley, creating an environment where art and nature seamlessly blend. Inside the museum, works by Toshio Yodoi—a recipient of the prestigious Order of Culture and a native of the city—are permanently exhibited both indoors and outdoors. The museum also hosts a variety of special exhibitions throughout the year.

739-3 Tataragi, Asago City

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Toyooka Million Theater

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

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Michi-no-Eki Kannabe Kogen

A roadside station located at the foot of Mount Kannabe, where you can purchase local souvenirs and fresh vegetables. The area gets lively during events like the “Kannabe Watermelon Festival” and “Kannabe Cabbage Festival,” attracting visitors from both inside and outside the region. The nearby Kannabe Onsen Yutorogi is also a great spot to relax and take a break.

59-13 Kurisuno, Hidaka-cho, Toyooka City

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Takenohama Beach(Takenohama Kaisuiyokujo)

This beach, located in the heart of the San’in Kaigan National Park, is known for its stunning contrast of white sand and crystal-clear waters—making it one of the most scenic spots along the San’in Coast. It has been selected as one of the “Top 100 Beaches” and “Top 100 Shores of Japan.”

Takeno,Takeno-cho, Toyooka City

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Ebara Riverside Theatre (Ebara Kahan Gekijyou)

Opened in 2020, this is the new base for the theater company Seinendan, aiming to serve as both a hub for regional culture and a launchpad for theater from Ebara to the world. Renovated from the former Toyooka Chamber of Commerce building, it retains its original charm while housing both a studio and a theater.

65-10 Hioki, Hidaka-cho, Toyooka City

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Plaza in front of City Hall(Shiyakusyo Honchoshamae Shiminhiroba)

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

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Tomoda Sake Brewery

Along the old highway in Ebihara, many historic buildings still remain. One of the festival venues is the former brewery of Tomoda Sake Brewery, which has over 250 years of history. This atmospheric space was built during the Edo period.

62 Ebara, Hidaka-cho,Toyooka city

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Toyooka Art Gallery

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

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Toyooka Theater

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

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Photo:Daichi Asakura

Event Square in front of Ebara Station(Ebaraekimae Ibento Hiroba)

Opened in 1909, Ebihara Station once served as the gateway for skiers heading to Kannabe Highland. The area was developed as a “Scenic Formation Priority District,” featuring retro-style buildings. The plaza in front of the station also serves as a venue for the theater festival.

13-6 Hioki, Hidaka-cho, Toyooka City

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Syukai Shitsu, Toyooka Community Center

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

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Kinosaki Bungeikan

Renovated and reopened in 2016, this facility features a permanent exhibition on authors connected to Kinosaki Onsen, as well as special exhibitions curated by the local NPO Books and Onsen, showcasing books they’ve published. On the first floor, you’ll also find a shop where you can purchase Books and Onsen publications and original merchandise.

357-1 Yushima, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka City

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Yumura Onsen Tourism Exchange Center Yakushiyu

Yakushi-yu is a public bath located near the “Arayu” hot spring source in Yumura Onsen. Adjacent to the building is a community plaza featuring an area where visitors can experience making hot spring eggs, as well as a hot water drawing spot called “Reiwa no Yu.” The plaza serves as a relaxing space for strolling around Yumura Onsen and is also used as a venue for events.

1604 Yu, Shinonsen Town, Mikata District

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YB fab

Opened in September 2021, this complex facility is designed as a hub for learning and exchange that connects people, culture, and the local community while shaping the future. It features a 651-seat hall, a library, a community center, and a park. There is also a free space utilizing the former Gunze Yoka Factory.

538-1 Yoka, Yoka-cho, Yabu City

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Outdoor Exchange Plaza (Lawn Plaza in front of Aity)

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

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Kasumi Ward Central Community Center(Kasumi-ku Chuou Kominkan)

Located in Kasumi Ward, Kami Town, this cultural facility includes a library and an audiovisual room. The cultural hall inside the building seats 710 people and is used for lectures, classical music concerts, and various other events.

114-1 Kasumi, Kasumi-ku, Kami-cho

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Toyooka Citizen’s Hall (Toyooka Shimin Kaikan)

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

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Tourist Attractions

Shinonsen Town San’in Kaigan Geopark Center

This museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and exhibiting materials related to the Geopark, as well as offering hands-on learning experiences. Its mission is to contribute to regional revitalization, education, and cultural development. Highlights include detailed models that clearly explain the geological layers of the San’in Kaigan coast, and a diverse collection of rocks from the area’s geosites—such as basalt, andesite, and tuff.

