Thumb of tips for freign tourists to do in Maniwa.

2. Let's go!Let's go!
To a huge area filled with nature,To a huge area filled with nature,
Cool during the hot summers thanks to its high elevationCool during the hot summers thanks to its high elevation
With the mountains and streams, lit up by sunshine,With the mountains and streams, lit up by sunshine,
You can take the time to relax and be refreshedYou can take the time to relax and be refreshed
Hiruzen HighlandsHiruzen Highlands

3. Cycling RoadCycling Road
Roughly 30km (3 and a half hours) long,Roughly 30km (3 and a half hours) long,
with several bike-rental shops, viewpoints andwith several bike-rental shops, viewpoints and
rest stops,rest stops,
refresh yourself with a ride through nature.refresh yourself with a ride through nature.

4. Terasu is a Share House surroundedTerasu is a Share House surrounded
by beautiful rice fields and smallby beautiful rice fields and small
mountains. We connect people frommountains. We connect people from
all over the world to the localall over the world to the local
community with self-chosen or evencommunity with self-chosen or even
created projects where they can usecreated projects where they can use
their abilities and enjoy their timetheir abilities and enjoy their time
the most getting to know Japanesethe most getting to know Japanese
country life.country life.

5. YamanoriYamanori
ValleyValley
Is a mysteriousIs a mysterious
valleyvalley
surrounded bysurrounded by
rocks, and homerocks, and home
to…to…
…… Fudou FallsFudou Falls
where duringwhere during
summer one cansummer one can
enjoy cold noodlesenjoy cold noodles
and escape the heat.and escape the heat.

6. Hiking & MountainHiking & Mountain
ClimbingClimbing
Maniwa is filled withManiwa is filled with
mountains for anymountains for any
level of climberlevel of climber
Mt.MihirayamaMt.Mihirayama
Height:1010mHeight:1010m

7. Hiruzen Three PeaksHiruzen Three Peaks

8. Mt.
Asanabewashigasen
Height:1074m
The susuki (silver grass) fields
in Autumn are stunning!

9. Mt.
Hotokegasen
Height:743m
A smaller
mountain, but with
just as stunning
views!

10. An Introduction toAn Introduction to
Sunayu,Sunayu,
one of Yubara's many Hotone of Yubara's many Hot
SpringsSprings

11.
SunayuSunayu
Built in 1977Built in 1977
by the Japanese Onsenby the Japanese Onsen
Association, ranked as theAssociation, ranked as the
"Champion of the West""Champion of the West"
Sat at the base of a dam,Sat at the base of a dam,
the open-air bath is free andthe open-air bath is free and
open 24/7, and oopen 24/7, and o ne of the 3ne of the 3
top Onsentop Onsen of the Mimasakaof the Mimasaka
area, it has been chosen as thearea, it has been chosen as the
representative of Yubara.representative of Yubara.

12. Katsuyama's PreservedKatsuyama's Preserved
StreetsStreets
The "Noren Town “The "Noren Town “

13. Katsuyama was given “Preserved Townscape” status by Okayama Pref. in 1985Katsuyama was given “Preserved Townscape” status by Okayama Pref. in 1985
Breweries and old samurai houses sit alongside buildings renovated into cafésBreweries and old samurai houses sit alongside buildings renovated into cafés
and shops in a town that blends the old and the new in harmonious warmth.and shops in a town that blends the old and the new in harmonious warmth.
Each store-front is decorated with its own unique “Noren” curtain, made by aEach store-front is decorated with its own unique “Noren” curtain, made by a
local artist.local artist.
Even just going for a short walk provides endless fascination,Even just going for a short walk provides endless fascination,
in the area that was awarded the "Grand Prize for a beautiful townscape" inin the area that was awarded the "Grand Prize for a beautiful townscape" in
2009.2009.

14. Kanba FallsKanba Falls
At 110m tall, it ranks asAt 110m tall, it ranks as
one of Japan's Top 100one of Japan's Top 100
waterfalls.waterfalls.
With carefullyWith carefully
maintained paths, onemaintained paths, one
can get close to itscan get close to its
plunge pool.plunge pool.

15. Kanba Falls
And if you’re lucky, you may get to meet
Maniwa’s resident monkeys!

16. Former Senkyo Elementary SchooFormer Senkyo Elementary Schoo
A wooden building built in 1907,A wooden building built in 1907,
As a nationally-designated Cultural Important Property,As a nationally-designated Cultural Important Property,
it features in many films and dramas.it features in many films and dramas.
Even though it is no longer used as a schoolEven though it is no longer used as a school
the building provides feeling of nostalgia for all visitors.the building provides feeling of nostalgia for all visitors.

