Just 90 Minutes from Osaka! Highlights from Beautiful Ako City

The Perfect Day Trip from Osaka: Ako City and its Stunning Ocean Views

Though just a mere hour and a half train ride from Osaka, Ako truly feels like a world away from the bustling metropolis. Indeed, you could even say that the small city seems to exist in a different time in history.

Located between the expansive Seto Inland Sea and lush forested mountains, Ako’s unique terrain has nurtured a stunning natural landscape, distinct local culture and particularly delicious regional food. Its charming retro streets and historical buildings immerse visitors in a truly picture-perfect setting.

We set out on our own journey to discover this historic and picturesque little hamlet in Kansai’s Hyogo Prefecture. What we found was an incredible hidden gem with some of the most breathtaking ocean views we have ever had the pleasure of experiencing in Japan.

The Best Spots for Stunning Views of the Seto Inland Sea

Spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea are among the attractions Ako is most known for.

Famed for its stunning coastal scenery, unique cultural assets and being home to destinations such as the art island Naoshima, the Seto Inland Sea is considered both a cultural and natural wonder. Its glittering waters and many small islets make it a fabulously photogenic location, and visitors from both Japan and abroad flock to various locales to appreciate its tranquil beauty.

We visited three spots that offer particularly stunning vistas of this marvel, and were not disappointed.

1. Iwatsuhime Shrine

One of the most well-known places for getting an incredible view of the Seto Inland Sea in Ako is the ancient Iwatsuhime Shrine. Having a strong connection with the ocean, the sacred spot has been historically popular with sailors and fishermen hoping for a good catch or safe passage while out at sea.

We were able to appreciate truly iconic coastal views through the massive torii gate that faces out onto the ocean, framing it perfectly and providing a fantastic place for us to snap some atmospheric photos. We were also able to spot Shodoshima Island, one of the Seto Inland Sea’s most beloved places, in the distance.

Located in a picturesque area known as Ako Misaki, the shrine is also just a short walk away from the breathtaking sight of Tatamiiwa, an enchanting outcrop of rock connected to land via a sandbank that disappears during high tide.

2. Ichimainoe Umibe No Terrace Cafe

While in Ako, we made sure to stop by one of the city’s most beloved cafes, which also provides exceptional ocean views and is a fantastic spot for photos.

Located right on the coast overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, visiting the charming Ichimainoe Umibe No Terrace Cafe felt more like an escape to a peaceful island resort.

Not only did the cafe’s huge floor-to-ceiling windows provide a fabulous ocean view from indoors, but its open terrace offered us breathtaking vistas that stretched right out to the horizon. The serene view of the morning sunlight glistening on the sea was truly enchanting, and a photographer’s dream.

The incredible sea view wasn’t the only thing we enjoyed — we also had the chance to sample some of the cafe’s delicious and beautifully presented desserts!

Their strawberry cream toast was particularly photogenic, and the combination of juicy strawberries, whipped cream and fluffy toasted bread was truly exquisite. The pudding was delightfully creamy, and had the perfect amount of sweetness balanced with a very slight bitterness from the caramel. The cafe also offers fantastic roasted coffee, as well as very Instagrammable pancakes in the afternoon.

3. Osake Shrine

Nestled in the hills overlooking the expansive Sakoshi Bay, Osake Jinja is a shrine that tells a story.

Though the original date the shrine was established is uncertain, by the year 1182 it was said to have already been influential. Upon entering we could immediately feel its storied history. The current shrine’s main hall is lined with exquisitely illustrated ‘ema,’ or Japanese votive plaques. These include some dating all the way back to the Edo Era (1603 - 1868).

One of the most impactful seascapes we experienced on our trip was from the shrine entrance itself. With the historical gate framing the ocean in the distance, the scene before us truly appeared like a painting — or even a portal to another world and time.

From the structure’s vantage point in the hills, we were also able to enjoy beautiful views of both Sakoshi Bay and the scenic Ikishima Island - a tiny, forested islet resting in the bay’s glistening emerald waters.

Ako’s Famed Salt: Discovering its History and Production

Historically, salt is of huge cultural importance in Japan, playing a major role in both culinary and cultural traditions. Yet the nation lacks its own natural salt deposits, and all salt has traditionally been obtained from the sea. Ako has been at the forefront of Japan’s salt industry since ancient times, utilizing advanced processes to obtain salt of exemplary quality from the Seto Inland Sea.

In order to get a better understanding of Ako’s historic relationship with salt production, we took a trip to the vast and scenic Ako Seaside Park, home to the Ako Marine Science Museum and Shio No Kuni, or ‘Salt Country.'

