Make your own ‘komodaru’ barrel

No celebration is complete it, and it is the symbol of the traditional Japanese ceremony of kagami-biraki, derived from the culture surrounding sake in Japan. And you too can try your hand at the traditional industry that involves making decorations for the barrel that is used to store sake devoted to the gods.

Precautions

○Reserve via E-mail or telephone. (Japanese or Chinese)

○Please include your desired date, number of participants, and contact details (mobile tel. no. etc.) for a representative of your group.

○Your reservation will be completed when you receive a response by email; this email acts as proof of reservation for selected date.

○This program is not available during the months of October, November, and December.

You’ll find fun throughout Amagasaki!

Since you’ve come all the way to Amagasaki, we hope you’ll experience all the fun we have to offer.

To help those who may be short on time, we’ve included estimated times for all the activities we introduce here.

Teramachi

Amagasaki castle was built in 1617 by the feudal lord Ujikane Toda, to protect the western side of Osaka castle. Teramachi (literally “temple town”) began as a way to provide services for the town around the castle, by collecting all of the temples scattered around the castle in one place. 11 temples are situated in a space of just 3.9 hectares. Starting with structures that have remained in place for more than 400 years, such as Jouon-ji temple’s pagoda (photo far left), more than 7 buildings in the area have been designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The width of the roads and the blocks of lands remain almost the same as they were hundreds of years ago, allowing visitors to truly experience the atmosphere of a castle town. If you have time, why not take a stroll through the backstreets in the area?

Enjoy the quiet of Teramachi in the mornings, the bustling shopping streets in the afternoons, or the glittering city lights in the evenings. Why not stay overnight and experience the ever-changing cityscape of Amagasaki?

Japanese “Ryokan” Inn Plan

Enjoy a stay in this 100-year-old traditional Japanese ryokan. The proprietress Kyoko Higuchi lived in Australia for 22 years before coming back to Japan, so English-speaking guests are more than welcome. Reservations can be made at www.takeyaso.com ¥4200–¥4900 per person per night (does not include meals).

Takeyaso    2-85 Miyauchi-cho, Amagasaki     ☎06-6411-2525

Includes bar (reservations required)

Cash only

Amagasaki Tourist Bureau

Ama-love i+Plus

A tourist bureau dedicated to introducing Amagasaki’s history, traditions, culture and industries, as well outing spots and gourmet restaurants. Pamphlets and maps of areas and facilities throughout Amagasaki are available, and they can also help you with contacting and making reservations at places introduced in this pamphlet.

1-1-1 Shioe, Amagasaki, within JR Amagasaki station (outside ticket gates)     ☎050-3772-5410

10:00–18:00, closed 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month