Image search results - "izushi" - JAPAN PHOTOS by Philbert Ono

Image search results - "izushi"

When visiting Toyooka, visiting Izushi is also highly recommended. Short bus ride from JR Toyooka Station to the Izushi bus stop here.

In Japanese, Izushi is written as 出石 which we may normally pronounce in other ways. So even the local bus makes its clear with hiranaga on how it's pronounced. Very unusual pronunciation.

The Izushi bus stop is conveniently located near Izushi Castle.

Way to Izushi Castle and Shinkoro Clock Tower.

Izushi's symbol is the Shinkoro Clock Tower. This area is also a National Important Traditional Townscape Preservation District (重要伝統的建造物群保存地区). 辰鼓楼

Shinkoro Clock Tower in Izushi, Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture is one of Japan's oldest clock towers along with the Sapporo Clock Tower also built in 1881. 辰鼓楼

Shinkoro Clock Tower was first built in 1871 without any clock. 辰鼓楼

Shinkoro Clock Tower was orignally used to beat taiko drums from 7 am to 9 am to notify people that the castle lord arrived at the castle. A mechanical clock from the Netherlands was later donated by a local doctor to make it a clock tower in 1881. 辰鼓

About the Shinkoro Clock Tower. 辰鼓楼

Manhole with Shinkoro Clock Tower design in Izushi, Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture.

Izushi Castle in Toyooka was built in the early 17th century. No original structures remain except for the stone walls and foundations. Reconstructed turrets and a small shrine are on the castle grounds. 出石城

Tojobashi Bridge to Izushi Castle's Tojomon Gate. 出石城登城門・登城橋

Castle moat.

Izushi Castle is on a low hill. Only some steps to climb.

Some stone walls and foundations still remain.

Pulling out weeds from the stone wall.

Stone work on Izushi Castle.

Reconstructed West Corner Turret. 西隅櫓

Reconstructed West Corner Turret is not open to the public. 西隅櫓

Castle wall.

East Corner Turret.

Izushi Castle's Honmaru

Izushi Castle's Honmaru has a large stone foundation for the main tower,

Izushi Castle's West Corner Turret.

Entrance to the path of torii gates to Ariko-yama Inari Jinja Shrine atop Izushi Castle's main foundation. 有子山稲荷神社

Torii gates to Ariko-yama Inari Jinja Shrine atop Izushi Castle's main foundation. 有子山稲荷神社

There are over 30 torii gates to the shrine.

The torii gate path goes along the east side of Izushi Castle.

Ferns and trees make the place solemn.

Ariko-yama Inari Jinja Shrine atop Izushi Castle's main foundation. 有子山稲荷神社

Atop Izushi Castle's main foundation also gives great views of Izushi.

Views of Izushi.

Views of Izushi from Izushi Castle.

Shinkoro Clock Tower as seen from Izushi Castle.

Japanese pine tree.

Going back down through the torii gates.

On Nov. 3, Izushi holds the Oshiro Matsuri to reenact the daimyo procession.

Izushi Town Hall

Gift shop in Izushi.

Samurai residence.

About the Samurai residence.

Izushi soba is famous for having cold soba served on five small plates. Dip the noodles in the broth while adding different garnishes like grated yam, onions, and raw egg. 出石そば

Lots of soba restaurants in Izushi. This lunch cost ¥870. You can also order more plates of noodles. The history of Izushi soba goes way back to the early 18th century when the local lord brought it from Nagano (Shinano soba). 出石そば

These five plates are not much for the average stomach. It was a good snack. 出石そば

Izushi also has Eirakukan (永楽館), the Kansai Region's oldest kabuki theater built in 1901. It closed in 1964 due to the spread of television and other diversions.Years later, the theater was renovated and reopened in 2008. The theater puts on performances occasionally.

Eirakukan (永楽館), the Kansai Region's oldest kabuki theater built in 1901. Toward the left was the theater's front entrance that is not used anymore because of the road right in front. They now use a side entrance.

The theater's original front entrance that is not used anymore because of the road right in front. They now use a side entrance.

The theater is in Izushi's National Important Traditional Townscape Preservation District (重要伝統的建造物群保存地区).

Theater entrance on the side. The theater is a short walk from the Izushi bus stop and Izushi Castle.

You have to take off your shoes.

Theater lobby.

Inside Eirakukan. You can freely tour inside the theater. Very impressive and rare glimpse of a Meiji Period theater. That's the hanamichi on the left. You can walk on it too.