17. Access
Okayama Prefecture is easy to accessOkayama Prefecture is easy to access
via plane or bullet train.via plane or bullet train.
Within the prefecture, from the SetouchiWithin the prefecture, from the Setouchi
region that faces the sea to theregion that faces the sea to the
mountainous regions in the centre, themountainous regions in the centre, the
landscapes and resources vary heavily.landscapes and resources vary heavily.
Maniwa gives a view of Japanese lifeManiwa gives a view of Japanese life
within the mountains, with reflectingwithin the mountains, with reflecting
culture, history, landscapes andculture, history, landscapes and
industry.industry.
Okayama
Hiroshima
Osaka
Maniwa
Maniwa is situated in the North of
Okayama Prefecture, and is the largest
city in Okayama Prefecture. 5 highway
ICs within the city provide easy access
to all of its areas.

18. Access Okayama
Hiroshima
Osaka
Maniwa
By Car:By Car:
Okayama Airport 60minsOkayama Airport 60mins
Okayama Station 70minsOkayama Station 70mins
By Bus :By Bus :
Okayama Station 120minsOkayama Station 120mins
OsakaOsaka (Umeda(Umeda)) 180mins180mins
Hiroshima Station 220minsHiroshima Station 220mins
By Train:
Okayama to Tsuyama, 90min (Tsuyama Line)
～ Tsuyama to Chugoku-Katsuyama, 45min
（ Kishin line ）
Okayama to Niimi, 100min (Hakubi Line)
～ Niimi to Chugoku-Katsuyama, 55min
(Kishin Line)

19. MANIWA’S 4 SEASONSMANIWA’S 4 SEASONS
SPRING SUMMER
AUTUMN WINTER

20. Daigo-ZakuraDaigo-Zakura
Named “Daigo” after Emperor DaigoNamed “Daigo” after Emperor Daigo
praised the tree long ago,praised the tree long ago,
Over 1000 years old,Over 1000 years old,
the double weeping rosebudthe double weeping rosebud
cherry tree wascherry tree was designateddesignated
a protected tree ina protected tree in
December 1972.December 1972.
As it stands on top of aAs it stands on top of a
mountain, it requires amountain, it requires a
short walk to get to.short walk to get to.

21. HiruzenHiruzen Kayabe Shine’s SakuraKayabe Shine’s Sakura

22. Mikamo’s Inn-TownMikamo’s Inn-Town
SakuraSakura
An old inn-town on the formerAn old inn-town on the former
Izumo Highway, where hidden inIzumo Highway, where hidden in
the back streets along the Shinjothe back streets along the Shinjo
river areriver are
50 Sakura trees that stretch50 Sakura trees that stretch
for roughly 600m and arefor roughly 600m and are
stunning to look at bothstunning to look at both
from the road andfrom the road and
the river.the river.

23. Roughly 180 trees line 1km of the Asahi River bank and bloom fromRoughly 180 trees line 1km of the Asahi River bank and bloom from
early to mid April, and are lit up in the evening for everyone’searly to mid April, and are lit up in the evening for everyone’s
enjoyment, with a festivals celebrating the sight at the start of April.enjoyment, with a festivals celebrating the sight at the start of April.
Kuse’s Tunnel SakuraKuse’s Tunnel Sakura

24. The sight is one of the top attractions inThe sight is one of the top attractions in
Summer.Summer.
Hokubo in Maniwa is one of the top breedingHokubo in Maniwa is one of the top breeding
grounds for fireflies in the prefecture.grounds for fireflies in the prefecture.
As they dance down the rivers,As they dance down the rivers,
you can enjoy the beautiful, dream-like lights.
Hokubo’s FirefliesHokubo’s Fireflies.

25. Hiruzen in SummerHiruzen in Summer

26. A giant firework display thatA giant firework display that
takes place around the localtakes place around the local
Fukuda Shrine, and one ofFukuda Shrine, and one of
the treasures of Northernthe treasures of Northern
Okayama Prefecture.Okayama Prefecture.
After the fireworks, theAfter the fireworks, the
Nationally DesignatedNationally Designated
Culturally ImportantCulturally Important
"Imperial Dance“"Imperial Dance“
is also a sight to see withinis also a sight to see within
the shrine's borders.the shrine's borders.
Hiruzen's Firework DisplHiruzen's Firework Displa

27. Hanzaki FestivalHanzaki Festival
A unique festival celebrating the protected “GiantA unique festival celebrating the protected “Giant
Salamanders” that live in the area.Salamanders” that live in the area.
Dancers follow the giant “Hanzaki" floats down the hotDancers follow the giant “Hanzaki" floats down the hot
spring streets and fireworks light up the night sky on the 8thspring streets and fireworks light up the night sky on the 8th
August every yearAugust every year

