Experiencing Blissful Everyday Life in Fukusaki—A Journey from an Unknown Land
Fukusaki Town, located in Hyogo Prefecture, is a small town surrounded by the beauty of nature.You won’t find breathtaking scenic spots that take your breath away.
However, if you listen carefully, you may hear the whispers of beings beyond human comprehension—emerging from the mountains, the rivers, the fields, the grasslands, and even the spaces between people’s daily lives.
The wind speaks, the water speaks, the people speak.
Welcome to Fukusaki, a town where all things have a voice.
Fukusaki’s Approach to Wellness
As a casual weekend retreat to reset both body and mind, Fukusaki offers unique experiences to enhance well-being. One such place is NIPPONIA Harima Fukusaki Zosho, Japan’s first accommodation repurposed from an Important Cultural Property, where guests can rejuvenate both physically and mentally.
feel 01 “Know”
Kunio Yanagita, the Father of Japanese Folkloristics
Kunio Yanagita was born in Fukusaki Town in 1875. After graduating from Tokyo Imperial University (now the University of Tokyo), he established a new academic field known as Japanese Folkloristics. Traveling across Japan, he documented customs, festivals, folktales, and oral traditions that lived on through people’s everyday lives, leaving behind a vast body of written works.
Kunio Yanagita’s Childhood Home
The house where Kunio Yanagita spent his early years. In his book Seventy Years in My Hometown, he described it as “the smallest house in Japan.”
【Address】 1038-12 Nishitawara, Kanzakigun Fukusakicho, Hyogo
【Phone】 0790-22-1000
【Hours】 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
【Closed】 Mondays, the day after public holidays, and December 28 – January 4
【Admission】 Free
【Parking】 Available (Tsujikawa Area Parking Lot)
Kunio Yanagita & Matsuoka Family Memorial Museum
This museum showcases valuable exhibits, including Kunio Yanagita’s beloved desk and manuscripts by his brother, Eikyu Matsuoka.
【Address】 1038-12 Nishitawara, Kanzakigun Fukusakicho, Hyogo
【Phone】 0790-22-5699
【Hours】 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
【Closed】 Mondays, the day after public holidays, and December 28 – January 4
【Admission】 Free
【Parking】 Available (Tsujikawa Area Parking Lot)
Kanzaki District Historical & Folklore Museum
Designated as a Hyogo Prefectural Important Cultural Property, this museum displays folk artifacts such as household items and farming tools.
【Address】1038-12 Nishitawara, Kanzakigun Fukusakicho, Hyogo
【Phone】 0790-22-5699
【Hours】 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
【Closed】 Mondays, the day after public holidays, and December 28 – January 4
【Admission】 Free
【Parking】 Available (Tsujikawa Area Parking Lot)
Ekimae Tourism Exchange Center
A tourism and cultural exchange facility designed to promote Fukusaki’s attractions and foster community engagement.
【Address】 302-11 Fukuda, Kanzakigun Fukusakicho, Hyogo
【Phone】 0790-21-9060
【Hours】 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
【Closed】 New Year’s holidays (Note: Temporary closures may occur for maintenance.)
【Parking】 Paid parking available nearby
feel 02 “Be arranged”
Stay in Japan’s First Prefectural Designated Important Tangible Cultural Property.Fukusaki Town is also famous as the birthplace of the folklorist Kunio Yanagita, who studied literature and folklore here.
At NIPPONIA Harima Fukusaki Library Maison, you’ll find a rich collection of books related to Yanagita’s works on literature and folklore, filling the space from floor to ceiling.
By holding them in your hands, you can savor history firsthand.
NIPPONIA Harima Fukusaki
Designated as Japan’s first “Prefectural Important Tangible Cultural Property,” this historic building has a 300-year legacy.
It preserves the ambiance of the past, allowing you to forget time as you relax, engage in deep conversations, or lose yourself in a good book.
【Address】 1022-4 Nishitawara, Kanzakigun Fukusakicho, Hyogo
【Phone】 0790-24-3565
【Hours】 Check-in from 3:00 PM, Check-out by 10:00 AM
* For further details, please contact the facility directly.
【Parking】 Available
Monju-so (Fukusaki Fureai-no-Yakata)
Located within the grounds of Jinshaku-ji Temple, Monju-so features a popular bathing facility known as "Monju-no-Yu."
The spacious restaurant hall and terrace seating offer a delightful dining experience while enjoying beautiful views.
【Address】 1891 Higashitahara, Kanzakigun Fukusakicho, Hyogo
【Phone】 0790-22-4051
【Closed】 Every Thursday, third Wednesday of each month, and during the New Year holidays
* For further details, please contact the facility directly.
【Parking】 Available
feel 03 “Eat”
Fukusaki Town’s Mochimugi (Glutinous Barley)
Mochimugi is a type of barley that is higher in protein and minerals compared to regular wheat used in most noodles. It contains a significant amount of "glucan," which is said to help lower cholesterol.
It also offers a distinct chewy texture that is more enjoyable than regular barley.
Mochimugi no Yakata
"Mochimugi Noodle" offers a unique texture and flavor, truly a gem among noodles.
Enjoy a variety of dishes from cold noodles to seasonal Japanese set meals.
【Address】 1022-4 Nishitahara, Kanzakigun Fukusakicho, Hyogo
【Phone】 0790-22-0569
【Hours】 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Restaurant open from 11:00 AM)
【Closed】 Mondays (or the following Tuesday if Monday is a holiday)
Farms' Kitchen Mikike (Inside Library Maison)
The chef brings out the full flavors of the ingredients, preparing meals with care so that each dish becomes a lasting memory.
