Akashi is located at the southern tip of Hyogo Prefecture, a short walk from Kobe port city. This fishing town houses Akashi Park, which was created in and around impressive castle ruins that recall the era of feudal lords. The peaceful atmosphere of the region makes it a place to explore, enjoying everything a traditional Japanese port can offer. Akashi is also known as the city of Miyamoto Musashi, considered the largest samurai in Japanese history.
Bridge suspended
The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in the world, with a length of almost four kilometres. Opened in 1998, it spans the Akashi Strait (Akashi Kaikyo) between Kobe and Awaji Island and is part of the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Highway, one of the three highways that connect Honshu to Shikoku.
An interesting way to discover the bridge is to walk on the sea promenade of Maiko, an observation bridge circuit under the deck of the bridge, about 50 meters above the water. Accessible by lift from the base of the bridge (Koba side), the bridges offer a unique view of the interior of the bridge, Akashi Strait and Osaka Bay. The Maikyo Promenade is open from 9am to 6pm for a 250-300 Yens entrance.
Hanging bridge exhibition centre
The centre at the foot of the Kobe side bridge provides information on the creation and construction of the bridge and on other suspension bridges around the world. However, the information is in Japanese.
Coast of Okura
Just on the border of the cities of Akashi and Kobe, Okurakaigan Beach offers a beautiful space to relax and enjoy the view of Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Awaji Island. You will find a barbecue area that you must book in advance. You can either pay a small fee for space/equipment and bring your own food, or book a full course through them.
Swimming is permitted with rescuers in service during the summer season (July and August).
Located opposite the JR Asagiri train station.
Planetarium
The Akashi Municipal Planetarium was built on the standard Japanese meridian of 135 degrees longitude east in 1960. Before 1888, Japan used the local time that varied from one region to another.
Japan’s oldest planetarium offers various rooms and galleries to explore, as well as 5 50 minute sessions a day.
Entry to the planetarium costs 700 yen for adults and free for children under 18. All information is given in Japanese. The Akashi Planetarium is a 3-minute walk from Hitomarumae Train Station on the Sanyo Line or about a 15-minute walk from Akashi JR Train Station.
Akashi Park and Castle
Miyamoto Musashi, master of the early sword of the Edo period (1603-1868) fought more than 60 battles during his life, without losing any. His book entitled The Book of Five Rings (Gorin no sho) is considered one of the greatest works ever written on fencing.
During the 1620s, Musashi became the guest of Ogasawara Tadazane (1596-1667). Like Musashi, Tadazane had participated in the Osaka campaigns and as a reward for his services, he had received the Akashi fief in the ancestral province of Musashi, Harima.
To protect its fief and stimulate the economy, Tadazane began the construction of the castle of Akashi, a fortified city, as well as a port. Based on his experience, Musashi served as adviser to the zōei bugyō, the judge in charge of the entire project. Recognizing the artistic qualities of the warrior, Tadazane also entrusted Musashi with the design of the castle gardens, as well as a small tea house.
In 1922, during a major overhaul of the castle’s gardens, many trees, shrubs and rocks were transferred to create a new garden near the pond of Otome, on the southeast side of the castle. After the war, the original gardens were transformed into sports grounds and remained so until today.
Cultural Museum
The Akashi City Culture Museum is a small two-storey museum. The permanent exhibition hall presents the history of the Akashi region. The second exhibition hall hosts temporary exhibitions with varying prices. Most information is in Japanese.
The Akashi City Culture Museum is a short walk from the train station, next to Akashi Park.
Getting to Akashi
Akashi is well served by the train. The Sanyo main line and the JR Kobe line both cross the city.
Akashi is the kind of small town very little tourist, but ideally located between Kobe and Himeji, it will offer a quiet little stop after the Tokaido road.
Akashi is the kind of small town very little tourist, but ideally located between Kobe and Himeji, it will offer a quiet little stop after the road ofTokaido.
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