Tsuwano, Little Kyoto in Western Japan
A Half-Day Adventure in Exploring the Charming Town of Tsuwano
Nestled in the serene landscapes of the west edge of Shimane prefecture lies Tsuwano, also known as "Little Kyoto" in Shimane Prefecture. This quaint town is a treasure of historical sights and cultural experiences, enveloped by the embrace of nature. While ideally, exploring Tsuwano town would warrant a few days, our journey allowed us only a half-day visit.
Join us as we uncover the gems of this enchanting town.
1.Tsuwano Station
Our adventure started at the iconic Tsuwano Station, a rare gem that still welcomes steam locomotives to this day. The station's recent renovation in 2022 seamlessly blends modernity with tradition, featuring locally sourced cedar trees and Sekisyu-style roof tiles.
From the observation deck of the station, we marveled at the panoramic vista of Tsuwano's charm, while our children explored the vintage steam locomotive on display.
Access to the Tsuwano station is about a 1.5 hour journey by an express train of JR West Japan from Hamada station (2,300 yen). There is a direct bus access from Hiroshima (2 hours) to Hamada. If you drive from Hamada, it also takes about 1.5 hour.
The steam locomotive, SL Yamaguchi makes a trip between Shin-Yamaguchi and Tsuwano stations on selected days. The one-way trip takes about 2 hours, and the reserved seat costs 530 yen in addition to the local train fare. See the 2024 calendar of the train schedule. (use google translation)
Whether arriving by train or car, Tsuwano Station serves as the perfect gateway to our exploration.
2. Lunch in Tsuwano
A short stroll from Tsuwano Station led us to Minoyoa, a Japanese diner located along Takaoka street.
Here, amidst a traditional Japanese dining atmosphere, we savored comfort dishes ranging from udon and soba to delicious rice bowls. I indulged in the flavors of Sansai Udon with wild vegetables, mushrooms and Yuzu zest, while the kids delighted in cold Zaru Udon, accompanied by a savory dipping sauce. Minoyoa's warm hospitality and authentic cuisine offered a delightful respite during our journey.
3.Tonomachi Street
Post-lunch, our leisurely stroll along Honmachi-dori Street unveiled a tapestry of small, age-old shops lining the picturesque avenue. As we meandered through Tonomachi street, the ambiance transported us to an old era, with quaint plaster wall buildings standing sentinel beside a tranquil stream where Koi fish gracefully swam. This convergence of history and serenity encapsulated the essence of Tsuwano's charm, earning its name as "Little Kyoto."
4.Shop in Tsuwano
Our exploration led us to a hidden gem along Honmachi street - Shikinoka, a seed supplier turned lifestyle products store.
Here, we immersed ourselves in a unique shopping experience, perusing locally crafted plates, bowls, and glassworks. The store's eclectic offerings, including locally made paper products and spices, provided a glimpse into Tsuwano's rich artisanal heritage.
5.Tea Time in Tsuwano
No visit to Tsuwano would be complete without indulging in its renowned confectionery delights.
At Sanshodo, we treated ourselves to the exquisite flavors of Fruits Daifuku mochi and shaved ice, complemented by a refreshing tea break. Our journey concluded with the quintessential Tsuwano delicacy - Genjimaki, a thin rolled cake filled with red bean paste, procured for a sweet finale to our unforgettable adventure.
Lastly:
In just a half-day, Tsuwano cast its spell upon us, weaving a tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty that left an indelible mark on our hearts. As we left this enchanting town, we departed with cherished memories and a longing to return, called by Tsuwano's timeless allure.
