Shobara City is dotted with nature scenic spots such as the state-run Bihoku Hills Park, Teishaku Gorge, and Lake Shinryu, where you can enjoy Hiking, boating, and cherry blossom viewing.
Specialty products such as Hiba beef, Shobara Rice, and Kuromoji tea are also abundant, so you can enjoy the Local Flavors.
In Spring, the Cherry Blossom Festival is Held in in Ueno Park, which is crowded with many tourists.
Shobara City is an area where Nature and life are in harmony, and everyone who comes can feel peace and healing.
In a spacious Nature environment, you Enjoy time to relax and feel the four seasons.
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Shobara City in Hiroshima Prefecture consists of seven towns. This time, we will introduce 4 of the 7 towns! ✨
【Shobara area】
・ Full of smiles for family gatherings! Shobara City
(Photos 1~4)
It is a town bustling with Gourmet food, long-established stores, Direct sales, and Events.
The only National Bihoku Hillside Park in the Chugoku region where you can enjoy colorful flowers throughout the four seasons, from tulips in Spring to winter blooming botan, is a park in the Shobara area that can be enjoyed by families of three generations under the theme of "hometown and play". In addition, the cherry blossoms in Ueno Park were selected as a "100 best cherry blossom viewing spots" by the Japan Sakura Association.
Use the Geibi Line or highway transit bus to arrive at Bingo Shobara Station. The scenery of the Four Seasons fascinates the Visitors.
【Soryo Town】
・ Konjac and yokan! A traditional town that conveys the charm of rural woodlands
(Photos 5~8)
The flower "Setsubun grass" that heralds the arrival of Spring. More than 40 natural habitats (more than 20 colonies) have been confirmed in Soryo Town, which is One of the best in Japan. In the area surrounded by Clear water and abundant nature, where snowmelt streams stream in spring, Gastronomical delicacies unique to this area are popular, such as the long-established taste "Taga Yokan" that has been around since the Meiji era, and the "Soryo Konjac" which is a hand-cooked konjac made with raw potatoes. There are many activities to refine the charm of rural woodlands and enliven the central Mountainous Area, such as associations that take advantage of depopulation and initiatives for rural woodlands capitalism.
【Kuchiwa Town】
・ Speaking of mouth, Mo Mo! A town where Wagyu beef culture flourished
(Photos 9~12)
Kuchiwa Town is located in the northern part of Hiroshima Prefecture, almost in the middle of the Chugoku Mountains. There are many Spot where you can feel the history, such as the famous peak "Mt. Hakkokumi" with a beautiful rice ball-shaped shape, and the mountain of faith "Mt. Bumine" that enshrines tengu, as well as many Clear streams such as rare fireflies, and in the summer, you will be soothed by the murmur of the river and fireflies. Specialties and specialties such as cheese and ice cream made from Hiba beef and raw milk served at the G7 Hiroshima Summit are also manufactured here! Also, from April ~ October, you can enjoy "Shobara rural woodlands Rafting" at Sweetfish no Sato Park, and after playing many, relax in the hot spring of Sweetfish no Sato Park Takase.
【Koya Town】
・A town on a Highlands where apples grow! Heavy snowfall area with a panoramic view of the snowy landscape
(Photos 13~16)
Koya Town is located in the northernmost part of Hiroshima Prefecture. It is an area with a high Elevation, clean Water and air, and a large temperature difference blessed with mountain Nature. Apples are a specialty, and you can see apple orchards all over the town. Use campsites that make use of abundant nature, Hiroshima Prefecture natural monuments such as cherry blossoms and giant ginkgo trees, and many scenic spots and historical sites.
Shobara City Tourist Information Site "Shobara Tourism Navi" HP is here ▽
https://www.shobara-info.com//
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Roadside Station Takano, a popular roadside station in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, will celebrate its 12th anniversary on April 12, 2025, and we have been able to enter our 13th year! ✨✨
To express our gratitude to everyone, we will Held in the "Roadside Station Takano 12th Anniversary Thanksgiving Festival".
【Events Name】Roadside Station Takano's 12th Anniversary Thanksgiving Festival
Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025 and Sunday, June 8, 2025 9:00~17:00
【Place】Roadside Station Takano
【Address】〒727-0423 Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Koya-cho, Shimomonda 49
【Contents】
Hibagon and the others are also haunted!
🎪 Sales booth by shipper
🤝 "Roadside Station Collaboration" "Roadside Station Gourmet Booth"
🚔 "A large gathering of working cars!" Boarding experience & shooting!
🪪Let's make a JAF child safety license!
