Takahashi
Takahashi, the town of pure water
Takahashi is often called “A Little Kyoto in the Bitchu Area.” The flat basin is surrounded by mountains and the Takahashi River slowly runs through the center of the city. Takahashi once flourished as a center of the Bitchu area and relics and the atmosphere from the olden times still remain here and there in the city. Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is called the Castle in the Sky as it retains its castle keep at the highest location of all castles in Japan. Raikyu-ji Temple, samurai residences, and many other cultural assets display the beauty of the Edo period. Fukiya Furusato Village, which is designated as an important preservation district of historic buildings, is another tourist highlight.
Sightseeing Highlights in Takahashi
Bitchu Matsuyama Castle
Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is one of the last twelve Japanese castles to have an authentic keep, and the only one among those twelve to be built on a mountain. It is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Its nickname is “the Castle in the Sky” as during Fall it is surrounded by a thick fog called “sea of clouds”
Raikyu-ji Garden
This superb garden was designed by Enshu Kobori in his early stage as a gardener and is a national scenic beauty spot. Azalea bushes create a beautiful view.
Sanjuro the Cat Lord
A few years ago, heavy rains flooded Takahashi City, and the cat Sanjuro ran away and climb the mountain to take shelter near the castle. He was made lord of the castle, and became a mascot of the city, helping to boost tourism after the disaster.
Ishibiya-cho Furusato Village
An earthen wall on both sides of the street surrounds massive samurai residences which are open to the public.
Merchant Museum
This particularly large traditional Japanese house on Honmachi Street belonged to the Ikegami Family. It is open as a free public rest place today.
Local History Museum
A former elementary school established in the Meiji period has been renovated as a local museum.
Important Annual Events in Takahashi
I Love Takahashi Fureai Marathon
A number of athletes enjoy running through the historical castle town.
Hina Matsuri Festival in Bitchu Takahashi Castle Town
Hina Ningyo dolls (Doll Set for girl’s celebration) are displayed in the local households and people welcome visitors who came to see the dolls.
Nariwa Atago Firework Festival
A firework festival with 300 years of history since the Edo period. Original fireworks adorn the night sky.
Bitchu Takahashi Matsuyama Dance
The largest-scale summer festival with over 370-year-history in Takahashi City. People join Ji-odori and Yatosa-odori local traditional dances and the city becames very festive.
Manga Ebuta Festival
“Ebuta” is one of the most famous summer festivals of Takahashi City. Large puppets of cartoon characters are lit-up and parade around the city.
Fukiya Bengara Lantern Festival
Traditional Japanese houses with beautiful wooden lattice walls will are illuminated lantern lights.
I Love Takahashi Fureai Square
A variety of local specialties are on sale.
Shimotsuki Festival
A number of food stalls are set up along the shrine precinct. Many people enjoy visiting the festival.
Ukan Kazaguruma
Several traditional shows are performed on a stage. Local specialties from other cities (Kurashiki, Tottori, Kochi) are sold at the Kazaguruma Omoshiro Square.
Traditional Crafts of Takahashi
Hina Ningyo Doll
Traditional Japanese Doll displayed in Japanese hauses for Girl's day. Hina Ningyo dolls are decorated with beautiful woven textiles using gold yarns from Kyoto and are carefully made one by one by experienced craftsmen.
Bitchu Kagura Mask
Unique masks are cherished as an interior decoration. Made of paulownia wood.
Food & Specialties of Takahashi
Yubeshi
A traditional sweet which has been loved by people of Bitchu Matsuyama since the Edo period. It was offered to the Emperors of Meiji, Taisho and Showa periods, who all loved it.
Ayu Sweetfish
There is a karst field spread around the upper stream of the Takahashi River, thus, the water of the river contains a lot of calcium. This is the secret of the sweet fish ayu’s good taste!
Bitchu Uji Tea
Quality Japanese green tea has been produced in the Uji district in Takahashi for a long time. No food additives are used.
Pione Grape
One of the specialty items of Takahashi City. Many farms grow Pione and they are very sweet and juicy. The grains are large and the juice spreads in your mouth.
Takahashi Black Tea
Tea leaves harvested in Takahashi City are carefully fermented to give a tasty black tea with a good aroma and delicate natural sweetness.
Tomato
The inside of this tomato is pink. High in sugar levels and lasts longer than other kinds of tomato.
Bitchu Yume Dainagon Red Bean
Red beans from Takahashi have a thinner skin, larger size, and more flavor. It is highly valued as the best choice for making tasty silky red bean paste for Japanese sweets.
Kagura Mask Monaka
This rice wafer looks like a mask of Bitchu Kagura, a traditional performing art of Takahashi City. Inside is ample amounts of tasty sweet red bean jam cooked with quality white sugar which takes many hours to make.
Bitchu Takahashi Indian Tomato Fried Noodle
In the late 70s to early 80s, Indian Fried Noodles (fried noodles flavored with curry) was a popular school lunch in Takahashi City. Tomato was added as another flavor and a new local soul food was born as the Indian Tomato Fried Noodle.
- Access
- Bitchu Takahashi Station on JR Hakubi Line
- Contact
- Takahashi City Tourism Association
- TEL：0866-21-0461 / FAX：0866-21-0462
- E-mail： info@takahasikanko.or.jp
- URL： http://www.takahasikanko.or.jp/