Ruins of Shirahata Castle

This is a memorable mountain castle built by Akamatsu Enshin, a warrior and provincial military governor in the Period of the Northern and Southern Courts, where he achieved military exploits and developed his power. Later, this castle was the headquarters of the Akamatsu clan during in the history of its rise and fall.

After the Edo period, the Akamatsu clan ceased to exist. The legend of Shirahata as the historical castle of Akamatsu was passed down by Akamatsu’s ancestors from generation to generation and is now widely known.

Hounji Temple and Juniper

This is a Rinzai sect temple that Akamatsu Enshin, a provincial military governor, opened as his family temple. Many high priests, including Sesson Yubai, served as heads of this temple, and the temple was considered one of the top ten important temples of the Rinzai sect. The temple declined in prosperity after the death of Akamatsu. The temple has been revived many times since the Edo period. Presently, many people visit this shrine because of its association with Akamatsu, where a juniper that he planted by himself still grows.

Horinji Temple and Akamatsu Sanzon-zo

Horinji Temple was originally a Rinzai sect temple that was protected as the family temple of the warrior and provincial military of the Harima domain by Akamatsu Norisuke (also called Akamatsu Sokuyu) and the succeeding lords. High priest Sesson Yubai, the founder, and his followers served as the masters of the temple in succession. The temple declined in prosperity after the death of Akamatsu. The temple has changed to the Shingon sect since the Edo period. Many people visit this temple associated with Akamatsu, where Akamatsu’s Sanzon-zo (Triad Buddha) statues are open to the public in the Enshinkan Hall of the precincts.

National Historic Site: Ruins of San’yodo Yamanoumaya

Yamanoumaya is a post house constructed by the government in the Nara period. More than 400 post houses were constructed along roads throughout Japan in those days. Currently, few of them remain, as a result of land development.

The ruins of San’yodo Yamanoumaya is the only designated historic site of Japan. It is a very important site, described in Konjaku Monogatarishuu (a 31-volume collection of stories written during the late Heian period) and Makura no Soshi (the Pillow Book).

Ikiiki Koryu Furusatokan

Ikiiki Koryu Furusatokan is a hometown exchange hall that stands on the birthplace of Keisuke Otori, a great man who left a major mark in the modernization of Japan from the end of the Edo period through late in the Meiji period. Visitors can see the exhibits of his autographs, and materials related to him and his great achievement, in Keisukejuku, a facility operated by volunteers.

Kamigori Sakuraen

A thousand cherry trees of ten kinds, including Kawazu-zakura, Komatsuotome-zakura, and Hinagiku-zakura cherry trees, stand on a hill with an area of 4.68 hectares. Splendid flowers are in bloom in spring. In October, visitors can also enjoy the pale red magenta blossoms of the Jugatsu-zakura cherries that bloom twice a year.

Higashikura

Higashikura (the east brewery of Japanese rice wine) was built in 1922 by Juichiro Nishiwaki, the fourth-generation operator of Nishiwaki Shugo, a Japanese rice wine maker that has been operating since the Edo period. Although the brewery was planned to be shut down in the 1990s, but it escaped that fate. Currently, Higashikura exhibits tools from the brewery's history, and its open space is used for music and other art performances.

Enshin Moro-don

Enshin Moto-don is a special noodle product of the town of Kamigori. Mulukhiya, raised by an herbal research group in the town of Kamigori, is ground and kneaded into Enshin Moro-don noodles. Enshin Moro-don noodles are smooth and easy to eat and are popular with both children and adults. There are many shops that offer original Enshin Moro-don menus in the town. You can also eat Enshin Moro-don noodles at the Kamigori Tourist Information Center.

Kamigori Pure Land Yama-no-Sato

The Kamigori Pure Land Yama-no-Sato is an inn surrounded by forests and water, with bath facilities that command a street view of the town of Kamigori, and a restaurant. Visitors can refresh their mind and heart while experiencing the greatness of nature.