Sunday November 10th 2019.
On the hunt for some autumn colours and maple leaves we headed off on a family drive from Akashi to Tamba in central Hyogo Prefecture.
In this post:
- Entsuji Temple, Tamba
- Kosanji Temple, Tamba
- Toryunada Rock Formations, Kato
- Hyogo Prefectural Harima Central Park, Kato
The drive takes us on National Route 175 (kokudo 175, 国道175号) through Miki, Ono, Kato and Nishiwaki cities until we reached our destination of Tamba. As this is a national route there are no toll gates and the road alternates between 1 and 2 lanes with traffic flowing smoothly for most parts.
The small towns, old Japanese houses and farmlands nestled between the mountains make it an attractive drive.
Unfortunately for us we were a little early to see the changing leaves but this is lucky for you, our readers! You can head to some of these spots in the coming weeks and enjoy the gorgeous countryside of Hyogo in all its autumn glory.
Entsuji Temple, Tamba
We wound a way through the back streets of the mountain side village until we reached the car park at Entsuji (円通寺). Today was an autumn festival with some market stalls selling hot food and fresh fruit and veggies. After enjoying some lunch we walked up to the temple, there are steps leading the main path or you can take the slope to the side.
The peaceful grounds were abundant with trees around the small pond and two main temple buildings. Here a few of the trees started to change colours, however, I estimate the best weekend to be the the 23rd/24th November (2019).
Taiko drums 
Few leaves had started to change 
Kosanji Temple, Tamba
Jumping back in the car we made our way to Kosanji (高山寺) , another old temple in the hillside of Tamba, just 10 minutes from Entsuji. The large vermillion entrance tower opened into a path of trees arching over it. You will have to check out Kosanji’s Facebook page for photos of the autumn colours as we were met with nice greenery.
To our surprise though, there was a small shishi-mai (Lion dance) festival taking place with the dragon “biting” the head of our little one to bring good luck, health and improve her academic ability.
Pretty but no autumn colours 
Shishi-mai bringing luck 
Both temples are part of the Tamba Momiji Meguri (Japanese link) or Maple Leaves Tour. Visit 10 temples dotted throughout the region during autumn. Best (or possibly only) reached by car.
Toryunada Rock Formations, Kato
On the drive home we happened to pass these unique rock formations in the Kakogawa River in Kato. Toryunada (闘竜灘, the kanji breaks down to mean something close to the “fighting sea dragon“). While I wouldn’t make a trip just to see these, they are worth a stop by if you are in the neighborhood. Visit the Kato Tourism site (Japanese link) for more info.
Hyogo Prefectural Harima Central Park, Kato
Our final stop was to take the baby to the children’s area at Harima Central Park and give her a play. The little one must have already been tired though as she fell asleep in the car.
We still checked out a couple of the spots in the park as we drove through it to get and idea of the facilities and if it is something we want to come back to. The answer is, yes!
The park is full of things to do including a cycle track where you can rent all kinds of bicycles, flower gardens, ponds, sporting grounds, children playgrounds and more. This is also a great spot to see cherry blossom in the spring and maple trees in the autumn The Harima Central Park Facebook page has updated information about the autumn foliage conditions.
I can’t wait to get back out to this beautiful countryside and explore some more of the sites in the coming weeks. Let us know if you have been out to this area of Hyogo and what places you recommend in the comments.