2026 Ako Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

The castle was built by Naganao Asano, and the Honmaru Garden and Ninomaru Garden are currently designated as national scenic spots. Unfortunately, the building no longer exists, but the turret happened to be open to the public, so I was able to climb the gate. There is a free parking lot, so it is a recommended spot for a safe car trip, where you can also stroll around Oishi Shrine and the townscape, with Ako Castle as the center. ✱----------------------------------------------- [Name] Ako Castle Ruins [Location] 1424-1 Kamikariya, Ako City [Opening hours] 09:00-16:30 (Honmaru and Ninomaru Gardens) *Entry until 16:00 [Closed] 12/28-1/4 (Honmaru and Ninomaru Gardens) [Fee] Free [Parking] Available (free) Visit date: April 2024 -----------------------------------------------✱ #Car trip #100 travel styles #Domestic travel #Tourism #Hyogo tourism #Ako #Ako Castle #Ako tourism

🌟Hyogo Prefecture's hidden spot🌟 Let me introduce you to Kirakirazaka🌟, located on the seaside of Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture🧡 This corner of the town, with its white and blue motif, is stylish and cute☺️ The tiled stairs and stylish cafes☕💭💕 will make you feel like you're strolling through a port town overseas♪🚶🐕 If you look closely at your feet, you'll see a heart🧡 tile hidden🙈 Please try looking for it👀✨ Going down the stairs leads to the sea😊 It was an ocean where you could enjoy playing on the rocks*(^o^)/* I was able to make some relaxing summer memories here✌️ #Looking back on summer memories #Looking back on summer travel memories #Recommended hidden spots for travel lovers #Beautiful spots #Photogenic spots #Hyogo Prefecture #Overseas style #Hidden spots #0 yen travel #Kansai travel #japan #japantravel

🌿 Kirakirazaka 1st and 2nd photos A scenic hill in Ako Onsen town🌟 You can see the ocean from the top, and the cute tiles from the bottom are impressive It's a popular photo spot🤍 2-1 Misaki, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture, 678-0215 🌿 Scio'scio' 3rd photo An ice cream shop called Shosho🍨💞 There are more than 10 flavors, and you can choose the number of ice creams you want in a cup or cone🌈 2-1 Misaki, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture, 678-0215 Open 11:00-17:00 Saturdays and Sundays only 🌿 Ginpaso 4th photo This is an inn with a spectacular open-air bath overlooking the Seto Inland Sea🫧 In addition to lodging, you can also enjoy lunch plans and day trips to the hot springs🤍 ■Usage fees Adults: 2,000 yen (tax included) Elementary school students: 1,200 yen (tax included) Infants: 500 yen (tax included) 2 years and under: Free *Bath towel and small towel included ■Usage hours (2 hours) ☑︎Reservations can be made via LINE 11:00-14:30 (last reception 13:30) 18:00-20:00 (last reception 19:00) ①11:00②11:30③12:00④12:30⑤13:00⑥18:00⑦18:30 〒678-0215 2-8 Misaki, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture *Above is free parking at Ako Misaki 2-2 Misaki, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture, 678-0215 🌿 Saka Ritta 5th and 6th photos A specialty store for the Neapolitan pastry Aragosta🤍 Crispy Aragosta ice cream in a cone Very delicious😋 A must-visit place when you visit Ako🫧 2083 Sakakoshi, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture, 678-0172 Open 10:00-17:00 Closed on Tuesdays, the 1st Wednesday, and the 3rd Monday #Hyogo Tourism#Ako Tourism#Ako Gourmet#Day Trip Hot Springs #Day Trip #Ice Cream #Gelato

I went to Dot Glamping Ako, a new glamping facility that opened in July 2022! A popular dome-shaped glamping facility on a hill overlooking the sea! What's amazing about this place is that it comes with a sauna and pool😍😍After sweating in the sauna, bathing in the open air with a spectacular view was amazing...!! Check out the post to see how my stay went♪ I hope this will be helpful for your glamping trip🏕✨ Dot Glamping Ako 📍143-1 Misaki, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture #glamping #Hyogo #outdoor

