Fukuchiyama
This peaceful old castle town located in the Tamba area is renowned for wine and silk production, but its most famous attraction is the Fukuchiyama Castle, especially during the spring—cherry blossom season. Originally used as a fortress for the Yokoyama local ruling family, a Japanese samurai general named Akechi Mitsuhide took over control of the fortress in 1576. He re-named it Fukuchiyama Castle and added a four-storied castle tower and palace. Unfortunately, in 1872 during the Meiji Period, the castle was dismantled. In 1986, after three years of meticulous reconstruction, the castle re-opened.
Inside the castle near the keep is the City Folk Museum featuring articles left behind by historical castle lords. At the base of the castle is the Sato Taisei Memorial Art Museum, showcasing the works of Japanese painter Taisei Sato. The Tanba Daily Life Clothing Museum chronicles the history of Fukuchiyama and the Tanba district.
Take a stroll through Yurano Garden, a large green space in front of the castle, lined with shops and cafés. Visit Goryo Shrine where the spirit of general Akechi Mitsuhide is enshrined.
Need a bite to eat? Located on the south side of Otemon Gate is the main store of Adachi Otoeman, selling high-end baked goods incorporating selected local ingredients, like chestnuts and wasanbon sugar in their Japanese Chestnut Cake and Onemon’s Pound Cake. Note that the castle and museums are all closed on Tuesdays.
How to get there:
Express and local trains operate to Fukichiyama Station from Kyoto Station on the San’in Main line via Nijo Station. Journey time is around 75 to 80 minutes to Fukuchiyama from Kyoto. There are also connections to Osaka on the Fukuchiyama Line via Amagasaki, Takarazuka, and Sanda. There are connecting trains from Fukuchiyama to Aminohashidate on the Japan Sea coast. By car, drive west from Kyoto via Kameoka on Route 9.