Shio No Kuni is Ako’s historic salt farm, which developed and utilized innovative methods to obtain salt from the waters of the Seto Inland Sea. The farm’s ancient wooden structures can still be seen and explored, and we were able to appreciate the truly massive scale  of these traditional salt farms.

It is worth noting that Ako is still responsible for around one fifth of Japan’s entire salt production, and the high quality and gentle umami flavor of the city’s salt is renowned to this day.

Experience Salt Making in Ako!

We decided to get a deeper understanding of the processes involved in Ako’s unique salt production via a hands-on salt making experience offered at the park.

During the traditional salt-making process, sea water is carefully heated in an earthenware bowl and stirred over a certain period of time to obtain the highest quality and quantity of salt possible.

Our warm and witty instructor not only clearly explained how to produce the salt (I’m useless at cooking, and even I was able to follow), but he also regaled us with stories and fascinating facts related to salt production.

With his gentle guidance, we were able to obtain fine, perfectly textured salt granules.

While exploring the park’s expansive grounds, we discovered another unique and unexpected gem.

Nestled within a vast children’s play area is a massive replica of a pirate shipwreck, complete with towering masts, nets for climbing, and even mock cannons! The remarkably detailed galley surely serves as an incredible gateway into the imaginary world. While gazing at it in awe, I found myself envying the children growing up in this unique city.

The Incredible Food Culture of Ako

With its mild climate and location between the mountains and Seto Inland Sea, Ako’s environment has nurtured exceptionally delicious produce and seafood. We were able to sample some of this rich local fare with a visit to two great locations.

1. Sea Station Shiosai Market

One of Ako’s most famous local delicacies is certainly its oysters. Those caught in Sakoshi Bay are particularly succulent, and due to the region’s unique location and climate, they can be enjoyed throughout the year.

We paid a morning visit to the city’s famed Sea Station Shiosai Ichiba, a port market where the delicate flavor of freshly caught oysters can be savored against the backdrop of the Seto Inland Sea. With the refreshing sea breeze against our skin and scent of sea salt in the air, we were able to experience some of Japan’s most exceptional seafood.

‘All-you-can-eat’ is a popular concept in Japan, but this was my first time experiencing this style of eating when it came to fresh oysters! After filling our buckets with the bounty of a fresh catch, we were able to cook them to perfection using the grill at our table.

For those unaccustomed to the distinct texture of these mollusks, there’s no need to hesitate when sampling them!

Sea Station Shiosai Market also offers a deep fried variety, including a filling rice dish topped with deep fried oysters and sauce. This dish proved very palatable even among members of our group who normally struggle with shellfish.

While at the market, we were lucky enough to catch sight of oyster boats coming in with fresh catch, allowing us to keenly appreciate the hard work and continued fishing traditions that brought us this incredible bounty from the seas off of Ako.

2. Maruo Farm

We moved on from the seaside to Ako’s lush green farmland, where we sampled a very different type of food — but one no less delicious!

Our next stop was Maruo Farm, a strawberry farm famous for its focus on quality. Our incredibly warm hosts welcomed us with enthusiasm, eager to share with us the delightful taste of Ako’s strawberries.

Upon entering the farm’s expansive greenhouses, we admired the rows upon rows of strawberry plants that stretched out before us. We were then let loose to eat as many as we wanted!

The strawberries at the farm struck the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, with one variety being particularly dessert-like. They were also surprisingly large and juicy.

The sound of bees buzzing around us was a continuous reminder of how naturally these strawberries are cultivated. The farm grows their strawberries with care and aims to limit the amount of chemicals such as pesticides, providing the community with incredibly delicious, healthy and high-quality fruit.

Exploring the Unique History of Ako: 3 Spots Not to be Missed!

Despite its small size, Ako played an important role in Japan’s history, and was once an important domain during the Edo Era. It also serves as the origin of one of Japan’s most well-known stories — that of the Chushingura, or 47 Ronin.

‘Ronin’ (or ‘roshi’) is a term famously given to samurai warriors without a master, and over time they have become iconic figures in literature and media.

The Chushingura refers to the story of 47 former samurai retainers of Asano Naganori (also known as Asano Takuminokami), lord of the Ako Domain, who united to avenge his death.

Their tale has been immortalized in literature and theater - many of these retellings are embellished to the point of being legends in their own right, but they do have a basis in real historical events that can be traced back to Ako.

We visited several important sites while in the city, experiencing the remnants of this fascinating history first hand.