Mizushiri, Ashiya, Shinonsen Town, Mikata District

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ZENTAN BUS TAZIMA DOME

A four-story dome with distinctly different appearances on its south and north sides—the north side has the feel of a large mountain lodge. Inside, you’ll find a sports museum, training rooms, and an inline skate park. Outside, there are nature-themed play equipment, a grassy field, jogging courses, and open spaces. The entire facility functions as a comprehensive sports museum.

88-50 Nashiki, Hidaka-cho, Toyooka City

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Daijoji Temple

Also known as Okyō-ji Temple, this guest hall features 165 sliding door paintings spread across 13 rooms, all created by Maruyama Ōkyo and his twelve disciples. Together, these works form a three-dimensional mandala that transforms each room into a unique sacred space. The temple grounds are solemn and majestic, crowned by a giant camphor tree estimated to be around 1,200 years old.

860 Mori, Kasumi-ku, Kami Town

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Tajima Farm Park

Tajima Farm Park, Hyogo Prefecture was established to promote the renowned Tajima cattle and support their production. The park features a museum, petting zoo, exhibition barns, and an exchange center. It also includes grazing fields and a ski area in winter. As a hub for interaction between urban and rural communities, visitors can enjoy hands-on experiences with animals and seasonal events throughout the year, all set in a beautiful natural environment.

1033 Tando, Shinonsen Town, Mikata District

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Sunroad Ichibangai

A retro arcade shopping street just a one-minute walk from the station. Alongside yakitori shops and classic coffee houses, it’s home to the last remaining location of “Burger City,” famous for popularizing the 100-yen burger. Right across the street is Free schoolTOIRO, opened in 2020.

22-13 Hioki, Hidaka-cho, Toyooka City

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Uemura Naomi Memorial Museum

Opened in April 1994 to honor local-born adventurer Naomi Uemura, a recipient of the People’s Honor Award. It was renewed and reopened in April 2021, introducing the popular new “Donguri Base,” featuring large net playground equipment and a climbing wall that kids absolutely love.

785 Ibu, Hidaka-cho, Toyooka City

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Hamasaka Prefectural Sun Beach “Matsunoniwa”

Hamasaka Beach is a sandy beach formed by the gravel of the Kishida River and the action of the sea, with rice fields spreading out behind it. It is a port for landing Matsuba crabs and firefly squids, and the sand prevention forest “Matsu no Niwa” has been selected as one of the “100 Best Places for Lovers” thanks to conservation efforts. In summer, you can enjoy camping, swimming, and collecting stones, making it a seaside resort loved by both locals and tourists.

Ashiya, Shinonsen-cho, Mikata District

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Izushi Meijikan

Built in 1887 as the district office, this rare wooden pseudo-Western-style building is the only remaining Western-style structure from the Meiji era in Izushi. Now designated as a cultural asset of the town, it houses the Izushi Local History Museum, with permanent exhibits introducing notable figures from the region.

50 Uoya, Izushi-cho, Toyooka City

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Kubata Ichinomiya Shrine(Kubata Ichinomiya Jinja)

Located along National Route 426, Ichinomiya Shrine is surrounded by towering zelkova trees that create a serene and almost otherworldly atmosphere, setting it apart from the everyday world. The spacious grounds stretch across a gently sloping hillside in terraced levels. As you ascend the stone steps, a beautifully preserved rural stage emerges—a cherished cultural treasure that echoes the traditions of the farming community.

875 Kuhata, Tanto-cho, Toyooka City

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Tainosho–Yagi Street

Running parallel to the main Otemae Street that leads to the Izushi Castle ruins, Tainosho Street is a local shopping street lined with clothing and porcelain shops. On the 15th of each month, three women who work at nearby shops organize the “Irodori Market,” a small event that brings color and energy to the town.

Tainosho-dori, Izushi-cho, Toyooka City

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Sukyoji Temple

Located to the east of the former castle town, Sukyoji Temple—also known as “Takuan Temple”—was revived in 1616 by the famous Zen monk Takuan Soho after a long period of decline following Oda Nobunaga’s campaign in Tajima. One of its highlights is the “Crane and Turtle Garden,” said to have been designed by Takuan himself.

33 Tojo, Izushi-cho, Toyooka City

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Book & Guesthouse Hitotomaru

This guesthouse and bar was lovingly renovated by the local community, transforming a building that had been vacant for about 10 years. Inside, you’ll find a cozy collection of favorite books donated by locals and past guests, perfect for relaxing and unwinding. Please check with the venue for the latest information on bar hours.

