Tatsuno

Understand

Tourist information The local tourist association has a Japanese-only guide site.

Getting there

There are two train lines that run through Tatsuno, the Sanyo Main Line and the Kishin Line. On the Sanyo Main Line, the only station within the city is Tatsuno Station. If you're traveling on the Shinkansen from the west, it is one stop from Aioi Station or a short train ride from Himeji Station if you're coming from the east. The Kishin Line travels northwest through the city from Himeji to Sayo (and continuing on further to Tsuyama and eventually terminating in Niimi). There are 5 stations along the Kishin Line in Tatsuno. Those wanting to travel to the former castle town area should get off at Hon-Tatsuno Station.

See

1 Tatsuno Castle (20 min walk from JR Hon-Tatsuno Station). 08:30-17:00. The castle was built here during the Edo Period as a split-castle with the mountaintop castle being its other half. It was a palace castle, so it never had a donjon. Although there were no blueprints, historical documents were used as the basis to reconstruct the walls, gate, turret, and palace building. Visitors can enter the palace. The paintings inside were made by a famous local artist. It's a popular spot for cherry blossoms in the spring. Free. (updated Apr 2018) 2 Sekai no Ume Park. The name means "World Plum Park" and was given to highlight the fact that the plum blossoms here come from China, Taiwan, and Korea along with Japanese varieties. The park contains over 1200 trees that blossom from mid-February to early March. The building in the center was built by builders from China. There are also hydrangeas that bloom around mid-June. (updated Dec 2024) 3 Tatsuno City History and Culture Museum. Showcases the history of the city with exhibits about the Kofun Period, Tatsuno Castle and life in the castle town, and the old Sanyo Road. (updated Dec 2024)

Eat

Tatsuno is famous for production of sōmen (very thin wheat noodle) and soy sauce.

1 Kasumitei. 11:00-16:00 (closed W Th). One of the castle town's somen restaurants. (updated Dec 2024)

Go next

Ako Aioi Himeji Kamigori Sayo Shiso Mimasaka Shoo Tsuyama