\\Tourist Spots// Iwatsuhime Shrine in Misaki, Ako, is an ancient shrine with a beautiful view of the Seto Inland Sea beyond its torii gate. It has a long history, and was even mentioned in the Shinmeicho (list of deities) from the early Heian period, about 1,000 years ago. There is also a theory that the torii gate faces the sea so that fishermen can pray from their boats for safe voyages and good catches. The autumn leaves and sparkling sea were a wonderful place. Facility name📍 Iwatsuhime Shrine Address📍 Misaki 2, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture #Autumn leaves spot #Ako #Ako Roshi #Autumn trip #Hyogo trip #Historical site #Autumn leaves #Autumn leaf viewing

Store name: Tomoe-ya (main store) Otemon store Address: 2-13 Kamikariya Minami, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture (in front of the Otemon Gate of Ako Castle) Budget per person: 1000 and up Rating (out of 5): ★★★★ \\Points// "Banshu Ako Tomoe-ya," located on the Otemon Gate side of Ako Castle, famous for the Ako Roshi, sells salty buns made with carefully selected ingredients. There is a coffee corner inside the store where you can enjoy sweets and soba noodles. Recommended for a break after enjoying the autumn leaves. #Ako sightseeing#historical sites#autumn leaves spots #autumn leaves#gourmet trip#Ako Roshi#autumn leaves viewing

Store name: Ichinoe Seaside Terrace Cafe Ako Address: 2300-3 Ozaki Maruyama, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture (Inside Maruyama Sun Beach) Budget per person: 1000 yen and up Rating (out of 5): ★★★★★ \\Points// This is a sister store of a popular coffee shop in Tatsuno City, Hyogo Prefecture. This Ako store has ocean views from the front seats so you can enjoy your coffee while looking out at the sea. The terrace seats are particularly wonderful and you can relax while looking at the calm sea. The menu varies depending on the time of day. You can also enjoy the autumn leaves on the way from Ako Station to the cafe. #Ako sightseeing#Autumn leaves spots #Ako Roshi#Cafe hopping #Autumn leaves#Autumn leaf viewing