49-6 Takeno, Takeno-cho, Toyooka City

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Michi-no-Eki Yoka Tajima Kura

The popular direct sales shop “Yasaigura” offers fresh vegetables and unique processed products grown right here in Yabu City. About 180 local producers are registered members who regularly supply new harvests based on sales demand, ensuring the shelves are always stocked with the freshest, just-picked produce.

241-1 Takayanagi, Yoka-cho, Yabu City

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Nanukaichi Tenman Shrine

Founded in 1274 (Bunei 11), Nanukaichi Tenman Shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the revered deity of scholarship. In 2002, the grand Senhyaku-nen Daimanto Festival was held, celebrating its long history. In 2022, as part of public works, the shrine underwent careful relocation and roof restoration. Despite its town-center location, the grounds—long watched over by ancient zelkova, camphor, and ginkgo trees—were beautifully revitalized, enhancing its sacred atmosphere.

104-1 Nanukaichi, Kasumi-ku, Kami Town

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Akenobe Mine

Part of the Japan Heritage site “The Silver Carriage Road and the Ore Trail Crossing Bantan,” Akenobe Mine offers visitors a unique chance to explore the historic mine tunnels. In addition, you can ride the famous “One-Yen Train,” a mining railway that once ran from Akenobe to Mikobata. For more details, please contact the Yabu City Akenobe Nature School.

1184 Akenobe, Ooya-cho, Yabu City

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Maruyama River Riverside

The Maruyama River, a first-class river with a rich and diverse ecosystem, offers a peaceful riverside and levee that serve as a relaxing spot for visitors to the theater festival. Take a leisurely walk here—you might even spot deer across the river.

Hioki, Hidaka-cho, Toyooka City

Morosugi Shrine

Located just east of the Izushi Castle ruins, Morosugi Shrine has a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. Every October, the parishioners of this shrine, along with those of two other shrines in Izushi Town, parade through the neighborhood in the lively “Danjiri Festival.”

28 Uchimachi, Izushi-cho, Toyooka City

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Bunshido

Bunshindo is a bookstore and stationery shop located in front of Ehara Station, serving the community for over 40 years. They offer a wide range of school materials to support lifelong learning, and their in-store free gallery showcases works by local Tajima artists, helping to share the culture and stories of the region.

22-13 Hioki, Hidaka-cho, Toyooka City

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Izushi Karoh Yashiki

Located beside the inner moat of Izushi Castle, this Edo-period samurai residence appears to be a single-story house, but in fact features a hidden staircase leading to a second floor. It now serves as a public space showcasing materials related to the Izushi Domain and traditional daimyo processions.

98-9 Uchimachi, Izushi-cho, Toyooka City

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Kinosaki Onsen Ropeway

Located at the western edge of the hot spring town, the ropeway takes you up to the summit via Onsenji Station, midway up Mount Daishi. It allows visitors to reach the main temple without climbing the stone steps. From the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of Kinosaki town and the Sea of Japan. There is also a café where you can relax and take in the scenery.

806-1 Yushima, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka City

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Izushi Sake Brewery

Founded in 1708, this long-established sake brewery features striking red earthen walls. Recently restored, it has become a popular spot for photos. Their flagship sake is the junmai “Sasazuru.” Visitors can purchase and taste sake on site. They also sell delicious sweet sake, so even those who don’t drink alcohol can enjoy it.

114-1 Uoya, Izushi-cho, Toyooka City

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Todohyo

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

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Mikobata Concentration Plant

Built in 1919 (Taisho 8) after the closure of Mikobata Mine, the Mikobata Concentration Plant processed ore from the Akenobe Mine. It proudly held the title of the largest facility of its kind in East Asia until operations ceased in 1987 (Showa 62). Today, visitors can see remnants such as concrete foundations, parts of a device called a “thickener,” and the “Moose Former Residence,” a designated prefectural cultural property. Another highlight is the Mikobata Cast Iron Bridge, a nationally important cultural asset spanning about 1.7 km, which was constructed to transport ore to the Ikuno Smelting Plant.

1842-1 Sanou, Asago City

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Ikuno Silver Mine

The approximately 1-kilometer-long tourist mine tunnel at Ikuno Silver Mine brings the rich history of the mine’s heyday to life. Visitors can see vivid remnants of Edo-period hand-chiseled rock, alongside recreations of modern mining operations from the Meiji era onward. A highlight is the massive winding drum of the elevator once used by countless miners who entrusted their lives to it as they descended deep underground—an awe-inspiring testament to the past.

