Shin-onsen, The Birthplace of Tajima Cattle and Renowned Record Needle Makers

Located in the northwest of Hyogo Prefecture, bordering Tottori Prefecture, Shin-onsen faces the Sea of Japan to the north and is surrounded by mountains towering over 1,000 meters in the inland area, offering a bounty of natural beauty. True to its name, the town is a haven of hot spring resorts, including Hamasaka Onsen, Shichikama Onsen, and Yumura Onsen.

Indulge in cooking with Tajima beef, the cornerstone of Japan’s branded beef, and sample seasonal seafood. Delight in unique music experiences at a renowned record needle factory’s tourism venture. Experience the allure of stunning waterfalls. Discover a hidden gem in Japan offering gourmet delights, soothing hot springs, captivating music, and breathtaking vistas, inviting you to embark on a journey of rediscovery.

Nestled in lush surroundings, this park offers animal encounters. Explore the Tajima-ushi Museum to delve into the legacy of Tajima Cattle, renowned as the origin of Kobe beef, a must-visit for food enthusiasts.

Discover exhibits showcasing Tajima Cattle, the bedrock of Japan’s premium beef. Afterwards, indulge in crafting Tajima Cattle roast beef (booking required, ¥6,000).

At Restaurant Furusato, located within the park, savor a ‘Tasting Set’ featuring Tajima beef (reservation needed, ¥5,880) or grab a ‘Tajima Beef Box’ (¥1,800). This park provides a unique chance to delve into, savor, and experience Tajima beef, making it a singular destination in Japan.

Hyogo Prefectural Tajima Pasture Park
1033 Tando, Shinonsen-cho, Mikata-gun, Hyogo Prefecture
TEL: 0796-92-2641
9:00-17:00
Closed on Thursdays (Closed the following day if Thursday is a public holiday)

Restaurant Furusato
TEL: 0796-92-1005
10:00-16:30
Closed on Thursdays (Closed the following day if Thursday is a public holiday)

A steamy oasis awaits, inviting visitors to boil fresh ingredients in its hot springs. Developed by Buddhist monk Jikaku Daishi 1,200 years ago, Arayu boasts water at 98°C, flowing at 470 liters per minute, enveloping guests in a dreamlike atmosphere.

Boil eggs and veggies purchased from nearby stores in the hot spring pot, relishing them on the spot.

Relax in riverside footbaths to soothe travel fatigue.

Arayu
1248 Yu, Shinonsen-cho, Mikata-gun, Hyogo Prefecture
TEL: 0796-92-2000 (Yumura Onsen Tourist Association)

Step into a world of immersive sound at this unique destination. Shin-onsen (formerly Hamasaka) has prospered as a major needle production center. In 1966, a company began manufacturing record needles, leveraging this local expertise, and opened a reservation-only experiential open factory for listening to records in 2023.

Visitors are escorted to three rooms, each equipped with different audio systems for appreciating records. While enjoying a lunch made with local seasonal ingredients, visitors can experience powerful sounds and deep-layered acoustics.

Finally, guests are invited to an outdoor space called the ‘Sound Garden,’ where they can experience ‘background listening’ to records while admiring cherry blossoms in spring. At this location, guests can also enjoy performances such as pantomime and kyogen, and even participate in a customized service to create their own personalized needles.

JICO
100 Ashiya, Shinonsen-cho, Mikata-gun, Hyogo Prefecture
Closed on weekends.

Indulge in year-round fresh seafood at this vibrant market. Marked by a large crab sculpture at the entrance, this fish market showcases freshly caught seafood from Hamasaka Fishing Port.

Throughout the year, you can find a variety of fresh seasonal seafood, including firefly squid in spring, white squid in summer, red shrimp in autumn, and snow crabs in winter.

Particularly noteworthy is the local shrimp caught using low trawl fishing. Due to its limited catch and perishable nature, most of it is not available in other markets. During the short fishing seasons of April-May and September-October, seafood enthusiasts from all over Japan flock here to get their hands on this local delicacy.

Marukai Watanabe Fishery
853 Ashiya, Shinonsen-cho, Mikata-gun, Hyogo Prefecture
TEL: 0796-82-5011
8:00-16:30
Closed irregularly

Embark on a sensory journey at the renowned Shiwagara Waterfall.

About a 30-minute hike along a steep mountain trail from the entrance of Komatagawa Valley leads to the lush green valley, where the famous Shiwagara Waterfall resides within a cave.

With a drop of approximately 10 meters, natural light filters through the cracks in the rocks overhead, while the sound of water echoes within the cave. The mystical ambiance, experienced through sight and sound, makes one forget the fatigue of the journey along the mountain trail. The breathtaking view created by nature captivates the heart to the extent that one wishes to linger in awe.

Shiwagara Waterfall
Umigami, Shinonsen-cho, Mikata-gun, Hyogo Prefecture
TEL: 0796-99-4600 (Ueyama Kogen Furusato-kan)
Closed on Tuesdays