Weird & Unusual Attractions in Nishinomiya-hama, Hyōgo, Japan

1. Giant Ginkgo Tree

A massive Ginkgo tree over 1000 years old, it's a rare sight and provides shade to the surrounding area.

Age: Over 1000 years old, making it one of the oldest Ginkgo trees in Japan
Size: One of the largest Ginkgo trees in Japan, with a circumference of over 20 meters.
Historical Significance: The tree has witnessed centuries of change in Nishinomiya-hama

A traditional boat hotel that's been floating on the river for over 150 years.

Age: One of the oldest and longest-operating boat hotels in Japan
Location: Floats on the Nishinomiya River, providing a unique riverside experience.
Experience: Staying in a traditional boat hotel is an unforgettable cultural experience

An ancient moon-viewing pavilion built over a 200-year-old well.

A colorful pedestrian bridge that illuminates at night, providing a vibrant spectacle.

Lighting: Illuminated with colorful lights during the night.
Design: Unique rainbow-colored design, making it a landmark of Nishinomiya-hama.
Experience: Walking on the bridge at night offers a magical experience.

A museum dedicated to picking and preserving umeboshi (pickled plums), a traditional Japanese food.

Cultural Significance: Umeboshi is an essential part of Japanese culture.
Interactive Experience: Visitors can learn about and even try pickling umeboshi themselves.
Products: Offers a wide variety of unique umeboshi products for purchase.

A museum dedicated to Chindon'ya (traditional street performers), showcasing costumes and performances.

Cultural Significance: Chindon'ya is an important part of Japanese entertainment history.
Interactive Experience: Visitors can experience live Chindon'ya performances and try on costumes.
Education: Provides insights into the history, culture, and evolution of Chindon'ya.

A hot spring facility with a unique blend of traditional and modern elements.

Authenticity: Retains traditional Japanese onsen (hot spring) culture.
Modern Amenities: Offers modern facilities and services for comfort.
Experience: Relaxing in a hot spring while enjoying the unique atmosphere of Nishinomiya-hama.

A unique building constructed using traditional Japanese methods without a single nail.

Construction: Built using traditional Japanese techniques, without the use of nails.
Architecture: A remarkable example of traditional Japanese architecture.
Cultural Significance: Preserves and showcases traditional Japanese construction methods.

A shrine built in a cave, featuring unique rock formations.

A traditional dance performance that tells the story of the gods.

Cultural Significance: An essential part of Japanese cultural heritage.
Performance: A captivating dance performance with music and costumes.
Experience: Witnessing the traditional dance performance is a memorable experience.

A garden filled with blooming flowers, offering a breathtaking view.

Beauty: Stunning visual display of various blooming flowers.
Seasonal Attraction: Changes with the seasons, offering a different experience year-round.
Relaxation: A peaceful and relaxing environment to enjoy nature.

An orchard filled with mikan (Japanese mandarin) trees, offering fresh fruit and a scenic view.

Fresh Fruit: Pick and eat fresh mikans directly from the trees.
Scenery: A beautiful and peaceful orchard with mountain views.
Experience: Learning about mikan farming and enjoying the fruit at its freshest.

A factory that produces fresh udon noodles using traditional methods.

Tradition: Uses traditional Japanese udon noodle-making techniques.
Experience: Offers tours and workshops to learn about the udon-making process.
Taste: Freshly made udon noodles are delicious and authentic.

A unique bento (Japanese boxed meal) filled with mikan-based dishes.

Sake brewed with mikans, offering a unique flavor profile.

Unique Flavor: A unique flavor profile thanks to the use of mikans.
Local Ingredients: Uses locally sourced, fresh mikans for brewing.
Cultural Experience: Learning about the sake-making process and tasting the unique flavor.