33-5 Ono, Ikuno-cho, Asago City

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Kannabe Mountain Crater

Kannabe Mountain Crater, a popular mountain area within the San’in Kaigan Geopark, is perfect for trekking. Guided by a geo-guide, the easy and enjoyable course starts from the roadside station “Kannabe Kogen,” takes about 20 to 30 minutes on foot to reach the crater, and around 1.5 hours in total.

Kuruno, Hidaka-cho, Toyooka City

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Kasumi Yadagawa Onsen

A day-use hot spring located beside the Yadagawa River, set against a peaceful backdrop of rice fields. The spacious bathhouse features an open-air bath where you can soak while gazing at the surrounding mountains, along with a sauna and a cold plunge pool. The sauna, heated to a brisk 88°C, draws many regular visitors who come daily to unwind and recharge.

754 Mitani, Kasumi-ku, Kami Town

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Denjohato

Denjohato is a small shop in Hidaka-cho, lovingly self-renovated with local carpenters in an old traditional house. They offer everyday essentials like long-lasting household goods, clothing, tableware, and food. Recently, they have also produced a rental apartment called “Kuruma-ya Apartment.”

967 Nyo, Hidaka-cho, Toyooka City

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Kinosaki Onsen Public Bath Tour

Guests staying in Kinosaki Onsen are provided with geta sandals and yukata robes, allowing unlimited visits to the seven public baths. After soaking, enjoy the fun at the shooting galleries and souvenir shops nearby. What truly sets Kinosaki Onsen apart is how the entire town functions like one big inn. Be sure to experience the charm of the public bath tour during your visit.

Takenohama Beach Viewed from a Back Alley

In Takenocho, Takenohama, you’ll find maze-like alleys lined with traditional houses made from charred cedar boards called “yakisugiban.” Peeking through these alleys, the emerald waters of Takenohama Beach create a nostalgic and soothing scene that touches the heart. It’s a special view that only those who wander through the streets get to experience.

Takeno, Takeno-cho, Toyooka City

Keta Shrine

Located in the Kaminogo district of Hidaka-cho, Keta Shrine is regarded as the main shrine of Tajima Province, surrounded by a lush forest-like sacred grove. It preserves a waniguchi—a temple bell hung under the eaves and struck to call worshippers—dating back to the 15th century, designated as a cultural asset by Toyooka City.

227 Kaminogo, Hidaka-cho, Toyooka City

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Oya Art Village BIG LABO

Opened in 2012 using a former school building, this art facility embodies Yabu City’s vision known as the “Ooya Art Village Concept.” It features creative spaces including a handcrafted experience studio housed in a wooden school building, an exhibition hall in the gymnasium, and artist ateliers—offering visitors a chance to dive into hands-on artistic activities.

7 Kaho, Ooya-cho, Yabu City

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Futaro Yamada Museum

Opened in 2003 to honor Futaro Yamada, renowned author of the original works behind Makai Tensho and the Ninpouchou series, this museum offers a deep dive into his life and creations. On display are around 1,500 items donated by Yamada himself during his lifetime, including first editions, handwritten manuscripts, creative notes, letters, scrapbooks, photographs, clothing, and personal belongings—an intimate glimpse into the world of this legendary writer.

605-1 Sekinomiya, Yabu City (Akenobe Nature School)

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Takeda Castle Ruins

Takeda Castle Ruins sit atop Mt. Kojoyama at an elevation of 353 meters. As one of the rare mountain castles in Japan to remain almost completely intact, it is also known as “Torafusu Castle” or “Koga Castle,” named for its resemblance to a reclining tiger. On clear late-autumn mornings, the area is often shrouded in mystical sea fog—a beloved Tajima tradition. Visitors from far and wide come to witness this magical scene, where the castle appears to float in the sky.

169 Takeda Kojoyama, Wadayama-cho, Asago City

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Odai Agata Shrine

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

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Kannabe Kogen Campsite

Kannabe Kogen is bustling with ski visitors in winter. In the summer season, many campsites are set up where you can pitch a tent in the free camping area and enjoy a campfire at night. It has also been used as a venue for the theater festival, offering a unique experience where you can camp and enjoy performances—something special that only the festival can offer.