🍎 Unveiling of "2-day only" Sweets and new products!
🏕 Onidani Auto Camp "Wood chopping & bonfire experience"
🩸 Meiji Yasuda Life "Health Check Corner" (6/7 only)
⚠️ Cafe Restaurant Sorara "Eat-in Space"
【Vacation restaurant will be closed for 2 days】
And! With our daily gratitude to all of you... 🤖🤡🤹♀️
◾️ For those who ◾️ purchase 2,500 yen or more at the Direct sales
You will receive a "Garapon lottery ticket" to win a wonderful ○〇!
* Distribution will end as soon as the Premiums are gone *
Fun for more information as we keep you updated!
Please come and visit us!
Production and staff are looking forward to seeing you 💁 ♀️
* Depending on the weather and conditions,
The contents are subject to change or cancellation.
Thank you for your understanding.
Click here for Events Information▽
https://www.shobara-info.com/event/5062...
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[Shobara Tourism Promotion Organization (Shobara DMO) Announcement]
Good morning 🌞 Today, Cool Japan Video granted this account an official badge ✨✨✨
And thank you, as always, to everyone who watches.
We will continue working hard to share the charms of Shobara, Hiroshima Prefecture in an easy-to-understand and enjoyable way so that more people will visit!
If you’re curious about outing information for Shobara, Hiroshima Prefecture,
please check the Shobara Tourism Information site "Shobara Tourism Navi"!
Shobara Tourism Promotion Organization (Shobara DMO) is an organization that values contributing to the community and personal growth!
▷ Development and sales of tourism products and local specialties that leverage regional resources.
▷ Promotion, PR, and sales activities to attract tourists and tours.
▷ Information services for inquiries about tourist information.
[Contact] Shobara Tourism Promotion Organization (General Incorporated Association)
TEL 0824-75-0173 FAX 0824-75-0172
Shobara DMO official site ▽
https://shobara-dmo.jp//
Shobara Tourism Navi information site ▽
https://www.shobara-info.com//
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We present seven recommended ways to spend time in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Take time to face the mountain colors, the scent of the trees, the murmur of rivers, and the voice of the wind, and cherish moments to look inward as you enjoy how to spend your time in Shobara.
1 Satoyama (Rural Mountain Landscapes)
Photo 1: Rice field scenery in Mikawachi
Shobara still preserves pastoral landscapes where traditional ways of life persist and many kominka, or old private houses, that retain a nostalgic charm. Seeing how people live here, you feel a surprising sense of nostalgia despite it being your first visit.
2 Healing
Photo 2: Kumano Shrine
Step into a mysterious shrine precinct deep in the forest, surrounded by countless cedar trees, and ancient cedars older than a thousand years will greet you. As you move forward in awed silence, the fatigue of everyday life seems to wash away little by little.
3 Oishii (Delicious Food)
Photo 3: Hiba Beef gourmet
Eating fresh, locally sourced ingredients in the place they were harvested is one of this town’s great pleasures. The tender meat of Shobara’s branded Hiba beef, passed down from the oldest local cattle line, paired with crisp vegetables, brings a smile the moment you take a bite.
4 Botanical (Nature and Plants)
Photo 4: National Bihoku Hillside Park
A blue sky and a sea of flowers feel like stepping into a storybook. The blooms’ colors enchant you and make you eager for the next season. Surrounded by sweet fragrances, let easy conversation flow.
5 Activity
Photo 5: Apple picking
Pluck a cluster of glossy red apples and take a big bite! The juicy sweetness fills your mouth. Enjoy the different colors and shapes of each variety, and you’ll feel like a child again—so much so you might pick more than you need.
6 Relaxation
Photo 6: Staying in a kominka
Gentle mountains and clear air set the scene. Sunlight streaming into your lodging slows your sense of time, and the warmth of the wooden house soothes both body and mind.
7 Adventure
Photo 7: Shobara Satoyama Rafting
Surrounded by vast nature, move forward while feeling the fresh air and the river’s flow. Gripping your paddle, you’ll find yourself swept up in the action. The thrill of descending the river together with everyone is unforgettable.
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On display in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture until Sunday, June 15, 2025!
“Shobara Satoyama Open Garden 2025 Spring”
Shobara Satoyama Open Garden is a regular spring and autumn event where visitors can tour gardens ranging from imaginative small plots to full-scale Japanese gardens, all showcasing seasonal blooms 🌼🌹
For the latest updates, check the Shobara Satoyama Open Garden Instagram! ✅
Account here ▽
🌼 @satoyamaopengarden 🌼
Event name: Shobara Satoyama Open Garden 2025 Spring
Location: Various gardens throughout Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Contact: Shobara Flower Conference Office
Shobara Tourism Promotion Organization (Shobara DMO)
TEL 0824-75-0173
FAX 0824-75-0172
Open garden notes
If an entrance sign at a garden reads “CLOSE,” please refrain from visiting that garden.