28. With 80% of Maniwa covered in forests, theWith 80% of Maniwa covered in forests, the
leaves changing colours spread slowly fromleaves changing colours spread slowly from
north to south. Amongst the stunning colours,north to south. Amongst the stunning colours,
cycling and hiking are a couple of the mostcycling and hiking are a couple of the most

29. Hokubo’s Cosmos FlowersHokubo’s Cosmos Flowers
Hokubo is known as the “Town of Cosmos”,Hokubo is known as the “Town of Cosmos”,
where they bloom spectacularly in late Autumn.where they bloom spectacularly in late Autumn.

31. A tradition that hasA tradition that has
continued since the 1600s. 6-continued since the 1600s. 6-
7 men ride the Danjiri to give7 men ride the Danjiri to give
directions as the others pushdirections as the others push
the Danjiri according to theirthe Danjiri according to their
instructions. They chargeinstructions. They charge
towards their opponent,towards their opponent,
slamming into each other inslamming into each other in
Kuse FestivalKuse Festival

32. Hiruzen is truly a winter wonderland as snow blankets thHiruzen is truly a winter wonderland as snow blankets th
region.region.
After playing some winter sports, why not warm up in theAfter playing some winter sports, why not warm up in the

33. Hiruzen Snow FestivalHiruzen Snow Festival
An event born from collaborationAn event born from collaboration
between Maniwa and Yokote City inbetween Maniwa and Yokote City in
Akita Prefecture.Akita Prefecture.
With Yokote’s igloos and snow-shoesWith Yokote’s igloos and snow-shoes
being brought to Hiruzen, andbeing brought to Hiruzen, and
Hiruzen’s own traditions on displayHiruzen’s own traditions on display
to discover, there are also stalls withto discover, there are also stalls with
the different local “yakisoba” uniquethe different local “yakisoba” unique
to both Yokote and Hiruzen.to both Yokote and Hiruzen.
At night, over 1000 candles are lit inAt night, over 1000 candles are lit in
small igloos, creating a mystical sightsmall igloos, creating a mystical sight
not to be missed.not to be missed.

34. MANIWA’S GOURMETMANIWA’S GOURMET
FOODFOOD

35. Hiruzen YakisobaHiruzen Yakisoba
ConsistentlyConsistently
awarded grade B1awarded grade B1
at national foodat national food
festivals,festivals,
Hiruzen uses aHiruzen uses a
specially createdspecially created
yakisoba sauceyakisoba sauce
developed in 1955developed in 1955
and was created asand was created as
a dish that friesa dish that fries
chicken andchicken and
cabbage together.cabbage together.
Adored for a longAdored for a long
time by the localtime by the local
residents,residents,
it spreadit spread
nationwide with

36. Hiruzen’s Soba FieldsHiruzen’s Soba Fields
Hiruzen is also famous for its Soba, which blooms enHiruzen is also famous for its Soba, which blooms en
masse in September.masse in September.
Maniwa’s water is clean and pure, which helpsManiwa’s water is clean and pure, which helps
to grow the region’s delicious vegetables,to grow the region’s delicious vegetables,
used in local fare.used in local fare.

37. Japanese SobJapanese Soba
As the Soba flowers bloom in September, theyAs the Soba flowers bloom in September, they
are harvested and freshly-made soba is eatenare harvested and freshly-made soba is eaten
widely in November.widely in November.

38. Genghis KhanGenghis Khan
It’s said that this dish was created based on the Chinese dish “Kouyanrou”.It’s said that this dish was created based on the Chinese dish “Kouyanrou”.
The pot is shaped as if it has an iron lid, which slopes down towards the sides so thatThe pot is shaped as if it has an iron lid, which slopes down towards the sides so that
any unwanted fats drip away and leave delicious meat and veg.any unwanted fats drip away and leave delicious meat and veg.
Genghis Khan first came to Hiruzen in the 1950s, as part of Hiruzen’s TourismGenghis Khan first came to Hiruzen in the 1950s, as part of Hiruzen’s Tourism
Development by Okayama’s Prefectural Governor.Development by Okayama’s Prefectural Governor.

39. Soumen-NageshiSoumen-Nageshi
In Japan, one cannot forget the Soumen-nageshi which is aIn Japan, one cannot forget the Soumen-nageshi which is a
top food of mid-Summer. This is one of the shops thattop food of mid-Summer. This is one of the shops that
specialise in this at the base of a waterfall.specialise in this at the base of a waterfall.