59-2 Kuruno, Hidaka-cho, Toyooka City

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Tantan Onsen

Opened in 2008, this radon-rich alkaline hot spring is nestled amidst the serene mountain landscapes. Loved by locals as a welcoming day-use bath facility, it offers a tranquil escape surrounded by nature’s beauty. A small shop beside the baths features local vegetables and handcrafted goods, bringing a taste of the region’s bounty. After soaking in the soothing waters, refresh yourself with a hearty gulp of fresh local milk — pure comfort in every drop.

470 Sakano, Tanto-cho, Toyooka City

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Kannabe Onsen Yutorogi

This hot spring is located next to the “Michi-no-Eki Kannabe Kogen .” It features a sauna and a relaxation room, and the roadside station itself offers dining and souvenir shops. Within walking distance from the nearby campground, it’s a perfect spot for campers to unwind and refresh.

59-13 Kuruno, Hidaka-cho, Toyooka City

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Arayu

Arayu transforms eggs, vegetables, and tofu into surprisingly rich and mellow flavors. If you peek into the boiling pools, you can see the water bubbling vigorously. An impressive 470 liters of hot water gush naturally from Arayu every minute—it’s not pumped up by drilling but springs forth spontaneously from the ground. This natural flow has remained unchanged since the hot spring first opened.

1248 Yu, Shinonsen Town, Mikata District

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Nekozaki Peninsula Trekking

Named for its resemblance to a cat, Nekozaki Peninsula features Mount Kashima, which stands 141 meters tall. A popular route starts from Kashima Park in the south, passes over the summit of Mount Kashima, and leads to the Nekozaki Lighthouse in the north.

Takeno, Takeno-cho, Toyooka City

Okukinosaki Seaside Hotel

Celebrating its 50th anniversary since opening in 1971, Oku-Kinosaki Seaside Hotel was renewed and reopened in 2021. It features a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Takenohama Beach, which is selected as one of Japan’s “Top 100 Beaches.” The hotel also offers guest rooms specially designed for workation stays.

4 Takeno, Takeno-cho, Toyooka City

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Japan-Mongolia Ethnic Museum

Located along the historic “Silk Road” that once transported Tajima Chirimen silk to Kyoto, this museum opened in 1996 as a gateway to cultural exchange with Mongolia. It showcases a rich collection of Mongolian ethnographic artifacts alongside folk materials from the Tanto region. Visitors are also greeted by the museum’s charming mascot—a black goat—adding a warm, local touch to the experience.

711 Nakayama, Tanto-cho, Toyooka City

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Chasuriyama Kofun

Located on the ridge’s tip at about 144 meters above sea level along Hōju Pass, which connects Wadayama and Santo, Chasuriyama Kofun is a large circular burial mound from the early 5th century. It is one of the tombs of the rulers who governed Tajima and, with a diameter of 90 meters, stands as one of the largest circular tumuli in the Kinki region. Recognized as a National Historic Site, the mound’s central coffin yielded a vast collection of weapons and armor, reflecting the great power held by the ruler buried here.

Tsutsue, Wadayama-cho, Asago City

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Kiyamachi Koji

Located in the heart of Kinosaki Onsen town, this facility brings together 10 shops under the theme of “Japanese Hospitality.” You’ll find a variety of dining options, souvenir and craft shops, and even an esthetic salon. With plenty of benches around, it’s also a perfect spot to take a relaxing break.

391 Yushima, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka City

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Aozora Market

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

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Silk Onsen Yamabiko

Silk Onsen, known as the “Beauty Hot Spring” due to its slippery water that springs from the boundary between granite and serpentine rocks. In addition to day-use bathing, the facility includes an inn, log houses, a campsite, and BBQ areas, allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of ways to experience the hot spring.

165 Shoboji, Tanto-cho, Toyooka City

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Pothole Formations

Located at the northernmost tip of Hyogo Prefecture, Nekozaki Peninsula is home to numerous rounded holes called “potholes,” formed by the erosive power of seawater. These wave-eroded pothole formations, created over thousands of years, are designated as a Natural Monument of Hyogo Prefecture.

Takeno, Takeno-cho, Toyooka City

Tataragi Dam

Tataragi Dam is the lower dam of the Okutataragi Pumped-Storage Hydroelectric Power Station, one of Japan’s largest of its kind (with Kurokawa Dam serving as the upper dam). Constructed as a rock-fill dam, Okutataragi utilizes an elevation difference of about 400 meters, boasting the second-highest power output in the country. The area around the dam lake is renowned for its stunning autumn foliage, especially at Asago Eco Park located beside the power station, where the vibrant colors create a truly unforgettable scene.

