Akashi Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit and Local Restaurants

Akashi: A Hidden Gem Where You Can Spend a Day Enjoying Sightseeing and Gourmet Food

Facing the Seto Inland Sea, Akashi boasts a beautiful coastline, historic buildings, and markets, making it rich in attractions. The gourmet scene focuses on fresh seafood caught in the Akashi Strait, and a unique food culture has developed from the area's fishing industry.

Akashi offers a variety of attractions, including stunning landscapes created by its beautiful seas and nature, historical sightseeing spots, and a uniquely developed food culture.

In this article, we will introduce sightseeing spots and popular local gourmet dishes in Akashi.

Akashi Travel Guide

Places to Visit
1. Akashi Castle
2. Akashi Municipal Planetarium
3. Zenrakuji
4. Uontana Shotengai
5. Ohkura Beach Park
6. Awaji Jenova Line
7. Tatsu no Yu
Restaurants and Cafes
1. Tako-iso
2. Menbo Harimaya
3. Kikusui Zushi

1. Akashi Castle: A Designated Important Cultural Property

One of the 100 Famous Castles of Japan, Akashi Castle is located within Akashi Park, which has been selected as one of the 100 Urban Parks in Japan.

On weekends and holidays in spring and autumn, the nationally designated Important Cultural Properties, the Tatsumi Yagura and the Hitsuji Saru Yagura, are open to the public in alternating months.

The Tatsumi Yagura and Hitsuji Saru Yagura are valuable three-story yagura, of which only 12 still exist in Japan. The extensive moats and beautifully curved stone walls harmonize with the natural landscape, making for a breathtaking view.

In the park, the Musashi Garden recreates a daimyo garden said to have been constructed by the famous swordsman Miyamoto Musashi.

Since the park is free to stroll through, it is also recommended to enjoy picnics or cherry blossom viewing around the lawn area or Kono-ike Pond.

Akashi Castle
Address: Hyogo, Akashi, Akashi Koen 1-27
Official Site: https://www.akashijo.jp/

2. Akashi Municipal Planetarium: Built Right on the Japan Standard Time Meridian

The Akashi Municipal Planetarium, built directly above the Japan Standard Time Meridian, is a museum of time and the universe.

The building itself is registered as a tangible cultural property by the government, and from the observation rooms on the 13th and 14th floors, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and the surrounding nature.

Inside the facility, you’ll find Japan’s oldest active large planetarium. The mechanical projector that has been in operation since the opening offers a starry sky that has a different charm compared to modern digital planetariums.

Additionally, the nearby "Meridian Indicator Pillar (Dragonfly Marker)" is also a famous spot, so be sure to stop by when visiting the Akashi Municipal Planetarium.

Akashi Municipal Planetarium
Address: Hyogo, Akashi, Hitomaru-cho 2-6
Business Hours: 9:30 - 17:00 (The entrance closes at 16:30.)
Closed on Mondays, the second Tuesday of the month, and at the end of the year.
Please note that there will be temporary openings and closings.
Official Site: https://www.am12.jp/

3. Experience the Oldest History in Akashi at Zenrakuji Temple

Zenrakuji Temple, located within walking distance from the Sanyo Electric Railway Nishishinmachi Station, is considered the oldest temple in Akashi City.

It features significant historical sites such as the Heike Kyomoto Stupa at Kaiko-in, which is said to have been built to honor Taira no Kiyomori, as well as the "Monument of Akashi Nyudo" and the "Monument of the Pines by the Sea," both related to "The Tale of Genji," making it a popular spot for history enthusiasts to feel the world of the stories.

One of the highlights is the dry landscape garden of Enju-in, said to have been created by the famous swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, featuring a dry pond style.

Zenrakuji Temple
Address: Hyogo, Akashi, Taikan-cho 11-8

4. Uo no Tana Shopping Street for Akashi Seafood

Uo no Tana Shopping Street, the kitchen of Akashi, is affectionately known as "Uontana" by the locals.

In this historic shopping street, you can indulge in various gourmet offerings unique to Akashi, including fresh seafood caught in the Akashi Strait and other areas of the Seto Inland Sea.

If you enjoy eating while walking, be sure to try the fried foods made with fresh seafood and the specialty "Akashi-yaki." The long-established confectionery "Eirakudo" also offers the popular giant rice crackers called "Akashi Petan Yaki," made with whole baby octopuses.

The anago (saltwater eel) bento from the renowned charcoal-grilled anago shop "Hayashiki Shoten" is so popular that it often sells out quickly, so it’s recommended to visit early if you’re interested.

Uontana Shotengai
Address: Hyogo, Akashi, Hon-machi 1
Business hours and closed days vary by the stores.
Official Site: https://www.uonotana.or.jp/

5. Okura Seaside Park: Views of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Awaji Island

Okura Seaside Park is a popular spot where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Awaji Island.