【Address】 1106 Nishitahara, Kanzakigun Fukusakicho, Hyogo
【Phone】 0790-24-3565
【Open】 Friday, Saturday, Sunday
* Reservation required (2 days in advance)
【Hours】 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM (Last order at 1:30 PM)
* For more details, please contact the facility directly.
Yokai Book Café (Former Tsujikawa Post Office)
Experience books beloved by Kunio Yanagita, while savoring drinks, light meals, and desserts.
【Address】 1106 Nishitahara, Kanzakigun Fukusakicho, Hyogo
【Phone】 0790-24-3565
【Open】 Saturday, Sunday
【Hours】 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Gaji Curry (Tsujikawa Tourism Exchange Center)
Made with mochimugi, a specialty of Fukusaki Town.
Created by a popular curry restaurant from Kobe City, its key flavor comes from the rich sweetness of onions and spices.
【Address】 1470-1 Nishitahara, Kanzakigun Fukusakicho, Hyogo
【Phone】 0790-21-9053
【Hours】 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Last order at 1:30 PM)
【Closed】
・Wednesday (both Gaji Curry and Café closed)
・Thursday (Gaji Curry only closed)
Note: Temporary closures may occur for maintenance.
feel 04 “Enrich”
Fukusaki's nature will fill you up and “enrich” your life.
Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Fukusaki offers a close proximity to nature, with its mountains and waterfalls.
You can also feel the nature of flowers, birds chirping, and gentle breezes with all five senses.
Shrines and Temples in Fukusaki
Ōshō-ji Temple
The Tendai sect of Buddhism, with Enryaku-ji Temple on Mt. Hiei as its head temple, is said to have been founded more than 1,300 years ago by a high priest, Hodo Hermit, in the Hakuchi period.
【Address】 1912 Takaoka, Kanzakigun Fukusakicho, Hyogo
【Phone】 0790-22-1077
【Hours】 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Kongōjō-ji Temple
A renowned temple of the Shingon sect, also famous as the 30th temple on the New Saigoku Pilgrimage. In April and May, visitors can see a colony of the endangered Okinagusa (anemone) species.
【Address】 236 Taguchi, Kanzakigun Fukusakicho, Hyogo
【Phone】 0790-22-0014
【Hours】 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Jinshaku-ji Temple
Belonging to the Tendai school of the Hieizan sect, this temple was founded in 991 AD by the priest Keihō, and is said to have been greatly revered by Emperor Ichijō and Emperor Sanjō.
【Address】 1891 Higashitahara, Kanzakigun Fukusakicho, Hyogo
【Phone】 0790-22-0339
【Hours】 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Nature in Fukusaki
Sal Tree Blossoms (Ōshō-ji Temple)
In mid-June, the sal tree blossoms bloom every morning at Ōshō-ji Temple. The flowers bloom in the morning and fall by evening, representing the impermanence of life.
【Address】 Takaoka, Kanzakigun Fukusakicho, Hyogo (Ōshō-ji Temple)
Nagusa Waterfalls (Male Waterfall)
The Nagusa Waterfalls, including the Odaki and Medaki waterfalls, are said to have 48 different falls in total. It has been selected as one of Hyogo Prefecture's Eight Scenic Views, the 100 Best Tourist Spots in Hyogo, and the 100 Best Scenic Spots in Kinki. The Odaki Waterfall, with a drop of 72 meters and a width of 3 meters, presents a dramatic sight, especially during the rainy season when the water flow is strong.
【Address】 Taguchi, Kanzakigun Fukusakicho, Hyogo
Tsunagi Rocks
Located near the summit of Mount Nagusa, Tsunagi Rocks are said to be the place where the great monk Kōbō Daishi practiced the secret fire ritual during his pilgrimage in the Heian period.
【Address】 Taguchi, Kanzakigun Fukusakicho, Hyogo (near the summit of Mount Nagusa)
feel 05 “Experience”
Traveling provides an opportunity to step away from daily life and experience special moments. Why not add an experience plan to your travel itinerary, filled with unique and heart-stirring moments? The experience plans include activities like zazen (seated meditation), calligraphy and Buddhist image copying, and the tea ceremony. Indulge in the feeling of stepping into another world and make your travel memories even more vivid.
Zazen Experience (Zen meditation)
At "Tendai Sect Jinshaku-ji Temple," you can experience zazen (seated meditation) and the practice of calligraphy and copying Buddhist images. By taking deep breaths and clearing your mind, you’ll be able to face yourself in a tranquil environment.
【Address】 1891 Higashitahara, Kanzakigun Fukusakicho, Hyogo
【Fee】 ¥1,500 per person (including tax)
【Phone】 0790-24-3565 (NIPPONIA Harima Fukusaki Library Maison)
* Please contact the facility for further details.
Sutra copying experience
In the tranquility of the temple, you can feel your mind calm as you focus on copying sutras with a brush. This experience allows you to rediscover the peace of mind that may have been lost in the busyness of daily life.
【Address】 1891 Higashitahara, Kanzakigun Fukusakicho, Hyogo
【Fee】 ¥1,500 per person (including tax)
【Phone】 0790-24-3565 (NIPPONIA Harima Fukusaki Library Maison)
* Please contact the facility for further details.
Tea Ceremony Experience
Learn the basics of the tea ceremony, such as how to prepare and serve matcha. This experience will allow you to acquire the refined practice of tea ceremony as part of your cultural education.
Please note: The tea ceremony experience is available only to guests staying in the "Annex" or "Sub-building" of NIPPONIA Harima Fukusaki Library Maison.
* For more information, please contact the facility (Phone: 0790-24-3565).
Access to Fukusaki Town
Fukusaki Town Page
