Things To Do
in Takehara
Takehara is a historic town located in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. It is known for its well-preserved Edo period merchant district, featuring traditional wooden buildings and narrow alleyways. Visitors can explore sake breweries, artisans' workshops, and charming cafes around the town.
Takehara also hosts annual festivals such as the Saijo Inari Shrine Festival and the Bamboo Lantern Festival.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $40 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $8 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by strolling through the picturesque streets of Takehara, lined with traditional Edo-period buildings. Visit the Takehara Museum to learn about the city's rich history.
Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local café, sampling regional specialties. Afterward, explore the Takehara Bansho Garden, where you can relax amid beautiful landscapes.
Dine at a cozy restaurant featuring fresh seafood caught from nearby waters. Take a leisurely walk along the waterfront to enjoy the sunset views.
Visit the local art galleries to appreciate the works of local artisans. Attend a morning tea ceremony to experience the traditional Japanese hospitality.
Enjoy lunch at a traditional soba shop before visiting the historic Kannonji Temple. The temple grounds offer a serene atmosphere and beautiful gardens.
Treat yourself to a kaiseki dinner, savoring multiple courses that showcase seasonal ingredients. Wind down with a stroll through the lantern-lit streets.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with traditional Japanese architecture.
- Beautiful views of the Seto Inland Sea.
- Famous for its sake production with many local breweries.
- Quieter atmosphere compared to larger cities, suitable for relaxation.
- Easy access to nearby historic sites and natural attractions.
- Limited public transportation options.
- Fewer entertainment and dining choices compared to larger urban areas.
- May be less appealing for those seeking a bustling city experience.
- Limited English signage and support for tourists.
- Potential language barriers for non-Japanese speakers.
Best Activities in Takehara
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore traditional merchant houses and streets in this well-preserved district
Enjoy a scenic bike ride from Takehara to the beautiful islands of the Seto Inland Sea
Paddle through the calm waters and enjoy the coastal scenery
Tours
Uncover the best of Takehara with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Takehara
Visit one of these nice places.
Known as Rabbit Island, this small island is famous for its population of friendly rabbits and offers beautiful coastal views and photo opportunities.
A well-preserved area with traditional Edo-period architecture, providing picturesque streets and buildings for photo opportunities.
Located on a hill, this park offers stunning panoramic views of Takehara and the surrounding Seto Inland Sea.
Food in Takehara
Takehara Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A specialty of Takehara, Fukuyose Sushi features an assortment of fresh seafood, expertly prepared with locally sourced rice and served in decorative boxes. Try it at Sushisei, a well-regarded restaurant in town.
Must-Try!
A savory pancake filled with various ingredients such as cabbage, seafood, and meat, Okonomiyaki is a must-try dish in Takehara. Visit Okonomiyaki Hiro-chan for an authentic experience.
Anago Meshi, a delectable dish of grilled conger eel over rice, is a local favorite. Head to Irorian, a charming eatery, to savor this delightful delicacy.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Takehara better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Start your day at the Takehara Morning Market, a bustling hub of local produce, seafood, and street food. Indulge in freshly prepared snacks like Takoyaki (octopus balls) and Ikayaki (grilled squid) from the street vendors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Takehara, it's important to observe and respect traditional customs such as bowing when greeting others, taking off shoes before entering homes or certain establishments, and using honorific language when speaking to elders or superiors.
Japanese people value personal space and tend to stand or sit at a comfortable distance while interacting. It's important to be mindful of personal space and avoid intrusive gestures or behaviors.
In public places such as restaurants and public transport, it's essential to maintain polite and quiet behavior. Loud talking or disruptive behavior may be considered disrespectful.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Takehara with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Takehara
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Japan, including in Takehara. It is generally not expected or required to tip at restaurants, hotels, or other service establishments.
In Takehara, as in the rest of Japan, cash is the most commonly used form of payment. Credit and debit cards are also accepted at major establishments, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller shops or restaurants.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Takehara, Japan is during spring (March to May) to enjoy the cherry blossoms and mild weather.
Summer (June to August) brings hot and humid weather, but visitors can enjoy the Tanabata festival and traditional summer events.
Autumn (September to November) offers pleasant weather and the beautiful fall foliage, making it another great time to visit Takehara.
Winter (December to February) is cold, but visitors can experience unique winter festivities and enjoy local hot springs.
Takehara at Night
Hiking in Takehara
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful area known for its scenic trails and views of the Seto Inland Sea. Perfect for both casual walks and more intense hikes.
Offers a network of trails through lush forests and alongside rivers, ideal for hiking enthusiasts looking for a nature escape.
A popular hiking destination with various trails, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape and a chance to see local wildlife.
Famous for its ancient cedar trees and rich biodiversity, this trail offers a unique hiking experience for nature lovers.
Features well-maintained paths that are great for hiking while enjoying the beauty of gardens and historical sites.
Aiports
How to reach Takehara by plane.
Located approximately 45 kilometers from Takehara, Kansai International Airport is a major international airport serving the Kansai region of Japan, with flights to various destinations worldwide.
Situated about 30 kilometers from Takehara, Hiroshima Airport offers both domestic and limited international flights, serving as a gateway to the Hiroshima area.
Approximately 85 kilometers from Takehara, Okayama Airport primarily handles domestic flights, along with a few international routes, connecting to various cities in Asia.
About 150 kilometers from Takehara, Kagoshima Airport serves international and domestic flights, facilitating travel to and from southern Japan.
Located approximately 700 kilometers from Takehara, Narita International Airport is one of Japan's busiest airports and serves as a major international gateway to Tokyo and the surrounding areas.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population in Takehara, consisting mainly of ethnic Japanese, who engage in various occupations and cultural practices.
A significant demographic group in Takehara, reflecting the aging population trend in many rural areas of Japan.
This group includes university students and young professionals who contribute to the local economy and culture.
Includes school-aged children representing a crucial part of the community's future and education.
A smaller demographic group that includes expatriates and migrants, contributing to cultural diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is extremely popular in Takehara and throughout Japan, with many local teams and schools participating in organized leagues and tournaments.
Soccer has gained a strong following in Takehara, with both youth and adult leagues, and local communities actively supporting their teams.
Basketball is played at various levels, from local schools to community teams, and is a popular sport among the youth in Takehara.
Table tennis enjoys popularity in Takehara, with numerous clubs and facilities available for enthusiasts of all ages.
Various forms of martial arts, including judo and karate, have a strong presence in Takehara, with many local dojos offering training.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Takehara.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Japanese cuisine leans heavily towards seafood and meat, many restaurants in Takehara are accommodating to vegetarian and vegan diners. Look for establishments that offer vegetable-based sushi, tempura, and tofu dishes.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can enjoy dishes like sashimi, rice-based dishes, and grilled seafood without worry. Communicating dietary needs with the staff is advisable for a seamless dining experience.