1198 Tataragi, Asago City

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Shopping Town Pair

Opened in March 1979, this shopping center was born from the vision of the local shopping district. It made headlines as Tajima’s first place to unveil an escalator, anchored by supermarkets and a cooperative of stores. Alongside longtime tenants, the mall now welcomes new-generation shops, including an NPO supporting art by people with disabilities and a specialty juice bar. Inside, the mall’s modern color scheme and stylish architecture create a bright, contemporary atmosphere.

1219 Yoka, Yoka cho, Yabu City

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Kaban Street (Yoida Shopping Arcade)

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

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Genbudo Park(Genbudo koen)

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

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Ooikube Hyouzu Shrine

Ooikube Hyozu Shrine, affectionately known as “Tenno-san,” has long been cherished as a sacred place dedicated to the guardian deities of cattle and horses. Within its grounds stands a majestic cedar tree, estimated to be 400 years old, serving as a living testament to the shrine’s enduring spirit and the deep connection between nature and faith.

848 Yakuoji, Tanto-cho, Toyooka City

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Toyooka Municipal Museum of the Oriental White Stork

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

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Kinosaki Marine World

With the concept of being “more than just an aquarium,” Kinosaki Marine World attracts many visitors from both inside and outside the prefecture. Home to one of Japan’s largest giant salamanders, charming penguin walks, and exciting dolphin and sea lion shows, this attraction is packed with experiences that will keep you entertained all day long.

1090 Seto, Toyooka City

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Bookstore Ichi

A bookstore located in the heart of Kinosaki Onsen town. Here, you can find books from the publishing label “Books and Hot Springs,” launched by the Kinosaki Onsen Ryokan Management Association. The attached café offers craft beer and smoked delicacies, transforming into a cozy café bar in the evening. This spot also kindly serves as a meeting spot and staff rest area during the Toyooka Theater Festival.

605 Yushima, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka City

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Tour / Traffic

The Toyooka Theater Festival Bus 1-Day Unlimited Ride Ticket

The Toyooka Theater Festival Bus 1-Day Unlimited Ride Ticket is a convenient and economical ticket that allows unlimited rides* on local buses in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, for one day.

Accommodation information

For information on accommodations, please refer to the pages of each tourist association.

Universal Tourism

At Toyooka Theater Festival, we partner with Kinosaki Onsen Universal Tourism to ensure that everyone can enjoy the festival and the city comfortably and without worry.

Guests can explore the streets of Kinosaki safely while using an electric wheelchair (WHILL), and even enjoy hot springs with the support of professional staff. These services are available not only in Kinosaki Onsen but throughout all of Toyooka City.

If you would like to use these services, please contact Kinosaki Onsen Universal Tourism directly.

Phone: 080-9745-1473
Hours: 9:30 – 17:30

Transportation between venues

The Toyooka Theatre Festival venues span a wide area, so using a car for transportation is recommended. However, you can also take advantage of trains and buses to get around.

Iis also one of the significant attractions of the theatre festival to explore the various venues during your journey between performances . Enjoy the unique local culture and atmosphere in each area.

Access to Toyooka

By Car
  • From Osaka or Kobe,

    Approximately 2 hours

  • From Kyoto

    Approcimately 2 hours 30 minutes

  • From Himeji

    Approcimately 1 hour 30 minutes

By Train
  • Osaka Station → Toyooka Station

    Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes by
    Kounotori Limited Express(Tokkyu Kounotori)〜 Kinosaki Limited Express(Tokkyu Kinosaki)

  • Kobe-Sannomiya Station → Toyooka Station

    Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes by
    Hamakaze Limited Express(Tokkyu Hamakaze)

  • Kyoto Station → Toyooka Station

    Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes by
    Kinosaki Limited Express(Tokkyu Kinosaki)

  • Himeji Station → Toyooka Station

    Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by
    Hamakaze Limited Express(Tokkyu Hamakaze)

By Plane
  • Osaka Itami Airport (ITM) → Toyooka Kounotori Tajima Airport (TJH)

    Approximately 40 mins.

  • Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) → Osaka Itami Airport (ITM) → Toyooka Kounotori Tajima Airport (TJH)

    Approximately 2hrs.

If you are coming by highway bus.
  • Osaka (Hankyu Sanbangai) → Ebara Riverside Theater, Toyooka, Kinosaki Onsen

    Approximately 3 hours

  • Kobe (Kobe Shinki Sannomiya terminal) → Ebara Riverside Theater, Toyooka, Kinosaki Onsen

    Approximately 3 hrs.

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