Tsuwano
Tsuwano, A Small Castle Town In A Mountain Valley Of Western Shimane, Called The Little Kyoto Of San In, With A Canal Of Carp Along The Old Samurai Street, A Hillside Inari Shrine With A Tunnel Of Red Torii And A Ruined Hilltop Castle. · Tsuwano, Shimane
Tsuwano is a small castle town in a mountain valley of western Shimane, often called the little Kyoto of San-in. The old samurai street, Tonomachi, runs beside a canal full of colourful carp, and above the town the Taikodani Inari Shrine climbs a hillside under about 1,000 red torii - confirm - as one of the five great Inari shrines in Japan. A chairlift and a short hike lead to the ruins of Tsuwano Castle, with views over the roofs. There is also a Catholic church, the Otome Pass Maria Chapel and the birthplace of the writer Mori Ogai. On some weekends the SL Yamaguchi steam locomotive runs here - confirm. It is a long ride to reach, about 1.5 to 2 hours from Hiroshima or Yamaguchi, so it suits slow travellers who want one calm night, not a quick day trip. It is quiet, small and worth the detour for that reason alone, though it is not a place for a packed itinerary. Bring cash and sturdy shoes.
Tsuwano, Kanoashi District, Shimane, in a mountain valley reached by the Yamaguchi Line from Shin-Yamaguchi or by road from Masuda, Tsuwano, Shimane, Japan
The town is open all day, and its streets and shrine can be visited at any time, but museums, the Mori Ogai house and the church close around 16:30 to 17:00, and some close on one weekday. The chairlift to the castle ruins runs in daylight and may stop in winter or bad weather - confirm. The SL Yamaguchi runs on selected weekends in season - confirm dates - and needs a reserved seat. Reach Tsuwano by the Yamaguchi Line from Shin-Yamaguchi or by road from Masuda; services are few, so check the last train. Cash is useful at small shops and the shrine. Book accommodation ahead on SL weekends.