To get a sense of the real Japan, one needs to get off the beaten path which requires a little effort, but given the excellent rail network of Japan, this is not as hard as it sounds, provided you are okay renting a car. Don’t be dissuaded about driving, especially in the countryside of Japan. Its actually quite straightforward and can be a very pleasant experience. With your own vehicle, a multitude of additional experiences open up to you than the average tourist. The town of Izushi is one such place worth exploring. Click here for our full video on this amazing town.
Located near the western coast of Japan, this former castle town exudes charm and old Japan character without the massive crowds of Kyoto and Nara. Arrive in Toyooka at the JR station, get a rental car, and in 20 minutes you’ll find yourself transported back in time.
There are numerous streets lined with Edo style homes and buildings including a fully restored Kabuki Theather, samurai houses, museums and the old Izushi castle ruins up on the hill. There is even an Inari Shrine up on the hillside beside the castle with more than 100 tori gates reminiscent of those at the more famous and overcrowded Fushimi Inari Shrine of Kyoto. It provides a much more pleasant experience.
For something to eat, you must try the soba. This area is known by some as the birthplace of soba noodles and boasts more than 40 soba restaurant in the region. Within the town, you’ll find a dozen or more such restaurants, and in some cases you can watch them making the soba noodles. Something special about the experience here is that the soba noodles are delivered on small appetizer sized plates such that an order typically consists of four or five plates. After finishing off a plate, you stack it on top of the others and the wait staff will bring you more. There is a contest or challenge of sorts in that you are encouraged to eat at least 15 plates, thus making you a soba specialist.
If you want to go all in, then you can attempt eating 40 or so plates in a fixed time frame to be considered a champion. Needless to say, we were full after one course which was delicious. We just wanted to save room for the amazing soft serve ice cream and fudge at the shop next door!
Enjoy yourself walking along the streets to stop in to the local shops and museum. The walk up to the castle ruins is easy and peaceful. Then perhaps descend from the hilltop via passing through the many vermillion colored tori gates flanked by the moss covered stone walls of the castle. Its one of the more enjoyable hidden gems one can experience in Japan so watch the video now!
