Summer reminds us of various outdoor activities such as water sports, camping, and barbecues. In many parts of Japan, there are places where you can enjoy these activities, just a short distance away from the city center.

Today, I would like to introduce a trip that will allow you to enjoy the summer in the upper reaches of a mountain stream, explore histories, and enjoy the view of countless mountain peaks while being healed by hot springs.

 

The current city of Mimasaka was named Mimasaka City after the merger of various municipalities in 2005. The name “Mimasaka” also appears in the old name “Mimasaka-no-kuni (Province)”.

 

The birthplace of Musashi Miyamoto, who was outstanding in both literature and martial arts, is located in the Ohara district of Mimasaka City, and is also the first destination of today’s trip.

 

It is about two hours from Okayama Station and 40 minutes from Yunogo Onsen (hot-springs).

 

Near the birthplace of Musashi Miyamoto, there are many spots where you can feel the history of Musashi Miyamoto, such as his monument, Musashi Shrine and the Musashi Museum.

 

Please note that the museum may be closed at certain times of the year, so I recommend that you check the local information before your trip.

 

 

Signs of the place associated with Musashi Miyamoto

 

Musashi-no-Sato (hometown) Walking Map

 

Birthplace of Musashi Miyamoto

 

Statue of Musashi Miyamoto

 

Walkway

 

After the historical exploration, the next place where you can get away from your daily life.

 

About 30-minute drive from the birthplace of Musashi Miyamoto in the direction of Higashi Awakura takes you to the Hinakura Fish Farm.

 

There is a path that goes down on the right side of the path up the mountain. Please do not pass by it, and look for a sign like the one in photo 6.

 

Sign at the entrance to Hinakura Fish Farm

 

Information Board of Hinakura Fish Farm

 

Mountain stream fishing spot

 

They are open until mid-October.

 

Here, you can catch the fishes or fishing, they will help you to clean up the fishes and you can grill it on site.

The barbecue space and tools are provided, so you can come empty-handed and have fun. In that case, it would be safer to make a reservation by phone before you come.

 

At the end of the day, the plan is to remove the fatigue caused by historical exploration, fishing, catching fish, and picnics.

 

Ai-no-Mura (Love’s Village) Park is about a 15-minute drive up the mountain from Hinakura Fish Farm.

 

Overall View of Ai-no-Mura Park

 

Restaurant Menu of Ai-no-Mura Park

 

Out-Door Hot-Spring of Ai-no-Mura Park

 

Cottages of Ai-no-Mura Park

 

The view from the window is that of a lord who has the whole world to himself, without other houses in sight.

I think this is one of the best views you can enjoy while soaking in a hot spring.

There are also cottages and camping areas, so you can enjoy a variety of things depending on your purpose.

 

If you come to Higashi Awakura Village in the northern part of Okayama prefecture, why not try it for yourself?

 

Address and other information

 

1.Site of Musashi Miyamoto’s Birthplace

946 Miyamoto, Mimasaka City, Okayama Prefecture, 707-0415, Japan

Musashi Shrine

968 Miyamoto, Mimasaka City, Okayama Prefecture, 707-0415

Musashi Museum (currently closed)

94 Miyamoto, Mimasaka City, Okayama Prefecture, 707-0415

Phone: 0868-78-4600

 

2.Hinakura Fish Farm

1662-2, Goyama, Mimasaka City, Okayama Prefecture, 707-0401

Tel: 0868-78-3251

Website: https://hinakura.com/

 

3.Ai-no-mura Park

1872 Goyama, Mimasaka City, Okayama Prefecture 163-0000

Tel: 0868-78-0202

Home Page： http://www.ainomura.jp/

 

Writer: GINCHAN