40. Eating noodles that flow inEating noodles that flow in
the pure water from thethe pure water from the
waterfall gives them thewaterfall gives them the
ultimate flavour.ultimate flavour.

41. Jersey Dairy ProductsJersey Dairy Products
Rare in Japan, Hiruzen Highlands areRare in Japan, Hiruzen Highlands are
home to the largest Jersey Cow farm inhome to the largest Jersey Cow farm in
the country.the country.
The Jersey Cows are known for theirThe Jersey Cows are known for their
rich milk, high in nutrients.rich milk, high in nutrients.

42. When Northern OkayamaWhen Northern Okayama
Prefecture was still known as thePrefecture was still known as the
Mimasaka Region, it was alsoMimasaka Region, it was also
known as the “Land of Goodknown as the “Land of Good
Sake” due to the clean water thatSake” due to the clean water that
flows from springs in Hiruzen, asflows from springs in Hiruzen, as
well as the highland’s coolerwell as the highland’s cooler
climate.climate.
KounoKouno
MisoMiso
FactoryFactory
With the walls and beams fromWith the walls and beams from
when the business was firstwhen the business was first
established still used, alongsideestablished still used, alongside
new techniques introduced overnew techniques introduced over
time, using the yeast as they didtime, using the yeast as they did
long ago and passing down olderlong ago and passing down older
skills, they are passing onskills, they are passing on
traditional Miso today.traditional Miso today.

43. First created in 1804, originally as a present for theFirst created in 1804, originally as a present for the
area’s Feudal Lords, as a higher quality and drier Sake.area’s Feudal Lords, as a higher quality and drier Sake.
However, the taste was one that the locals also took aHowever, the taste was one that the locals also took a
liking to, and actively started to develop, and took overliking to, and actively started to develop, and took over
70% of what is today’s produced amount.70% of what is today’s produced amount.
Furthermore, 40 years ago, the owner, Harada, was theFurthermore, 40 years ago, the owner, Harada, was the
first in the Prefecture to hand the Chief Brewerfirst in the Prefecture to hand the Chief Brewer
position to a woman, Tsuji, who rallied the company.position to a woman, Tsuji, who rallied the company.
As she led, the company was progressive in culturalAs she led, the company was progressive in cultural
activities from the Meiji to Showa period, and literaryactivities from the Meiji to Showa period, and literary
customers were also common due to the brewery’scustomers were also common due to the brewery’s
paintings and calligraphy.paintings and calligraphy.
Through Sake, one can experience many types ofThrough Sake, one can experience many types of
Japanese culture. This Gozenshu’s history, through theJapanese culture. This Gozenshu’s history, through the
acceptance of its high quality has shown theacceptance of its high quality has shown the
disposition for the next generation of Sake culture.disposition for the next generation of Sake culture.
Gozenshu Tsuji
Honten

44. Maniwa’sManiwa’s
Traditional CraftsTraditional Crafts

45. Fine threads, incorporating ones hopes and wishes, become temari… It is said that temariFine threads, incorporating ones hopes and wishes, become temari… It is said that temari
came to be around 1300 years ago, as toys for aristocrats. The beautiful spheres do notcame to be around 1300 years ago, as toys for aristocrats. The beautiful spheres do not
only appeal to the hearts of children, but with a powerful imaginative ability they captureonly appeal to the hearts of children, but with a powerful imaginative ability they capture
the hearts of adults too, and as such are given as presents at eventsthe hearts of adults too, and as such are given as presents at events such assuch as
weddings and births along with wishes that “the family will be happy” andweddings and births along with wishes that “the family will be happy” and
““ the child will be healthy”. It’s said that there has always been a culturethe child will be healthy”. It’s said that there has always been a culture
of making temari in Mikamo. The temari are looked at as ifof making temari in Mikamo. The temari are looked at as if
they were the Earth, with the surface divided evenly, andthey were the Earth, with the surface divided evenly, and
these equal areas are decorated with Japanesethese equal areas are decorated with Japanese
seasonal flowers and geometrical designsseasonal flowers and geometrical designs
in bright colours, that are known asin bright colours, that are known as
works of art.works of art.

46. GobaraGobara
LacquerwareLacquerwareWith over 600 years of history, andWith over 600 years of history, and
a unique process sourcing everya unique process sourcing every
material locally, the tiny region ofmaterial locally, the tiny region of
Gobara in Hiruzen producesGobara in Hiruzen produces
stunningstunning
hand-crafted lacquerwarehand-crafted lacquerware
designed for every day use.designed for every day use.