On the coast of Hyogo Prefecture, the towns of Ako, Tatsuno, and Himeji offer a journey that blends Japan’s natural beauty with its living history.
This region is shaped by the calm, island waters of the Seto Inland Sea, where fishing villages and scenic capes meet a coastline that changes with the seasons. Inland, you’ll find landmarks that speak to centuries of culture and craftsmanship—Ako’s legacy of the 47 Ronin, Tatsuno’s preserved merchant streets and soy sauce tradition, and Himeji’s world-renowned castle. Along the way, local flavors rooted in the land and sea bring each destination’s story to life, making the area as rewarding for the palate as it is for the eyes.
Explore what makes each town unique and the best base for seeing them all.
Ako’s Coastal Views and Samurai Legacy
Ako is a city where history lives in every street and landmark, most famously through the tale of the famous 47 Ronin. At the heart of this legacy stands Oishi Shrine, dedicated to Oishi Kuranosuke and his loyal samurai, drawing visitors who wish to pay respects to their courage and loyalty. Nearby, Kagaku-ji Temple, the family temple of the Asano clan (Edo-period lords of Ako), offers a tranquil setting rich in historical significance. Walking these grounds, you can almost imagine the footsteps of the ronin echoing through time. Ako also preserves its traditional artistry through the Ako Dan-tsu Workshop, where artisans weave exquisite handmade carpets, one of the three great dan-tsu (local weaving) styles of Japan. The craft involves three key processes: “Suji-tsumi” (grooving pattern outlines), “Ji-tsumi” (evening the thickness), and “Shiage-tsumi” (final finishing)—which give Ako Dantsu its soft texture and elegantly refined designs.
Ako’s cultural richness is perfectly matched by its natural bounty. Along the coast lies Sakoshi Bay, where calm, pristine waters nurture some of Japan’s most prized oysters. Known for their large, plump texture and delicate flavor, Sakoshi oysters are a seasonal delicacy that draws food lovers from far and wide.
Tatsuno’s Edo-Period Charm and Culinary Tradition
Tatsuno is a charming castle town where history and craftsmanship come together. Known as the “Little Kyoto of Harima,” it offers atmospheric streets lined with Edo-period (1603–1868) merchant houses and preserved architecture. The Usukuchi Tatsuno Soy Sauce Museum (Higashimaru Museum) celebrates the town’s proud brewing heritage, inviting visitors to explore the flavors and traditions of light soy sauce in a historic building. For panoramic views, Tatsuno Castle, a reconstructed symbol of the town, sits on a hilltop overlooking the city. Its grounds turn into a sea of pink during cherry blossom season.
In the heart of Tatsuno’s preserved historic district, old traditions meet contemporary style. Kura Terrace Tatsuno, once a Taisho-period (1912–1926) soy sauce warehouse, has been transformed into a stylish space where visitors can enjoy local products and relax in a cafe setting. The scenic Ibo River, flowing gently through the town, adds to its charm—perfect for riverside walks in spring or viewing the autumn foliage.
Himeji’s Iconic Castle and Traditional Gardens
Himeji is best known for its crown jewel, Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Japan’s most admired fortress. Nicknamed the “White Heron Castle” for the way its white walls seem to take flight against the sky, it’s a place that impresses both at first glance and up close. Walking through its gates and climbing its towers, you can feel the weight of 400 years of history. Just a short walk away, Kokoen Garden offers a change of pace with its peaceful ponds, stepping stones, and seasonal blooms—especially beautiful in spring and autumn.
But Himeji isn’t just about the castle. Around the station and in the shopping arcades, you’ll find lively food stalls and restaurants serving local favorites like Himeji oden. For a quieter experience, head to Engyo-ji Temple on Mount Shosha, a serene mountaintop retreat with sweeping views, ancient halls, and a calm that feels far removed from the city below.
Where to Stay: Kamenoi Hotel Ako As Your Base
From the seaside charm of Ako to the timeless streets of Tatsuno and the grandeur of Himeji Castle, one hotel puts you within easy reach of it all—Kamenoi Hotel Ako. The hotel sits high above the coast of Ako Misaki, offering guests an unmatched vantage point over the Seto Inland Sea and the landscapes of Setonaikai National Park.