Do not enter private areas such as homes or restrooms.
Use restrooms inside the open garden information centers or public restrooms.
※Gardens marked as having restrooms allow use of those facilities.
If you come by car, please use designated parking areas. Refrain from parking in ways that disturb neighbors.
Bringing pets is generally not allowed.
※Gardens with a pet-friendly mark permit pets. Always keep pets on a leash and as short as possible.
The open gardens are available to view thanks to the generosity of the garden owners.
Please follow viewing etiquette and be sure to express your gratitude.
◎For the latest updates, visit Instagram!
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Today, May 30th, is "Kominka Day"!🏘
Shobara City in Hiroshima Prefecture is blessed with vast nature and retains many traditional wooden houses, ranking third in the nation for kominka preservation. To address vacant-house issues, several renovated inns that evoke the satoyama (rural mountain landscape) by showcasing the buildings' original materials have appeared.
setouchi kominka stays hiroshima introduces three houses—chojaya, furousen, and kozako forest—and this time we present a newly renovated inn focused on the outdoors with maximum openness.
Its name is kusamura.
This is a private-rental tent sauna and an entire kominka available for exclusive use, boasting perhaps the most striking presence in Japan. Housed in a 150-year-old renovated kominka with plenty of outdoor features, one highlight is the BBQ. About a 15-minute drive away, shokusai-kan shobara yume sakura sells Hiba Beef and fresh vegetables, so you can buy ingredients there and bring them for a lively group meal.
Second, enjoy a tent sauna that offers a strong sense of privacy for you and your friends. Cooling off outdoors on the engawa (veranda) feels great and provides a unique, deeply relaxing experience.
Third, you can have a bonfire. Gather around the flames and enjoy conversation. The sleeping area includes four single beds, one air mattress, and one hammock. The place is equipped with essentials such as a refrigerator, stove, and towels.
Happily, pets are allowed, so consider staying with your dog.
Please note that guests under junior high school age cannot stay overnight, so be careful when booking.
Address: 2765 Kawakitacho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Price: From JPY 16,200 per night
Reservations: Book via Airbnb or Booking.com
Hours: Check-in from 15:00 / Check-out by 11:00
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June is almost here! Don’t worry about the rainy season — here are weekend events in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture to brighten early summer.
1. Shobara Satoyama Open Garden 2025 Spring
Address: Entire area of Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Period: Until Sunday, June 15, 2025
Hours: 10:00–12:00 / 13:00–16:00
Contact: Shobara Flower Conference Office
Shobara Tourism Promotion Organization (Shobara DMO)
4-10 Mikkaichicho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture 727-0021
Inside Satoyama Station Shobara Furari-kan
TEL (0824) 75-0173 FAX (0824) 75-0172
From imaginative private gardens to authentic Japanese gardens, this event lets you visit gardens showcasing seasonal blooms.
2. Early Summer Flower Stories — National Bihoku Hillside Park
Address: 4-10 Mikkaichicho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Period: Saturday, May 31–Sunday, July 6, 2025
Hours: May–June 9:30–17:00, July 9:30–18:00 ※Last admission one hour before closing
Closed: Every Monday
Fees: Admission: Adults ¥450, Children (junior high and younger) free, Seniors (65+) ¥210
Parking: Regular/compact ¥350, Large vehicles ¥1,200, Motorcycles ¥200
Contact: National Bihoku Hillside Park TEL 0824-72-7000
This year, from mid-May you can enjoy early summer flowers such as roses, sasa-yuri (Japanese bamboo lilies), and hydrangeas, along with events themed around fireflies and Tanabata.
3. 2nd Spring Garden Marche
Address: 821-4 Takamachi, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Date & Time: Saturday, May 31, 2025, 10:00–14:00
Fee: Free admission ※Held rain or shine
Contact: Taka Community Promotion Center TEL 0824-72-0935
Food and retail stalls, workshops, and a kids’ corner will be available. A joint stamp rally will take place with Takamachi garden owners!
Visit gardens to collect stamps and win lovely prizes. Three Takamachi residences participating in the Shobara Satoyama Open Garden (Tomasu Seji residence, Yoshihide Mikami residence, Yoko Mikami residence) and the Taka Community Promotion Center will run a joint stamp rally. Visitors who tour all participating Takamachi gardens and collect stamps will be entered into a lottery for attractive prizes. Please join us — winners will be drawn later and contacted.
