Takehara City is located in the center of Hiroshima and is home to unique spots where visitors can experience things not found in other tourist destinations, such as the “Takehara Preservation District” lined with historic buildings, and “Okunoshima Island,” where one can play closely with many rabbits. Additionally, it is surrounded by the calm Seto Inland Sea and mountains, boasting a climate that is comfortable throughout the year. Being less than an hour from Hiroshima Airport also attracts many foreigners.
Takehara, brimming with charm, served as a filming location for the Tomoyo Harada-starring movie “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time” and the setting for the anime “Tamayura.” Even over a decade after their release, the city continues to draw many fans. Furthermore, from a culinary perspective, there are restaurants serving dishes made with ingredients such as fish and vegetables blessed by the Seto Inland Sea, local beef known as “Taoshita Gyu,” and local sake, making it a lesser-known Hiroshima gourmet spot. Both adults and children are sure to want to visit again once they have been.
In December 2023, “Nursery School Study Abroad” began in Takehara, Hiroshima. This service allows families to stay in Takehara for about two weeks, with children attending a different nursery school from their usual one for a short-term study abroad experience.
This article introduces spots that can be enjoyed on foot, both by families utilizing the nursery school study abroad and by foreigners.
目次
- 1 What is “Nursery School Study Abroad” by KitchHike Inc.?
- 2 A Must-Visit for Foreign Visitors! The Indispensable “Takehara Preservation District”
- 3 Experience Bamboo Craftsmanship! “Takehara Machinami Bamboo Workshop”
- 4 Telework Spot! Mio Cafe in Front of Takehara Station
- 5 Enjoy the Anime “Tamayura” at Takehara Station Aiful Street Shopping District
- 6 A Weekend Getaway Spot! Okunoshima Island
- 7 Hiroshima Day Trips! Tourist Spots in Hiroshima Prefecture Accessible by Train from Takehara
- 8 Enjoy Takehara City with Your Family Using the Nursery School Study Abroad Program in Takehara City
What is “Nursery School Study Abroad” by KitchHike Inc.?
In Takehara City, Honchoji Gakuen, a school corporation, is currently collaborating with KitChiku Co., Ltd. to offer a “Nursery School Study Abroad” program. This program involves families staying in the area for one to three weeks, during which their children attend a local nursery school (using temporary childcare services).
This program, which allows participants to experience Takehara City’s great nature and historical buildings, has been well-received for providing a healthy environment. During their stay, families can lodge at the Setouchi Golf Resort, and parents can work remotely while raising their children. Takehara City is recommended for families looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, as it offers a relaxed atmosphere.
A Must-Visit for Foreign Visitors! The Indispensable “Takehara Preservation District”
A notable tourist spot in Takehara is the Takehara Historic Preservation District. This area is home to many historical buildings and is still inhabited by residents, allowing visitors to experience its tranquil atmosphere. It’s just about a 5-minute walk from the Central Children’s Garden to this district. Please come and feel the ambiance of Takehara.
A Viewpoint to See the Entire “Takehara Preservation District”! The Old Kasai House
Starting right next to the Chuo Kodomo-en (Central Children’s Garden), the journey begins at “Takehara Roadside Station,” and as you enter the alley, you come across the former Kasai residence. This is a historic building called the “Former Kasai Residence” within the Takehara townscape preservation district, where entry is free.
Takehara flourished in the salt-making industry, particularly during the Edo period. Salt produced in Takehara was distributed throughout Japan. The townscape, consisting of the homes of those involved in the salt-making industry and their transporters, has been preserved to this day. The Former Kasai Residence was built in the fifth year of the Meiji era by a business owner in the salt-making industry, who was then known as a “beach master.”
From the second floor of the Former Kasai Residence, you can have a panoramic view of the Takehara townscape preservation district. From here, you can capture the nostalgic beauty of the area. In early spring, Takehara’s major event, “Hina Meguri” (Doll Festival), takes place. During “Hina Meguri,” you can see Hina dolls ranging from the mid-Edo period to the Heisei period. If you are interested in seeing some rare Hina dolls that are not usually on display, be sure to check this out as well.
A Restaurant in a Historical Building, LE UN at NIPPONIA HOTEL Takehara Salt Town
Leaving the Former Kasai Residence, walk straight through the Takehara townscape preservation district. Turn left at the second alley (in front of Tsuru Sake Brewery) and continue straight; on your right-hand side, you will find “LE UN NIPPONIA HOTEL Takehara Shio Machi.” The restaurant of NIPPONIA HOTEL Takehara Shio Machi is located on the second floor of the restaurant building. In the restaurant, you can enjoy an atmospheric space within a historic building. Additionally, you can savor course meals made with local ingredients and those from around Takehara.
