Must-Visit Places in Kasumi! 5 Popular Tourist Spots

Kasumi, located in Hyogo Prefecture, is a nature-rich area surrounded by the sea and mountains. Originally called Kasumi Town, it merged with Muraoka Town and Mikata Town in 2005 to form Kami Town, and now it is known as the Kasumi District. Kasumi is a thriving fishing area, and it's famous for its crabs! During crab season, the Kasumi Morning Market Center is bustling with plenty of crabs on display. You can also enjoy delicious seasonal flavors at nearby inns and restaurants, so be sure to try them.
Kasumi has many tourist spots where you can experience nature, including the San'in Kaigan Geopark. Whether you're traveling solo or with others, you'll be able to enjoy a satisfying visit. Now, let's introduce the 5 must-visit popular tourist spots in Kasumi.

1. Daijoji Temple

Located in the San'in Kaigan National Park, Daijoji Temple was founded in 745 by Gyoki. It is home to many fusuma (sliding door) paintings by the painter Maruyama Okyo and his disciples, with around 165 of them designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Daijoji Temple, also called "Okyo Temple," can be considered a museum of Maruyama Okyo's works.
You can feel the history at this temple, and the camphor and ginkgo trees in the garden are also magnificent and worth seeing. When you visit Kasumi, be sure to stop by and take your time exploring this impressive temple.

2. Amarube Railroad Bridge "Sky Station"

The "Sky Station" of the Amarube Railroad Bridge (Amarube Tekkyo) offers a breathtaking view of the Sea of Japan from a height of about 40 meters above the ground. The bridge, which supported trains running on the San'in Main Line for around 100 years since the Meiji Era in 1912, has been preserved by keeping three of its original bridge pillars, now repurposed into an observation facility. From here, you can enjoy both the beauty of the Sea of Japan and the floating sensation from the 40-meter height. It's a great spot to stop by during a drive through Kasumi, where you can relax and feel the sea breeze. Trains pass right next to the facility, making it a must-visit for train enthusiasts!
Below the bridge, there is a grassy park where you can see the three bridge pillars. Right next door is "Michi-no-Eki Amarube," a roadside station with a corner displaying video footage about the history of the Amarube Railroad Bridge, which is fascinating. You can also enjoy meals or buy souvenirs related to Kasumi tourism at the roadside station.

3. Kasumi Yadagawa Onsen

The "Kasumi Yadagawa Onsen" is a beautiful building made from timber logs, offering the warmth of wood and a view of the nature-rich scenery surrounding it. You can relax in the hot springs, let go of your daily stress, and create wonderful memories.
The view from the open-air bath is spectacular, allowing you to experience the beauty of nature in every season. In spring, you can enjoy cherry blossoms, in summer the lush greenery of the mountains, in autumn the vibrant fall colors, and in winter, the snow-covered landscape. No matter the season or who you come with, this wonderful onsen will provide a satisfying experience. Daijoji Temple is only a 5-minute drive from Kasumi Yadagawa Onsen. Additionally, there are many other tourist spots nearby, including beaches and camping grounds, making it an excellent base for exploring Kasumi.

4.Kasumi Morning Market Center

The Kasumi Morning Market Center is a facility in the Kasumi District with 23 stores selling fresh seafood directly from the sea. Fresh seafood caught in the waters of Kasumi is available for purchase at reasonable prices. Dried and processed seafood products are also abundant and popular, but during crab season, it’s all about crabs! Fresh crabs are the most sought-after item.
With so many seafood options on display, children will be excited to discover all sorts of sea creatures. Just walking around and exploring the Kasumi Morning Market Center is fun, but it’s best to wake up early and go there first thing in the morning. You can also have your purchases shipped directly to your home, making it a great spot for souvenir shopping. Be sure to include this as one of the stops during your visit to Kasumi.

5. Kaeru Island

Kaeru Island is a giant rock that resembles a frog, and it has been a familiar sight in Kasumi for many years. Long ago, it was said that men who went out to sea prayed for their safe "return" to Kasumi, and now people come to pray for various kinds of "kaeru," which means "to return" or "to change" in Japanese, such as safety, success, or even financial returns. After writing your wish on an ema (wooden prayer plaque), you can hang it on the "Kaeru Ema Offering Pillar" located beyond the Imako-no-Ura Beach. These ema can be purchased at the Kasumi Tourism Association, inns, and souvenir shops.
The water around the island is crystal clear, and the waves are calm, making it a popular spot for swimming in the summer. There are also various creatures around the rocky shore, making it an ideal spot to explore with children.

◎ Summary

We’ve introduced 5 must-visit popular tourist spots in Kasumi. Enjoy the natural scenery of the San'in Kaigan Geopark with its many strange rock formations, learn about the history and engineering of the Amarube Railroad Bridge, and experience the charm of Maruyama Okyo’s artwork at Daijoji Temple. Indulge in the rich seafood offerings like Kasumi crab, nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch), and squid, and relax at Kasumi Yadagawa Onsen. The more you learn about Kasumi, the more exciting your trip will become. On your next holiday, make sure to fully enjoy nature, history, and gourmet food in Kasumi.