While the area may not have all the amenities of a typical tourist spot, it is known for its warm hospitality and peaceful atmosphere you often find in old pilgrimage towns in Japan.
Takamado-no-sato can be accessed from JR Honjo Station or Kodama station on the Hachiko Line via private or reservation-based shared-ride buses. The entrance part to Kodaira area is particularly famous for its stunning display of 1,000 cherry blossom trees along the Oyama River.
Takamado-no-sato means “Home of Takamado house”, Takamado is an architectural design of traditional silkworm breeder house with small windows on roofs for regulating proper temperature and humidity.
The area includes an old farmhouse café, the Honjo Tourism and Agricultural Center and some parks to relax. At the tourism facility visitors can purchase local products, souvenirs and Gosyuin (a proof of visiting shrines and temples) from Haykutai Kannondo Hall. You need to pay 300 yen here for entering the Kannondo Hall just behind this facility.
This Kannon Hall was built as a memorial to the victims of the eruption of Mount Asama in 1783, who were swept down the river. The hall was rebuilt several times due to fire and war, and it was only after the Second World War that the devout faith of the local people brought it to its present form.
This hall enshrines one hundred Kannon statues and the soil from one hundred sacred sites across the country. So, just by walking through this hall, you pay homage to one hundred of most famous sacred sites in Japan. There are 33 sacred sites also in this area, which show the depth of religious devotion.
Nihon Shrine, 15-minute walk far from the tourism facility, is the only shrine that is named after this country’s name and is well-known for its unique blue daruma dolls. Blue is traditionally treated as the colour of victory. It is believed that the women's national football team wearing blue uniforms won the 2011 World Cup because the members had been given these blue darma dolls before the game. This result made the shrine more popular especially with athletes and students taking entrance exams. Blue daruma dolls and Gosyuin from this shrine can be bought at the shrine priest's house. Only some sizes of blue darma dolls are available at the Agriculture and Tourism Center, too.
Kodaira is also located near the Chichibu region, which offers opportunities for mountaineering. There are many hiking trails, walking paths and historical spots to explore in and around Kodaira. Additionally, visitors can enjoy seasonal delights such as cherry blossoms, hydrangeas, fireflies, and lotus.
Please note that the tourism facility, the Honjo Tourism and Agricultural Center, is closed every Thursday.
In the land of deep faith, people are very friendly and hospitable. Please enjoy interacting with the locals!