If you have any dietary requests due to allergies or religious restrictions, they can accommodate your needs as much as possible if you contact them at least one week in advance (※consultation required). For regular use, a reservation is needed by 15:00 the day before.
If you’re visiting with children, although there are no baby beds available, it’s possible to create a makeshift bed using four-legged chairs. Children’s plates and plastic cutlery are also provided, so dining with children is not a problem. Furthermore, if small children get bored, they can be entertained with origami. Early reservations are recommended, as the restaurant may be fully booked with staying guests!
Recommended Japanese Cafe for Foreigners! “Saryo Ichie”
Starting from the main street of the Takehara townscape preservation district, it takes about 30 seconds on foot to reach “Saryo Ichie.” “Saryo Ichie,” operated inside a building with over 100 years of history, is a sweet shop where you can enjoy the Japanese ambiance. They offer coffee, matcha, and Japanese sweets, making it a recommended spot for visitors from overseas to experience Japanese culture.
Moreover, Takehara is also known as a “town of sake,” and Saryo Ikka has a menu item called “Takehara’s Sake Tasting Set (Taketuru, Ryusei, Gen),” which allows you to sample sake from three renowned breweries in Takehara at once. This is a luxurious menu option. However, with a wide range of café menus available, it’s also nice to take a moment to relax after dropping off children at the Central Children’s Center.
A Spot to View Takehara City! Saihouji Temple & Fumeikaku
Leaving “Saryo Ichie” and turning right at the first alley, a long staircase appears. Climbing this staircase leads you to Saihouji Temple, and further up, to Fumeikaku. Saifukuji Temple and Fumeikaku became filming locations for the movie starring Tomoyo Harada, “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.” These sites are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Hiroshima Prefecture. The staircase at Saifukuji Temple has more than 80 steps, so climbing it is challenging, but you can experience a sense of achievement once you reach the top.
You must remove your shoes to enter Fumeikaku. From here, you can overlook the town of Takehara. Fumeikaku is a crucial architectural element at the heart of the Takehara townscape preservation district. It’s a popular spot among travelers from overseas!
Experience Bamboo Craftsmanship! “Takehara Machinami Bamboo Workshop”
How about a family craft-making experience?
At “Machinami Take Kobo,” located about a 2-minute walk from the main street of the Takehara townscape preservation district, after descending the staircase of Saihouji Temple and Fumeikaku, artisans will guide you through the experience of making bamboo crafts. You can learn in a friendly atmosphere, enjoying conversations along the way!
This time, I made a double windmill (2,500 yen)!
It was a delicate task that was difficult to grasp with just one explanation, but I felt reassured because the artisan would carefully correct it if the shape went awry. Other items you can make include a single windmill (1,800 yen) and a “Shikai Nami” basket (2,500 yen) (as of January 2024).
It takes about an hour and a half to make, so it’s recommended to have plenty of time for the lesson. Weekdays are especially recommended.
For foreigners who do not understand Japanese, you can be taught using a smartphone for translation (there might be artisans who do not know how to operate it, so in that case, it’s recommended to use your smartphone for communication). You can participate without a reservation on the day, but if you are in a group of more than four people, it’s recommended to book in advance.
Telework Spot! Mio Cafe in Front of Takehara Station
From the Takehara townscape preservation district, it takes about 15 minutes on foot, and from the nursery school exchange destination, Chuo Kodomo-en, it’s also about a 15-minute walk to Takehara Station. Right in front of the rotary at Takehara Station, there’s a cafe called “miocafe TAKEHARA.” Here, Wi-Fi is available, making telework possible. After dropping off at the kindergarten, it might be nice to order some coffee or gelato for a break. The waffles, recently added to the menu, are recommended when you’re craving something sweet.
Enjoy the Anime “Tamayura” at Takehara Station Aiful Street Shopping District
In the Aiful Street shopping district in front of Takehara Station, there’s an object called Momoneko Shrine, themed after the characters from the anime “Tamayura,” which is set in Takehara. Enjoying a commemorative photo shoot here is also a good idea!
Furthermore, inside the shopping district at “Suehirodo,” you can find sweets themed after the “Tamayura” anime character, Momoneko-sama. There are also many other spots where fans of the “Tamayura” anime can have fun.
A Weekend Getaway Spot! Okunoshima Island
Okunoshima is known as Rabbit Island! There are about 500 to 600 rabbits on the island. You can interact with the rabbits at very close distances. It’s recommended for weekend leisure with children.