4. 2025 Mt. Azumayama Opening Ceremony
Address: Moriwaki, Hiwa Town, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Date & Time: Sunday, June 1, 2025, 10:00–12:00 ※Cancelled in case of rain
Contacts: Hiwa Community Promotion District TEL 0824-85-2600
Bihoku Chamber of Commerce Hiwa Branch TEL 0824-85-2330
Shobara City Hiwa Branch Regional Promotion Office TEL 0824-85-3003
This traditional ceremony prays for summer mountain-climbing safety. Yama-ayu (mountain trout) and drinks will be sold, the first 100 participants can try rice scooping for free, and the first 50 safety-prayer participants will receive a complimentary mountain-cooked meal.
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June is almost here! In Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, blessed with great nature, you can see fireflies.
At Hotaru-mi Park in Kuchiwa Town, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, many visitors gather every year. The fireflies fly from around 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with a peak 30-minute period from about 9:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
About 300 meters downstream from Hotaru-mi Park there is a spot where Genji fireflies appear. This year’s best viewing time is expected to be later than usual because cherry blossoms bloomed late.
Hotaru-mi Park has a campsite, and around July you can see Hime fireflies. Hime fireflies glow more quietly than Genji fireflies, and people who have gone camping at Hotaru-mi Park report the rare experience of seeing many fireflies gather in front of their tents.
Hotaru-mi Park has few lights, making it an excellent place for firefly watching.
At the “Firefly Viewing Gathering” held on Saturday, June 21, all lights in the management building and campsite will be turned off for one minute starting at 9:00 p.m., so you can enjoy only the fireflies’ glow. You just have to go…!
Food trucks and stalls are also planned for the day.
Please come visit Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture—see you by car!
● Basic information for Hotaru-mi Park
Address: 2-1 Otsuki, Kuchiwa-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Phone: 0824-87-2513
*The manager is on duty from 8:00 to 17:00*
*If no one answers, the manager will call you back*
Parking: Available, about 30 spaces
● Event information for the Firefly Viewing Gathering
Venue: Hotaru-mi Park, Moomoo Local Products Hall, Shingetsu Marche (former Mikami residence)
Address: 2-1 Otsuki, Kuchiwa-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Date and time: Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 6:00 p.m.
(Firefly viewing hours: 6:00 p.m. onward)
There are many other spots and events where you can see fireflies.
For details, please see the Shobara tourist information site, Shobara Tourist Navi.
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Today I’m presenting the second half of hot spring spots in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture!♨
Yesterday, May 26th, was "Gensen Kakenagashi Onsen Day"✨
The date comes from a wordplay on "Gokujou (5) na Furo (26)"😲
Be sure to check the previous post for hot spring facilities numbered 1–4✨
After enjoying rafting, cycling, and outdoor activities in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, head to a hot spring facility to wash off the sweat—let’s go!
5. Ouka no Sato La Foret Shobara (photos 1–3)
This accommodation sits in a great location about three minutes from Shobara IC. You can enjoy day-trip bathing and day meals. The baths, which switch between men and women daily, offer as many as 16 different tubs. There are various features such as waterfall showers, kata tataki-style baths, reclining baths, and esthetic baths. The large indoor bath and open-air bath are also popular. The sauna includes a dry sauna and a mist sauna; because they swap by day, sauna fans often come eager to try "today’s dry sauna" or "today’s mist sauna."
Address: 5281-1 Shinjomachi, Shobara City
Phone: 0824-73-1800
Day-trip bathing hours: 11:00–20:00 ※During Golden Week, Obon, and the New Year holidays: until 18:00
Day-trip bathing fees: Adults (12 and over) 700 yen, Children (6–11) 350 yen
6. Hiwa Onsen Facility Akebonosou (photos 4–6)
Reborn in 2018 as a "health promotion facility," Hiwa Onsen Facility Akebonosou adjoins the Hiwa elderly winter-care residence. Visitors from outside the town are of course welcome. Located about 30 minutes from Shobara IC, the building features abundant local wood. There are two bathing rooms that swap genders weekly. One is a rugged rock bath and the other is a refreshing hinoki (Japanese cypress) bath with a pleasant aroma. Both are a comfortable size where you can relax at leisure.