Providing information on outings in Hyogo 🌿 📍Minatogawa Shrine [Address] 3-1-1 Tamondori, Chuo-ku, Kobe [Admission] Free entry to the shrine grounds [Benefits] Good luck, protection from evil, safety for the home, traffic safety, good marriage, prosperity in the information and distribution industries, academic success, and business prosperity 📍Ikuta Shrine [Address] 1-2-1 Shimoyamatedori, Chuo-ku, Kobe [Admission] Free entry to the shrine grounds [Benefits] Best matchmaking, prayers for safe childbirth, and success in love 📍Kitano Tenmangu Shrine [Address] 3-12-1 Kitano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe [Admission] Free entry [Benefits] Prayers for academic success and passing exams 📍Yuzuruha Shrine [Address] 2-9-27 Mikage-gunya, Higashinada-ku, Kobe City [Fee] Free admission [Benefits] Protection from misfortune, good fortune, safety of the home, protection from traffic accidents, fulfillment of wishes, and victory (lucky luck) 📍Nagata Shrine [Address] 3-1-1 Nagata-cho, Nagata-ku, Kobe City [Fee] Free [Benefits] Protection from misfortune, academic success, matchmaking, safe childbirth and child-rearing, good health, road safety, prosperous business, and other benefits, industrial promotion, and good fortune 📍Myoho-ji Temple [Address] 1286 Bishamonzan, Myoho-ji, Suma-ku, Kobe City [Fee] Free admission to the temple grounds [Benefits] Good health, good fortune, and other benefits 📍Taisan-ji Temple [Address] 224 Maehira, Ikawadani-cho, Nishi-ku, Kobe [Fee] 300 yen for worship [Benefits] Good health, other benefits, good health, recovery from illness, and safety for the home 📍Izanagi Shrine [Address] 740 Taga, Awaji City [Fee] Free [Benefits] Marital harmony, easy childbirth and child-rearing, and matchmaking 📍Kakimoto Shrine [Address] 1-26 Hitomaru-cho, Akashi City [Fee] Free [Recommended Points] Academic success, easy childbirth and child-rearing, traffic safety, other benefits, prayers for passing exams, fire prevention, marital harmony, and recovery from illness 📍Banshu Kiyomizu-dera Temple [Address] 1194 Hiraki, Kato City [Fee] Adults: 500 yen High school students: 300 yen Free for junior high school students and younger [Benefits] Children, safe childbirth, child-rearing, protection from misfortune, recovery from illness, prolonged life, good fortune, safety of the home, marital harmony, financial luck, and luck in games 📍Hyogo Prefecture Himeji Gokoku Shrine [Address] 118 Honmachi, Himeji City [Fee] Free admission [Benefits] Safety of the home, protection from misfortune, prayers for safe childbirth, traffic safety, prosperous business, prosperous company, and prayers for success (for students taking exams) 📍Itate Hyōzu Shrine [Address] 190 Soja Honmachi, Himeji City [Fee] Free [Benefits] Matchmaking, marital harmony, business prosperity, bountiful harvests, industrial development, protection from misfortune, and recovery from illness. 📍 Shoshazan Engyo-ji Temple [Address] 2968 Shosha, Himeji City [Price] Adults: ¥500 Elementary school students: ¥300 Preschoolers: Free (Round-trip ropeway: ¥1,200 for adults, ¥600 for elementary school students) [Benefits] Protection from misfortune, academic success, matchmaking, safe childbirth and child-rearing, good health, road safety, business prosperity, and other wishes may be granted. 📍 Ako Oishi Shrine [Address] 131-7 Kamikariya, Ako City [Price] Free [Benefits] Protection from misfortune, traffic safety, and other benefits, fulfillment of great wishes, good fortune, and fulfillment of heartfelt wishes 📍Kiyosumiji Seichoji Temple [Address] 1 Kiyosushi, Yoneya, Takarazuka City [Price] Free [Benefits] Safety for the home, prosperity in business, protection from misfortune and good fortune 📍Nishinomiya Shrine [Address] 1-17 Shakemachi, Nishinomiya City [Price] Free [Benefits] Prosperity in business, financial luck, satisfaction with a large catch, and safety at sea 📍Honkoji Temple [Address] 3-13 Kaimeimachi, Amagasaki City [Price] Free [Benefits] Protection from misfortune, academic success, business prosperity, other benefits, safety of the family, prosperity of the company, prayers for success in exams, and good fortune. 📍Tada Shrine [Address] 1-1 Tadasho-cho, Tadain, Kawanishi City [Price] Free [Benefits] Protection from misfortune, academic success, business prosperity, other benefits, safety of the family, prosperity of the company, prayers for success in exams, and good fortune. #HyogoOutings #OutingsWithKids #HyogoEvents #HyogoFirstVisit #KobeFirstVisit #KansaiFirstVisit

In 2025, I went to Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture on a business trip. I Googled a curry restaurant. And I found an Indian restaurant in the station building. It turns out the chef is Indian, not Nepalese🇳🇵. Indian chefs are a little different, after all. They readily agree to any request. They really never say no. They're the best. They also have a wide selection of vegetarian options. Of course, I'll be back.