1. Ako Castle Ruins

The first stop on our pilgrimage was the ruins of Ako Castle, once the seat of the 47 Ronins' former master. Though only parts of the original castle have been restored, its ruins exude an incredible atmosphere, instilling in us a sense of wonder.

The tremendous focus placed on creating an ideal defensive structure is very apparent. Protected by multiple gates and moats, it’s hard to imagine any invading force being able to penetrate the structure’s tight defenses.

As we gazed out at the stunning scenery before us from the viewing platform, we couldn’t help but imagine how Ako Castle must have looked at the height of its splendor.

2. Oishi Shrine

Our next stop on the journey to discover Ako’s legendary history was Oishi Shrine,

Stone statues depicting all 47 ronin attentively stand watch at the shrine’s entrance, and as we passed between the rows of warriors, we could sense a haunting atmosphere in the air — the echoes of history can still very much be felt.

Each year, numerous visitors come to Oishi Shrine to pay their respects to the men who sacrificed their lives for their former master, as well as to pray for their greatest life ambitions. The shrine was quiet on the day we visited, however, allowing us to deeply appreciate its somber and powerful surroundings.

3. Kagakuji Temple

Our final stop on this expedition of the past has a profound connection to the Chushingura. Originally built in 1645, Kagakuji Temple is perhaps most well known as the site of the graves of the 47 Ronin, and seemed a fitting end to our day.

While there, we were struck by the beauty of the temple itself, as well as the fact that we could actually see the graves of the legendary warriors.

One of the temple’s most remarkable features is the stunning tiger painting that covers the ceiling of the main hall. Intricately detailed, each delicate brushstroke comes together harmoniously to depict this powerful beast.

Where to Spend the Night in Ako — Enjoy an Unforgettable Stay at a Hot Spring Inn

For those who’d like to take their time in Ako to enjoy all this incredible city has to offer, there’s perhaps no better place to stay than at one of the city’s fabulous traditional hot spring inns. Below are two of our top recommendations.

1. Ginpaso

Picture courtesy of Ginpaso
A truly stunning hot spring inn, Ginpaso’s Japanese-style decor and splendid coastal views are sure to enchant anyone staying at the property.

The inn’s open-air hot spring bath overlooks the Seto Inland Sea, offering visitors unparalleled views. Sunsets from the bath are particularly stunning.

Picture courtesy of Ginpaso
The on-site restaurant serves exquisite cuisine made using freshly caught local seafood, and guests can enjoy dining against an unforgettable ocean backdrop.

2. Ako Onsen Shokichi

Picture courtesy of Ako Onsen Shokichi

Another fabulous accommodation, Ako Onsen Shokichi’s open-air hot spring baths offer magnificent views of the Seto Inland Sea, and can be reserved for private use.

Picture courtesy of Ako Onsen Shokichi
The inn’s exquisite Kaiseki course meals are made using fresh local vegetables and seafood. 

The superb guest rooms combine aspects of both Japanese and Western design, and provide guests with incredible views of the coast.

Getting to Ako

To access Ako from Osaka, first take the JR Kobe Line from Osaka Station to Himeiji Station. Ako City’s Banshu-Ako Station can be quickly and easily accessed by direct train from Himeji Station, via the Tokaido Sanyo Line Special Rapid Service. The trip takes less than 2 hours, and costs 2,310 yen one way. Depending on the time of day, it may be necessary to transfer to the JR Ako Line at Aioi Station.

When it comes to getting around the city, one of the best (and most affordable) methods is by bicycle, which can be rented at Banshu-Ako Station. Managed by the Ako Sight Seeing Information Center (located within the station), renting a bike is easy and costs a mere 500 yen per day (until 5pm).

While at the center, we did a little bit of shopping for ourselves and were truly charmed by the people working there. One thing I cannot express enough is the warmth and humor of Ako’s people — they are a treasure themselves, and made us feel right at home during our time in the city.

I also must recommend picking up some of the shiomi manju while you're there. These traditional Ako sweets are absolutely delicious!

Escape to Ako, a True Gem in West Japan

Ako is known for its numerous charms. Chief among these are its breathtaking scenery, exquisite local food, fascinating history, enchanting rustic townscapes and incredibly warm people.

A visit to the area is an absolute must for anyone staying in the Kansai region. Despite its proximity to the city, it somehow manages to retain its traditional atmosphere and offers the perfect escape for those feeling fatigued by urban life.

We certainly had an unforgettable time while we were there, and encourage anyone who has the opportunity to stop by and experience Ako’s unique warmth, beauty and character.

Sponsored by Ako city