Asago City
Takeda Castle Ruins (竹田城跡）
Often referred to as the Macha Picchu of Japan or when the weather conditions permit, the "Castle in the Sky". It is one of the the most impressive castle ruins in Japan with an impressive history.
Strategically placed and built in 1441 by the then Tajima area lord, Yamana Souzen. This Castle served as a strong defence for many years of the area, but also the Ikuno Silver Mine. 1576 saw the defeat of the Yamana clan by Toyotomi Hideyoshi under the order of Oda Nobunaga.
For more than 400 years, the location, architecture and stonework continues to amaze visitors.
Located clsoe to Takeda Station, a few train stops away from Ikuno Stay, our guests are able to easily visit during the daytime hours.
Mikobata Concentrator Ruins
神子畑選鉱場跡
Hidden between a nature-filled valley sleeps a true remnant of an industrial-era giant.
The continuous, non-stop operation from 1919 to 1987 of this plant earned it the nickname "Nightless Castle".
Copious amounts of tin and copper, in fact, the most in South-East Asia were produced in this now-hidden and lesser-known part of Japan.
Due to its rural location, access requires either a bicycle or a car. Its well worth seeing though.
Asago Art Village
The Asago Art Village is an innovative art space featuring a spacious outdoor sculpture garden and an indoor art museum. The permanent collection includes works by Toshio Yodoi (1911-2005), a local artist who is recognized on a national level. The museum also plans painting competitions, special exhibitions, art camp workshops, and other educational programs.
Chasuriyama Kofun
Many of the mountains you might see here, aren't actually just mountains. At first sight, we might assume them to be, but many are in fact ancient tombs. The Asago area is actually home to 1450 Kofun, with 7 of them being designated as cultural treasures. Among these, is Chasuriyama which is among the biggest Kofun in the Kansai region.
Visitors not only need to see it from afar but can actually climb to the top of it. At the top, apart from the vast view of the city on offer, visitors can gain a sense of just how important the person whom this tomb was constructed for, must have been and that this structure might also have been used as a sort of castle or fortress during the middle ages.
Asago Art Village
The Asago Art Village is an innovative art space featuring a spacious outdoor sculpture garden and an indoor art museum. The permanent collection includes works by Toshio Yodoi (1911-2005), a local artist who is recognized on a national level. The museum also plans painting competitions, special exhibitions, art camp workshops, and other educational programs.