This sushi restaurant in Ako has plenty of parking. The toppings were incredibly fresh, thick, and crunchy. You order using the touchscreen at your table and they bring it to you. The recommendations for the day were blackthroat seaperch and hairtail. It was my first time eating raw blackthroat seaperch. 😋It was delicious. They apparently also do tuna filleting shows, so if the timing is right, I'd love to see it live. 🐟 #sea bream #sushi #sushirestaurant #blackthroatseed #freshseafood #fresh

A delicious gelato shop in Ako. I went there by car, so it might be a little hard to find. Gelato Shop TETE 1992 Higashioki, Nakahiro, Ako City There are multiple parking lots, so it's easy to access by car. They have a wide variety of gelatos, and you can choose from single or double servings. I greedily went for the double. 😋 Roasted roasted green tea and pistachio! The pistachio was so delicious I want to eat it again. 🥰 Next time, I'd like to try the croissant soft serve. 🥐 I highly recommend you try it! 😍 #Gelato #Hyogo #Ako #AkoTourism #Pistachio

It was an incredibly beautiful place! 🌊 It's deep in Hyogo Prefecture, so it took quite a while to drive from Osaka. 🚗 Even just walking around and enjoying the ocean views was fun! But on weekends, there was a fierce competition for lunch... I couldn't get in anywhere, so I missed out on lunch. 🥲 I waited a long time for French toast, but I managed to get some. 🎶😊 It was delicious! #HyogoPrefecture #Ako #AkoTourism #KirakiraSaka #Ocean #0YenTravel2025Autumn

#hellohalloween Located near the coast in Hyogo Prefecture, Ako Castle Ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s feudal past. Originally commissioned by Lord Asano Naganao, the castle took 13 years to build and was designed with strong military strategy in mind. From the intricate stone walls and zigzagging moats to cleverly positioned gates set at offset angles, every element reflects a focus on defense and tactical ingenuity. Today, the former castle grounds have been transformed into a peaceful public park. In 2002, the Honmaru and Ninomaru gardens were officially designated as National Scenic Sites, making the area not only historically significant but also a beautiful place to stroll. You can explore the layout of the original castle while enjoying the seasonal beauty of the gardens and surrounding nature. Ako Castle is a must-visit for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a quiet walk through the legacy of samurai-era Japan. 📍Ako Castle Ruins, Hyogo #japanesecastles #historicalsites #akohistory #samurailegacy #hyogotravel

#hellohalloween Oishi Shrine in Ako is a place deeply tied to the legendary tale of the Chūshingura, honoring Ōishi Kuranosuke and the 47 rōnin who avenged their lord. Stepping onto the grounds feels like walking through a living chapter of samurai history. Inside the treasure hall, you’ll find rare items including the iconic “47 Rōnin Folding Screen” depicting the loyal retainers in their iconic raid attire, and handwritten documents by Ōishi himself. Another highlight is the incredible set of life-sized wooden statues of the 47 loyal samurai, crafted by some of Japan’s top sculptors—each face full of emotion and character. This shrine is not only a historical site but a moving tribute to loyalty, honor, and the enduring power of Japanese storytelling. 📍Oishi Shrine, Ako, Hyogo #samurailegends #akoheritage #chushingura #japanesetradition #historicaljapan

📷1-9 "Kirakirazaka" in Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture, features a European-style tiled staircase and a beautiful view of the Seto Inland Sea. This slope leads from the grounds of "Iwatsuhime Shrine," famous for matchmaking, to the sea. The view of the ocean from beyond the shrine's torii gate is also stunning, so it's definitely a must-see! ✨ The slope leading to the sea is lined with cafes, gelato shops, and glasswork shops. 𓂃𓈒𓏸 📷10 We also recommend "Ichimainoe Seaside Terrace Cafe," located a 10-minute drive from Kirakirazaka! Enjoy luxurious time at this cafe, where you can enjoy home-roasted coffee while taking in the spectacular view of the Seto Inland Sea. ☕️ It's open from 9:00 AM, so it's perfect for breakfast! 📷11 A popular shop located on Sakoshidaidō, the main street in Sakoshi, Ako City. ✨ In the summer, they also serve shaved ice. It's filled with chunks of fruit. It's large but fluffy, so you'll eat it all in one go. 🍧 (This photo was taken in 2024, so the menu may differ.) Ako is a photogenic seaside town. Please be sure to check it out. 𓅯 ⸒⸒ ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ ❁ ❁ ❁ ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ "Kirakirazaka" Address: 2-1 Misaki, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture Take the bus bound for "Kanpo no Yado Ako" from JR Banshu Ako Station, get off at "Misaki," and walk for about 2 minutes. Approximately 20 minutes by car from the Sanyo Expressway's Ako IC. Parking available "Ichimainoe Seaside Terrace Cafe" Address: 2300-3 Ozaki Maruyama, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Closed: Wednesdays Parking available "Danki" Address: 2022 Sakakoshi, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays Parking available #Ako #AkoTourism #HyogoTourism #HyogoTrip #JapanTravelGuide