This spacious park features a multipurpose square, and you can engage in activities like futsal and ground golf on the well-maintained artificial turf ground.

The children's area, equipped with colorful play equipment, is recommended for families with kids. Additionally, there are barbecue facilities and tidal pools where you can observe aquatic life in their natural habitat, making it enjoyable year-round.

During the summer, when the beach opens, the park becomes bustling with many visitors.

Ohkura Beach Park
Address: Hyogo, Akashi, Ohkura Kaigan-dori 2-11
Official Site: https://www.okura-beach.jp/

6. Mini Cruise Under the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge: Awaji Genova Line

The high-speed boat Awaji Genova Line, which connects Akashi Port and Iwaya Port on Awaji Island, offers beautiful views of the Akashi Strait, bustling with various ships.

Although the route is only about 13 minutes long, you can enjoy magnificent sights, including looking up at the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge from below.

Nearby Akashi Port, the Akashi Old Lighthouse, known as "Kyu Hatosaki Doroudou," is also a popular tourist spot.

Recognized as the second oldest existing lighthouse in Japan, it is designated as a cultural property by Akashi City.
Awaji Jenova Line
Address: Hyogo, Awaji, Iwaya 925-27
Business Hours: Weekdays 5:20 - 23:40/Weekends and Holidays 6:00 - 23:40
Official Site: http://www.jenova-line.co.jp/

7. Day-Trip Hot Spring with a View of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge: Tatsu no Yu

Picture courtesy of Tatsu no Yu

After a day of fun in Akashi, it's highly recommended to relax in the open-air bath while enjoying a view of the majestic Akashi Kaikyo Bridge.

The spring water at Tatsu no Yu is characterized by its vivid brown color, resembling copper, due to oxidation when exposed to air.

With various types of baths available, such as the "Observation Bath" and "Open-Air Rock Bath," guests can easily enjoy a relaxing hot spring experience.

Tatsu no Yu
Address: Hyogo, Akashi, Ohkura Kaigan-dori 1-2-2
Business Hours: Weekdays 9:00 - 2:00/Weekends and Holidays 7:00 - 2:00 (The entrance closes at 1:30.)
Closed on the third Tuesday of an odd-numbered month.
Official Site: https://www.tatsunoyu1268.com/

3 Must-Visit Restaurants in Akashi

The following are three eateries to enjoy the Akashi cuisine, including a well-known diner, along with restaurants that are not so famous yet.

1. Tako-iso

Akashi-yaki, a local delicacy, is believed to be the predecessor of takoyaki. This dish, often dipped in broth, is also referred to as tamago-yaki by the locals.

Tako-iso, a popular restaurant located in Uontana Shotengai, serves a unique variation called mix-yaki, which combines octopus with conger eel, another regional specialty.

Tako-iso
Address: Hyogo, Akashi, Hon-machi 1-1-11
Business Hours: 10:00 - 19:00
There are no closed days.
Hot Pepper Gourmet: https://www.hotpepper.jp/strJ000110208/

2. Menbo Harimaya

Menbo Harimaya is a restaurant located next to a microbrewery.

They serve tako-meshi, a dish made with octopus, which is a specialty of Akashi. Another popular item on the menu is the Bikkuri Tako-don, featuring a whole octopus.

Visitors also enjoy Akashi Beer, a local craft beer.

Menbo Harimaya
Address: Hyogo, Akashi, Ohkubo-cho Nishijima 1194
Business Hours: 11:00 - 15:00 (Last call at 14:30)/17:00 - 20:30 (Last call at 20:00)
The eatery closes on an irregular schedule.
Official Site: https://nagasawafoods.com/facility/akashi-eigashima-syukan/menbo-harimaya/
Hot Pepper Gourmet: https://www.hotpepper.jp/strJ000867979/

3. Kikusui Zushi

This Japanese restaurant, established in 1897, is a well-kept secret among locals.

The owner highly recommends the Anago Bo-zushi and Joh Chirashi-zushi. The Omakase Nigiri, a sushi set made with fresh ingredients, is also popular among tourists.

The elegant atmosphere makes it an ideal setting for a special dinner. However, if you're looking for a more casual dining experience, consider visiting for lunch.

Kikusui Zushi
Address: Hyogo, Akashi, Sakura-cho 11-6
Business Hours: 11:30 - 14:00/17:30 - 21:00 (Last call at 20:30)
Closed on Thursdays and the third Wednesday of the month.
Official Site: https://kikusui-sushi.net/
Hot Pepper Gourmet: https://www.hotpepper.jp/strJ000486603/

Eat, Have Fun, and Learn

Akashi offers dishes made from fresh seafood, along with historic architecture. There is a wide variety of spots for people of all ages, so the city is an ideal destination for family groups.

Main image courtesy of photoAC
Written by Cakutama Editorial Team