The journey from Takehara Station to Tadanoumi Station takes about 12 minutes, but be aware that there’s only about one train per 1 to 2 hours. From Tadanoumi Station, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the Tadanoumi Port waiting area, where the ferry to Okunoshima departs.
Once you arrive at Tadanoumi Port, the first thing to do is buy your ferry tickets. If you have some time before boarding, take a look at the shop in the Tadanoumi Port waiting area. There are lots of rabbit-themed goods for sale. If you want to feed the rabbits on Okunoshima, this is a good place to buy plenty of rabbit food. You can also bring vegetables like carrots and cabbage. If you don’t give it all to the rabbits, please make sure to take it back with you.
If you return the empty feed bags to the shop at the Tadanoumi Port waiting area, you can receive a rabbit postcard, so don’t throw the bags away!
Photo Spot on Okunoshima Island! The “Second Pier” Shaped Like Rabbit Ears
Now, off to Okunoshima! While on the ferry, make sure to read the pamphlet with rules for enjoying Okunoshima carefully. Teach your children about how to interact with the rabbits properly.
Okunoshima is not only a place to play with rabbits but also a spot where you can take lots of wonderful photos!
For example, the Second Pier, where you arrive from Tadanoumi Port to Okunoshima, has become a photo spot because its shape, with two points sticking up, resembles rabbit ears. The blue of the sea and the pink of the bridge create a beautiful contrast.
Photo Spot on Okunoshima Island! Rabbit Ear Sound Collector
Next is the rabbit ear-shaped sound collector.
t’s about a 10-minute walk from the Second Pier.
When you put your head inside the sound collector, you can clearly hear the sounds of the wind, the waves, and the birds chirping. The shape of the rabbit ears is very cute. It’s a recommended spot for taking photos with the whole family. There’s a stand for placing your smartphone, so you can take a family photo without needing someone to be the photographer, which is nice.
Learn the History of Japan and Okunoshima Island! Okunoshima Poison Gas Museum
Okunoshima is very enjoyable just by walking around. Just by walking, many rabbits will come close to you.
Since you’re on Okunoshima, why not learn a little about the history of Okunoshima, in addition to interacting with the rabbits? There is a museum on the island where you can learn about the history of Okunoshima. Originally, Okunoshima was an island where poison gas was produced during wartime. The production of poison gas was a state secret, so Okunoshima was erased from maps in the past. At the “Okunoshima Poison Gas Museum,” you can learn about the heavy history. On Okunoshima, you can enjoy leisure activities while also providing an educational experience for yourself and your children.
A Spot to Eat and Rest! Kyukamura Okunoshima
At Kyukamura Okunoshima, you can use the restaurant and café. Since there are no other eating and drinking establishments on Okunoshima, please come to Kyukamura Okunoshima if you want to eat and drink on the island! You can have lunch at the restaurant. At the café, you can enjoy coffee and sweets. The restaurant is equipped with chairs for children, so it’s easy to use even if you have small children. The last ferry back from Okunoshima changes with the season, so make sure to check before you go.
Hiroshima Day Trips! Tourist Spots in Hiroshima Prefecture Accessible by Train from Takehara
So far, we have introduced Takehara, which is within walking distance from Chuo Children’s Garden and can be enjoyed using public transportation. Next, we will introduce day trip spots within Hiroshima Prefecture that can be reached by train from Takehara Station!
Learn About the History of Ships! Kure, a City Deeply Connected to Ships and the Sea
It takes about an hour and a half by train from Takehara Station to get to Kure. Kure is inseparable from ships, with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and ferry terminals present.
At the Yamato Museum, you can enjoy paintings, but also learn about the history of ships. It is recommended because it is close to the station. It is also a must-see for anime fans as it is the setting for the anime movie “In This Corner of the World”!
One of the Most Stylish Towns in Hiroshima Prefecture! “Onomichi”
It takes about an hour and a half by train from Takehara Station to get to Onomichi.
Onomichi is famous for its soy sauce-based “Onomichi Ramen.” Therefore, there are many ramen shops.
In addition, there are many fashionable stores in the shopping district, and there is a shop called U2, which is a renovated factory that includes a variety store and restaurant, recommended for those who are interested.
Above, we introduced places within Hiroshima Prefecture that can be visited on a day trip from Takehara Station without overexerting yourself.
Enjoy Takehara City with Your Family Using the Nursery School Study Abroad Program in Takehara City
In Takehara City, it may seem that your range of activities is limited without a car, but once you get to the center of Takehara City, supermarkets and convenience stores are within walking distance. There are also parks, so it is a place where you won’t have trouble spending a short period. Why not take advantage of the nursery school study program and spend some time leisurely in Takehara City? Also, I have written articles about sightseeing in Takehara City, so please refer to them as well.
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