Kirakira Hill in Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture, is a spectacular spot where you can get a panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea. As the name of the hill suggests, the view of the sea sparkling in the sunlight was truly captivating. Along the way, stylish cafes and general stores line the slope, making it the perfect place for a leisurely stroll. As you walk, feeling the sea breeze, the scent of the sea wafts through the air, and you are enveloped in the tranquil atmosphere of Ako. The view at dusk is particularly special. The orange-hued sky and sea blend together, creating a fantastic moment. There are many photogenic spots, so you're sure to take a memorable shot! #Hyogo #AkoCity #KirakiraHillSlope #SetoInlandSea #SpectacularView #Sunset #CafeHop #Ako #HyogoTourism #AkoTourism

If you are visiting Tokyo, Japan and you are looking to do a day hike just to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, then make sure to have a quick climb to Mt. Takao. It's a super convenient mountain to climb and it's probably the most popular hiking spot for people living and working in Japan due to its accessibility. #tokyostroll #mountainhike #Mt.Takao #tokyotravel

Kirakirazaka is a slope that connects Iwatsuhime Shrine in Ako City to the Seto Inland Sea. Along the road, there are cafes, gelato shops, glass houses, and more, and it is bustling with people. Then, if you go down the slope, you will reach the coast and see the deep blue sea. It is a perfect spot for strolling and photography, so please visit it once! 📍Misaki, Ako City 🚃 Take the bus to "Kamenoi Hotel Ako" from JR Banshu Ako Station, get off at "Misaki" and walk for about 2 minutes #Free hotel stay #Ako sightseeing #Hyogo sightseeing

📍Only a 30-minute train ride from Himeji and you get to refresh in peace. Sakoshi is a small seaside town which gives a lot more than its size. The walk from Sakoshi station along the old town, shotengai, it feels so epic and the picture perfect scenery 360 degrees is fulfilling. The street has good coffee shops so be sure to stop by at one on your walk to the beachside. Also try the croissant- ice cream a trademark of Sakoshi. There is also a sake brewery, it’s pricey, but it’s the real deal. If it’s Sakura season, definitely go hike the mountain to get a view of the sea over the kawaii sakura. #Sakoshi #sakura #Shotengai #localguides #Ako #hyogo

The sea and the hills at Kirakirazaka in Ako The interior of the 70-year-old building, renovated to a modern style, was very cute💖 The lunch and sweets change depending on the season, and they are all very appealing✨ I had a parfait and shaved ice, and they were very delicious with plenty of fruit🍈 --------------------------------------- 📍2-1 Misaki, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture 🕰️ 11:30-17:00 (weekend 10:30-17:00) --------------------------------------- #Free hotel stay #Ako sightseeing #Hyogo sightseeing

If you visit Ako city do these: 1) Go to the onsen (several of them on the seaside) some with sunset views. akoudonkairo.jp; ginpaso.co.jp, 2) Have a drink, meal, a pleasant chat at Hyoutan bar (reggae bar), closed on Mondays. 51-7 駅前町, Ako, Hyogo 3) Visit the castle ruins, the street walk is fabulous, feels like ancient times hehe:) ako-hyg.ed.jp #Akocity #hyogo #onsen #localguides #Harima #赤穂市 #Hyoutan

Hang out with the locals and enjoy live music and delicious fresh oysters in Ako city #KeisonMusic #Kamashima seafood and restaurant