Address: 535-1 Hiwa, Hiwa-cho, Shobara City
Phone: 0824-85-2528
Day-trip bathing hours: 11:00–21:00 ※Reception until 20:30
Day-trip bathing fees: General 360 yen, Elementary school students 150 yen ※There is also an 11-use coupon book (General 3,650 yen, Elementary 1,500 yen)
7. Ayu no Sato Park Takase no Yu (photos 7–8)
Ayu no Sato Park, a lodging facility overlooking the Saijo River, attracts visitors with its open, scenic location. It has a main building, annex, and auto campsite, and you can also enjoy day-trip meals, so it can be used in many ways. Operated by the Shobara Tourism Promotion Organization, it also serves as the departure and arrival point for the "Shobara Satoyama Rafting" run, so after plenty of rafting you can refresh yourself in the hot spring.
Address: 1641-1 Nagata, Kuwacho, Shobara City
Phone: 0824-89-2244
Day-trip bathing hours: 10:30–19:00
Day-trip bathing fees: Adults 520 yen, Children 310 yen
8. Takano Onsen Kaminose no Yu (photos 9–11)
This compact facility charms with a homely atmosphere. The source water is simply heated, giving the water a slightly silky feel. It is said to be effective for neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, sensitivity to cold, and fatigue recovery. On weekday mornings and early afternoons the place can be quiet, and sometimes you can have a tub all to yourself. In addition to the indoor bath, there is a rock open-air bath that offers the ambiance of a Japanese-style garden. The bathing rooms provide body soap and rinse-in shampoo, and the shop sells towels and razors. The ease of dropping in empty-handed is another welcome point.
Address: 1144-3 Shinichi, Takano-cho, Shobara City
Phone: 0824-86-2251
Day-trip bathing hours: 10:00–21:00 ※Reception until 20:30
Day-trip bathing fees: Adults 360 yen, Elementary school students 150 yen
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Today, May 26th, is “Gensen Kakenagashi Onsen Day” — a day celebrating natural hot springs that flow directly from their source.♨✨
Introducing the hot springs of Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture (including facilities that are not gensen kakenagashi), in two parts: front and back.
1. Refresh House Tojo (Photos 1–4)
This facility features a heated pool, a training gym, and a cafeteria. The onsen is a silky alkaline simple spring said to help with neuralgia, muscle pain, and recovery from fatigue. The cafeteria serves dishes such as chicken nanban set meals, offal set meals, katsu curry, udon, soba, and ramen.
Address: 2538-1 Awata, Tojo-cho, Shobara City
Phone: 08477-2-1288
Day-use soaking hours: 10:00–21:00 ※ Pool and gym are open 13:00–20:00
Day-use fees: Adults 570 yen, Children 310 yen ※ Full facility use: Adults 990 yen, Children 520 yen
2. Hibagon-go Onsen Suzuran no Yu (Photos 5–7)
This onsen offers a bubble bath, jet bath, sauna, and cold bath, and happily provides gensen kakenagashi. The surrounding area is great for mountain walks and outdoor activities, so you can enjoy nature and then soak here. On Wednesdays, day-use fees are about half price.
Address: 152-10 Misaka, Saijo-cho, Shobara City
Phone: 0824-84-7070
Day-use soaking hours: 10:30–21:00 ※ In winter from 12:00
Day-use fees: Adults 620 yen, Children 310 yen ※ Wednesdays: Adults 360 yen, Children 150 yen
3. Takamo Onsen Unoko-so (Photos 8–9)
Founded in Taisho 15 (1926), this long-established ryokan is also popular as a summer retreat. It does not offer onsen-only day-use, but you can enjoy the hot spring together with a meal. The location, with the Saijo River flowing before the ryokan and majestic mountains beyond, is breathtaking. The baths are slightly larger than typical home tubs. Enjoy the retro atmosphere and relax at a leisurely pace.
Address: 369 Takamo-cho, Shobara City
Phone: 0824-74-0753
Day-use soaking hours: 10:00–15:00
Day-use fees: Meal and bathing set 4,000–6,000 yen ※ Reservation required
4. Shinohara Ryokan Takao no Yu (Photos 10–12)
This hidden gem has long been visited by locals to relieve fatigue from farm work or to aid in treating illnesses. The strongly alkaline spring is notable for its high cleansing effect, removing old skin keratin. Both the men’s and women’s baths are sized for about two to three people and are often reserved for private use, so why not unwind freely and relax?
Address: 52 Takao, Saijo-cho, Shobara City
Phone: 090-5265-7930
Day-use soaking hours: 9:00–17:00
Day-use fees: Adults 500 yen, Children 300 yen ※ Half-day ticket (1,000 yen) and full-day ticket (1,200 yen) include access to the rest area.
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