In addition to the view, the interior design of the hotel is also an attraction of its own. Ako Dantsu carpets are displayed all throughout the hotel, particularly the main lobby, where they set a welcoming tone. Adding to this sense of place is an exhibition of Bizen pottery, a ceramic tradition with roots stretching back over a thousand years. The exhibition highlights local artisans’ work, and guests can admire the pieces or purchase select ones as meaningful mementos of their stay.
Rooms with a Panoramic Horizon
The hotel offers 49 rooms with uninterrupted ocean views and five premium suites with semi-open-air hot spring baths, each designed to capture the beauty of its hilltop location. It’s a hot springs hotel that doubles as seaside accommodation. On clear days, the scenery stretches to Shodoshima Island, Awaji Island, and the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, creating a view you’ll never forget. After the hotel’s extensive renovation and grand reopening in July 2025, every room now blends modern elegance with the warmth of Japanese hospitality. The premium suites elevate the experience further, allowing guests to enjoy the mineral-rich hot spring waters in total privacy—perfect for a romantic getaway, a special family trip, or a personal retreat.
Bathing in Coastal Beauty
Suspended between the sky and sea, the hotel’s infinity open-air bath invites you to soak as the horizon stretches endlessly before you. At dawn, the first light spills across the water in a golden glow. Nearby, the Ako salt sauna offers a more intimate ritual. Here, mineral-rich local salt warms your skin, melts away tension, and leaves you with a sense of calm deeply rooted in Ako’s coastal spirit.
Dining That Celebrates the Seto Inland Sea
Kamenoi Hotel Ako’s restaurant is a celebration of Setouchi’s bounty. The hotel serves beautifully plated individual dishes crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Fresh seafood from the Seto Inland Sea takes center stage, accompanied by produce from the surrounding area. Each dish is served on Bizen-style tableware, adding a touch of Japanese artistry to the dining experience. The menu changes with the seasons, so whether you’re enjoying delicate sashimi in summer or a hearty seafood hotpot in winter, every meal feels like a special occasion.
Kamenoi Hotel Ako puts you at the heart of western Hyogo, where Ako’s coast, Tatsuno’s old streets, and Himeji Castle’s beauty await. It offers easy access to all three areas, along with the added benefit of staying in a scenic hilltop location overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. After a day of sightseeing, guests can return to a spacious room or unwind in the infinity bath. It keeps logistics simple while ensuring comfort throughout your trip.
How to Get There
Traveling to Kamenoi Hotel Ako is straightforward, with convenient access by train, car, or air. From JR Osaka Station, take the JR Kobe Line to JR Aioi Station, then transfer to the JR Ako Line for Banshu-Ako Station. The journey takes around two hours in total, and from Banshu-Ako Station it’s a quick 10-minute taxi ride to the hotel. Visitors coming from JR Himeji Station can reach Banshu-Ako Station directly on the JR Ako Line in about 40 minutes, followed by the same short taxi ride.
If you are driving, exit the Sanyo Expressway at Ako Interchange and follow local roads toward Ako Misaki. The trip from the interchange to the hotel takes roughly 15 minutes, and on-site parking is available for guests.
For those arriving by air, Kansai International Airport offers limousine bus connections to JR Osaka Station, where you can continue by train. From Okayama Airport, take a limousine bus to JR Okayama Station, then ride the JR Sanyo Main Line to Aioi before transferring to the JR Ako Line for Banshu-Ako.
For travelers including Ako, Tatsuno, and Himeji in their itinerary, the train network makes it easy to see all three without backtracking. Himeji serves as a convenient hub, with direct JR Ako Line services running west to Banshu-Ako Station and local connections to Tatsuno along the way. From Ako, you can even hop on a tuk-tuk (a three-wheeled cab) to the nearby art museum, adding a fun detour to your trip. This route allows you to explore Himeji Castle, stroll through Tatsuno’s historic merchant district, and enjoy Ako’s coastal scenery in a single trip, all while returning to the comfort of Kamenoi Hotel Ako, your elegant and accessible hot springs hotel, at the end of the day.