Good Luck Octopus Statue where you can touch his head to get good luck. At Mt Takao

This is a cafe in Imai-so, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture. 📍550-2 Misaki, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture This cafe has large windows so you can enjoy the view of the ocean while you sit there! It was raining that day, but I felt at ease watching families with children playing in the ocean through the large windows. For food, I ordered pudding and Taiwanese tea. The cafe in this quiet, art-filled space was amazing....💕 This cafe is attached to a hotel, and the hotel is designed to overlook the ocean of Ako! I thought I'd like to stay there next time, so I went to see the nearby tourist spots of Kirakirazaka and the ocean! #DomesticTravelRecord

Located in the southeast of Ako City, Ako Hachiman Shrine is characterized by its tasteful torii gate, beloved by locals, and its long, horizontal shrine building, which was relocated there in 1406👍️ The deities enshrined are Emperor Ojin in the center of the shrine building, Empress Jingu in the east, and Emperor Chuai in the west. The shrine grounds are very spacious, beautiful, and have a calming atmosphere✨ The nearby Shiogama Shrine is a branch shrine, and there are many subordinate shrines. [Name] Ako Hachiman Shrine [Location] 203 Ozaki, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture 678-0221 #0 yen travel autumn #Hyogo trip #Hyogo sightseeing #Domestic travel

This is a traditional Neapolitan pizza restaurant 🍕 The oceanfront view spreads out before your eyes, and it couldn't be in a better location 👍️ I got takeout and ate it on the restaurant's terrace ♪ The pizza they served had a chewy and delicious dough, and the tomato sauce was fresh and I was impressed ✨ I ate one in no time!! I highly recommend this restaurant 👍️ [Name] SAKURAGUMI [Address] 2-1 Misaki, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture 678-0215 #0 yen travel autumn #Hyogo trip #Hyogo sightseeing #Domestic travel

I thought it was a place where you could enjoy the leisurely flow of time while feeling the sea breeze and looking at the scenery of the Harima Nada Sea✨ You can look out into the distance, and the beautiful blue color of the sea is beautiful, so it's really good for spending time quietly and daydreaming♪ The stairs were covered with cute tiles, and it felt like a Ghibli world👍️ It seems to have been featured in travel magazines and on TV, and it was crowded with many tourists♪ [Name] Kirakirazaka [Location] 2-1 Misaki, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture 678-0215 #0 yen travel autumn #Hyogo tourism #Hyogo trip #domestic travel

Summer Ako, Hyogo Prefecture 𓂃 ✍︎______________________________________📍 MISAK TERRACE I went to MISAKI TERRACE in Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture, which reopened in 2022! *This is a mini hotel with only 4 rooms, and the first floor has a front desk and a playroom where you can play billiards. 🎱 The rooftop terrace overlooks the sea, and the view is amazing. In addition, guests can use the nearby hot spring inn, Ginpasou's spectacular infinity hot spring! ←The open-air bath is the best *Guest room This time, I stayed in an ocean view room with a terrace overlooking the sea! (🔑Ocean Corner Suite 301) The lighting, furniture, and color sense are great and stylish, and each one is cute, and I want to live in this house♡ The kitchen and bathrooms were thoroughly cleaned and clean◎I was able to relax in the large bathtub! The terrace is covered so you can go outside even when it rains, and it's a great space to relax in the breeze☆ *For dinner, we booked a seafood BBQ course and they brought the ingredients to our room! The shrimp, oysters, meat and vegetables were so filling and luxurious that it was hard to believe it was just two servings!! In addition, the refrigerator was filled with free juice and alcohol, and there were also free snacks and noodles for late-night snacks, which was a nice service☆☆It's really stylish and cute, and there are tourist spots nearby where you can enjoy the Ako cityscape, so it's a great place to go with your partner or friends! Please go and check it out~🛁🪞#HyogoPrefecture #OceanView#FuriTabi